Page 73 of Cheap Shot

“Yes,” Catherine agreed. “Those are two of them. Would you like to meet Evie and Maura sometime?”

“Can I, Uncle Sebby?”

“We’ll have to check with your mom, but probably.”

“You might also like going to some of the arts and crafts events we host at the children’s hospital,” Catherine said. “We have one coming up.”

“Oh, you work there?” Sebastian asked.

“Volunteer,” she corrected. “It’s part of the work the Harriers Foundation does. Some of the players stop by sometimes too but much of it is done by current and former WAGs—uhh, SAPs.”

“Saps?” Sebastian asked.

“Spouses and Partners. It’s a more inclusive term than WAGs. I believe it started in Toronto with Charlie Monaghan but most teams seem to be using it now to refer to anyone seriously dating or married to a player.”

“Ahh.”

“Can I go to that too, Uncle Sebby? I love arts and crafts, Miss Catherine. Oh! I go get my drawing and show you.”

She slid off Sebastian’s lap and went to fetch it before either of them could respond.

“She seems like a wonderful kid,” Catherine said.

“She is. A little lonely, I think,” Sebastian admitted. “She’s been dealing with the condition since birth, so she spends a lot of time at doctor’s appointments, and she isn’t in kindergarten yet. Brie is hoping she’ll be able to start in the fall though.”

“Well,” Catherine said with a smile. “It seems to me that the arts and crafts events and meeting some of my grandchildren would beperfectfor her then.”

Sebastian hesitated. “I just worry that I’m being unprofessional?—”

Catherine scoffed. “Oh, screw professional. I think there’s far too little community building these days. It’s a wonderful thing to run a successful business but I respect someone like you who is doing that while being honest about their capacity to take on additional work because they’re prioritizing their family.”

“I appreciate that.”

“Now, it seems to me that you and your family could use a little bit of community. Are you going to allow the Harriers to help you with that?”

There was a kind but firm note in her tone that made him feel like he was being scolded by his own mom.

“I’ll talk to Brie about it,” he offered. “Ultimately it’s her decision but I’ll see if I can get her on board to at least take Harper to the arts and crafts event.”

“Sounds perfect.” She smiled. “Now, what if I had a suggestion about someone you could hire?”

“It depends,” he said slowly. “What were you thinking?”

“My niece is studying at the Massachusetts School of Art and Design. She’s been looking for a part-time position. She doesn’t know flower arranging specifically, that I am aware of anyway, but she has retail experience, agreatartistic eye, and has afternoons free. I won’t be offended if you’re looking for someone who has previous experience with flower arranging, but if you are interested in some part-time help to give you some wiggle room in case of emergencies with your niece …”

“That would be great,” Sebastian said with a sigh of relief. “Have her email me, please.”

“I will.” Catherine made a note on her phone. “And let me give you my card. If you’re interested in anything else I’ve offered, you’ll know how to reach me.”

By the time Catherine O’Shea left with hugs for Harper and a big bouquet of flowers she’d purchased, Sebastian felt slightly dizzy.

What thehellhad just happened?

Sebastian belatedly thought of Crawford and how much he wanted to keep a distance between his work and personal life and groaned under his breath.

He was gonna bepissed.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN