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* * *
“HEY BIG BROTHER, I’M PLAYING IN CHICAGO THIS SUNDAY. GAME’S AT NOON. I HAVE TWO TICKETS 50-YARD LINE IF YOU AND VEE CAN MAKE THE TRIP.”
* * *
It had been too long since I’d watched Zane play live. The thought of Vee and me sitting in the stands at Soldier Field brought a smile to my face.
Could we pull off the anonymity of sitting in the crowd?
I checked my phone for Chicago’s Sunday weather report.
It would be sunny and fifty-two degrees at the start of the game.
I texted back.
* * *
“YOU MIGHT ACTUALLY BEAT THE BEARS. Laughing emoji.”
* * *
The Vikings had a 3–3 record. There was always a chance. I sent another text message.
* * *
“I’LL CHECK VEE’S SCHEDULE AND GET BACK TO YOU.”
Chapter 11
Vee
* * *
A calm of sorts hung in the air of Dad’s office as Aunt Rachel and I sat at the large conference table eating lunch and discussing her new role. Maybe we were in the eye of the hurricane. The turbulent winds blowing in all directions were there, just not here. As she spoke, my uncertainties regarding the particulars of the CEO position were reaffirmed. There were many aspects of her position I’d never considered.
Aunt Rachel had a Zoom meeting scheduled with the other NFL owners later this afternoon. She emphasized how important it was to talk to them and reassure them that the Coopers franchise was strong.
“I’ve met most of them in person,” she said. “It won’t be difficult or uncomfortable to speak to them in an open forum.” She pierced a piece of grilled chicken from her Caesar salad. “The most difficult part will be hearing their condolences.” She looked up, lifting her green eyes. “Some of Reid’s closer friends were disappointed that they didn’t receive an invitation to his funeral.”
Closing my eyes, I sighed. “Blame me. Blame Daphne.”
“I’m not going to blame you. One day you’ll be in this position. I’ll explain that we were all in shock, and we regret not opening the funeral to others who cared for Reid.”
Pressing my lips together, I nodded. “I honestly didn’t think about the other owners or NFL management.”
“It’s all right, Vee. I’ll patch it over.”
She’ll patch over an omission I created—a problem with the NFL royalty.
“And the commissioner?” I asked.
“We’re speaking Monday afternoon. You’re welcome to join the conversation.”
Leaning back against the leather chair, I sighed. “Situations like this are where I’m torn. For the Coopers’ integrity, I believe you should stand strong and independent as CEO. As the future CEO and current owner, I want to be involved to learn from you. And then there’s my job as vice president of stadium operations and marketing. Without Dad’s help, my to-do list is multiplying by the minute. Thankfully, I have complete faith in my directors and staff.”
“Do you think you should hire your replacement from the outside, or do you have someone on your staff in mind?”
“Honestly, I’ve been thinking about Jen, my assistant. When you mentioned Millie’s ability to do your job, it made me think. Jen has worked for me for the last six years. She’s grown along with me in this position and learned a lot.”
