Power Play - Brittney Mulliner Page 0,46

I just didn’t have time and never met a guy I was interested in.”

Carrie met her husband in college, but that didn’t mean everyone else did. Her life was her dream come true, but not mine.

“I’m worried about you. If something happens, it’s not like I can drive an hour to come see you.”

“I don’t need you to come pick up the pieces. Nothing bad is going to happen.” This call was originally supposed to be about my new job. I shouldn’t have even mentioned seeing Jason.

“Be careful,” she pleaded.

“I will. I promise.”

“Are you still liking living in the pool house?”

I looked around my room and nodded. “Yeah, but now that I have a job I should start looking for my own place.”

“That’s exciting. It will be your first place by yourself! Are you ready for that?”

I blew out a breath, and she started laughing.

“It’s kind of scary. I’ve never been on my own. Maybe I should see if there’s anyone looking for a roommate first.”

Her eyes widened. “No, don’t backtrack. You have a great job now, and it’s time to live like an adult.”

“Plenty of adults have roommates,” I countered. The Fury’s job offer had been better than anything I would have found in an accounting position. I actually asked Chloe twice if the salary was correct. Never in a million years did I think I would have a well-paying job making art.

Well, the first project I’d been working on was designing a mural that would be painted on the main level of the arena. It paid homage to the great players, past and present of the team. We also discussed creating cartoon versions of each of the guys like she saw in my notebook. She wanted to start by using them on the team’s site and blog but thought we could even make merchandise out of those designs. Then there was redesigning the team’s jerseys which included a complete overhaul of all the marketing content.

There was plenty of work for me, so I felt comfortable in my new position. Another thing I never expected with a career in art.

“Just see what’s out there. I don’t want you to settle because it’s in your comfort zone.”

She knew me too well.

“Fine. I’ll look.”

“Good, send me the listings too. I want to be involved even if I am a million miles away.”

I rolled my eyes. “It’s only a three or four hour flight. You could always come out and see me.”

“I know.” She sighed. “I love you.”

“Love you.” I hung up and went to the living room where my laptop was waiting. I opened it and started looking for available apartments even though I didn’t have even the slightest idea of what to look for. I wasn’t even sure where I wanted to live. Close to the arena? That might be easier, but what if there was a part of the city that had better restaurants within walking distance? That would be nice too.

Chloe and Sydney probably had a better idea, so I picked up my computer and headed toward the main house. The back doors leading into the dining room and kitchen were open, letting the warm summer breeze in. Sydney and Brandon were leaning against the island when I stepped inside.

“Do you guys have a second?”

Brandon nodded as he popped a grape into his mouth. “What's up?”

“I’m looking at apartments, but I don’t know what area I should be focusing on. Do you have any recommendations?”

They shared a look. “You’re moving out?” Sydney asked with a frown.

I hadn’t expected both of them to look so disappointed. I thought they would be glad to have me out of their pool house.

“Well, yeah. Now that I have a job …”

“You don’t have to,” Brandon started. “I mean, there’s no rush.”

“I appreciate that. Really, I do. You guys have been so amazing, but I think it’s time I become a full-on adult and find my own place.” I tilted my head.

“I understand,” Sydney said. “You hate us and want to leave.”

She gave me sad puppy dog eyes, and I chuckled. “You’re so dramatic.”

“She definitely is,” Brandon agreed. “I can tell you where some of the guys on the team live. Their buildings might have openings.”

I cringed. “I’m not sure I can afford to live where professional athletes do.”

He slowly nodded. “Right, didn’t think of that.”

Sydney laughed. “Forgive him, he’s been rich for far too long to remember how us simple folk live.”

I raised a brow at her. As if she was one