Talk Hockey to Me (Bears Hockey #3) - Kelly Jamieson Page 0,26

set for next season. There are a couple of contracts I’ll be working on over the summer, but I don’t anticipate things changing much.”

“I figured that. Just thought I’d ask!”

“But you know, this could be the perfect time for him to enter the marketplace,” he says encouragingly. “After the year he’s had, there are definitely going to be teams interested. In fact…” He pauses. “Give Brad Julian a call.”

The manager of the New York Bears. “He’s on my list.”

“Tell him I said hi.”

I smile. Dad and Brad Julian are friends going all the way back to their playing careers, although they’re rivals now. “I will. Thanks, Dad.”

“Good luck, Katy.”

After I end the call, I have to stand and walk around. I pretty much expected that business outcome, but sweet baby Jesus on toast, I didn’t expect to hear my dad has a girlfriend!

And it sounds like she’s looking after him. Which has always been my role, since Mom died. But it’s good. All good. Definitely good. I do need to meet her though. Dad’s not a hockey player anymore, but for some reason I’m concerned this Jenelle is after him because of who he is.

Okay. I need to focus on work.

No, first I need to call my little brother and give him hell.

He doesn’t answer, per usual, so I shoot him a text message. CALL DAD YOU LITTLE SHIT HE HAS NEWS.

By the next week, I’ve left messages, sent emails, and made follow up calls. I’ve felt out Bob Goodaker, the GM of Hunter’s current team, and he’s very complimentary toward Hunter but noncommittal. I’ve pitched my new client to several other GMs and like Dad said, there’s interest. There’s lots of time and I know sometimes all the pieces have to fall into place before a deal can be done.

I’ve also scored a meeting with Brad Julian, since he’s here in New York. Face to face is always better.

In Mr. Julian’s office, located adjacent to the Apex Center where the Bears play, he greets me with a big smile and a firm handshake. “Great to see you, Kate.”

“Thanks.”

“Have a seat.” He gestures at a table in the corner of the room. I sit facing the window that overlooks Sixth Avenue, with a glimpse of the Empire State Building between other edifices. That view still gives me a thrill, as a relatively recent transplant to the city.

“How’s your dad?” Brad takes a seat across from me and relaxes into it.

“He’s great.” I want to blurt out, He has a girlfriend!!! But I keep that to myself.

“So you’ve been here in New York how long? A year?”

“A little over a year, yes.”

After some small talk, Brad turns the meeting to business. I make my pitch and we have a good discussion. “He’s not a flashy guy,” I say. “But he’s very useful in the facets of the game that aren’t flashy. He kills penalties and blocks shots. Some guys aren’t as good at that as others, but Hunter’s good at it. Really good. He wins puck battles. He goes to the net. He knows his assignments and he does what it takes to get those things done.”

“He’s definitely what we used to call gritty.”

Brad’s got a great poker face, but I’m good at reading people and I sense genuine interest. We throw around a few numbers and of course he’s low balling me. He talks about some of the pieces he needs to move into place, which I totally get.

“Let’s keep in touch,” Brad says as we finish up.

I pick up my purse and stroll to the door. “I will. I’ve had considerable interest from other teams.”

“Oh, Kate. You have to say that.”

I laugh. “I do. But in this case, it’s true.”

I feel good about that discussion, reflecting on it as I stroll along Sixth Avenue. I consider taking the subway home, but it’s a nice afternoon so I keep walking, window shopping. Impulsively, I pop into Zara to check out spring clothes. I quickly fall in love with a short, flowy dress in my favorite shades of blue. I rarely wear dresses, but this one is so pretty. I can afford a new dress…

I try it on and love it even more. Okay, sold.

I also end up with a pair of strappy sandals. They have a nice heel, not too high, but pretty.

I swing my bag as I continue strolling downtown, making another stop at a market to pick up a few things I need—cheese, coffee, a big salad for