She laughs out. “I was not going to do that. Hey, how about you come back home with us tonight, spend the day with us?”
“Yeah, I’d like that. Actually, I was hoping to call you later this week, but now that I have you on the phone I’m working with your father on a special project and I’d love the help of the captain’s wife.”
“Oh, dear,” she says, breathing out. “I guess I have no choice, right? Fucking guy for being so good.”
“Oh, yeah, baby.” I hear Matthew in the background. “You telling Vivienne about the special treat I gave you last night?”
“Ewwww,” I say at the same time that Karrie says, “It’s your sister.”
“I’m going to be sick.” I grab my stomach.
“Okay, so sign me up to whatever. What is it for anyway?”
“Kids pediatric oncology.”
“Oh my God,” she gasps. “We will donate whatever you want. Do whatever you need.”
I smile. “Perfect, we will talk about it tonight.” Going into my closet, I look at what to wear.
Once I pick out my outfit, I go about getting ready. I don’t know why I spend so much time getting ready today. I do my hair almost perfect, and my makeup is on point. I slide my legs into my gray slacks that reach just above my ankle. I grab the cream long-sleeved chiffon top with the ruffle down the front. Tucking it in, I grab a gold belt to finish the look. I grab my gray heels and put some gold bracelets on. The Uber arrives at exactly four and it’s past four-thirty when I walk in. I go straight to my office with my overnight bag. Dumping everything in the chair that still has my leather jacket, I contemplate throwing it out.
I shake my head and sit down, opening up all my programs to get the schedule for tonight, when there is a knock on the door. My heart skips a beat, but it’s for nothing because it’s just Matthew.
“You’re coming home with me tonight?” he asks. “You think you can drive back with Karrie for me?”
I lean back in my chair. “Sure, but I need a favor.”
“Oh, fuck, last time you did that I was posing for pictures with a chicken.” He points at me. “What do you want?”
“I need you to get me Ed Sheeran tickets,” I ask, putting my hands together.
“How the fuck am I supposed to do that?”
“Come on, Matthew, you need to get me tickets.”
“I don’t have any tickets. You have just as much pull as I do. Why don’t you just call the PR that is taking care of the tour?”
“I can’t call Ed Sheeran and say, hey, can I have tickets.” I throw my hands up.
“Sure you can. Call Mindy and ask her.”
“I did that already, but she doesn’t really like me,” I say, lying out of my ass.
“So buy them from a scalper.”
I gasp. “That’s illegal.”
“Well, then I guess you’re shit out of luck, considering I don’t know Ed Sheeran nor do I have tickets.”
“Fine.” I roll my eyes. “Get out of here then.”
I get up, follow him outside, and walk into Doug, who leans down and kisses my cheek.
“There she is, the one I need to see,” he says, looking at me.
I smile at him. “Just the man I need to see,” I say as Matthew walks away.
“I take it you got my email,” I ask him as we walk back to my office and he takes a seat in the chair.
“I did. I have to say I don’t think we’ve ever done something like this.”
“I know. But why not? I know that the Christmas party is usually a family affair, but what if we invited the season ticket holders and some of the big stars who attend the games? Imagine the money that would bring in and the kids it could help.”
“I agree and I’m sure the guys will want to help in all that.”
“I want each player to adopt a family,” I say and Doug looks at me. “We will cap it, of course, unless the player wants to give more.”
“I love the idea. When is the visit scheduled for?”
“Beginning of December,” I say to him, thinking about yesterday when I told Denise what I was planning on doing. She was overwhelmed.
“Perfect, count me in,” he says, getting up. “Is everything set for tonight?” He asks about the party he has set up for afterward.
“Yes, and everyone has said they will be there,” I say, thinking of Max and his answer of three people.
“You’re good.” He walks away, winking. The rest of the night goes by fast. I’m on the phone with the restaurant and finalizing all the little hiccups that come at the last minute.
I bring my bag down to the car, put it in Karrie’s car, and walk in as soon as Max walks off the ice with blood pouring down his face. “Oh my God.” I shriek and my hand goes to my mouth.