Page 11 of The Flight Risk

“Tess. I think you like her more than you let on. Trust me. I’ve been there.”

“Well, I’m not you.” It comes out harsher than I wanted it to. “Sorry, man. Can we please change the subject?”

As soon as I make that request, Scott Van Pelt starts talking about the fact that my contract is up with the Storm after this season and is speculating what the “best goalie in the NHL” is going to do. Great.

“So what are you going to do, man? Please tell me you’re going to stay with us.”

“I’m leaning that way, but there are other factors I need to consider. I have to be smart and look at everything from a business perspective.”

“I understand that. But do you want my advice as your captain and friend?”

I nod.

“Remember that it’s also okay to look at things from an emotional perspective as well. I honestly don’t think I would have been as successful as I have been if it wasn’t for the friendships and connections I’ve made while playing here. Take it from someone who misses his family terribly and wishes my mom and dad and sisters lived closer. Actually, come to think of it, my sister Andi, texted me the other day and said there may be a job opportunity for her here in Dallas. I think she wants to move somewhere where she knows at least one person. All that to say, I found my family here in Dallas and I leaned into what this team had to offer, rather than what it lacked. That sense of brotherhood is very important and I hope you consider us your brothers. Because we see you as our brother. You protect the goal and we protect you. That’s how it works. But I hope you know that we will protect you in life as well.” He grabs the top of my shoulder. “You’re our family, Oakley. That being said, we will support you in whatever decision makes sense for you. But you are valued more than the numbers on that contract.”

“Thanks, captain.” I mimic his gesture and pat his shoulder. “I sure have a lot to think about.”

The contract being one thing. Tess being another.

8

I’m placing my laptop in my large tote bag when my phone vibrates. Why the hell is my landlord calling me? Did my rent money fail to go through or something?

“Hello?” I answer, my voice laced with panic.

“Hello, is this Tess Lewis? Apartment 323?”

“Yes…” I say tentatively.

“This is Eloise from the leasing office.”

“Yes, Eloise. Hi. Is everything okay?” I close my classroom door and lock it. I give a quick wave to the janitorial staff, who are on their way to clean the immensely disgusting classrooms full of whatever viruses are going around.

“Actually, no.” My heart starts racing. “There’s been a massive leak in the unit above yours and well, there is significant water damage in your unit. Everything is fine with your dog. We actually brought her to the leasing office so she wouldn’t have to deal with all the water.”

My mind immediately starts spinning. Thank God Pippa is all right and Lottie was at school when this happened. Fuck, Lottie! What the hell am I going to do? We need a place to live where they accept dogs. Somewhere that isn’t going to drain my life savings, but not a sketchy motel with questionable sheets and possible bed bugs. Why did this have to happen right now when Lottie is living with me? Right when we got a routine established and she had some sort of stable ground.

“Thank you so much,” I mumble into the phone. “I’ll be there right away.” I speed walk to my car because there is no way in hell that I’m running. My feet are already hurting from chasing after little gremlins all day.

I arrive at my apartment about thirty minutes later because stupid Dallas traffic. I unlock my door and am greeted with droplets still coming down from my ceiling through the recessed lighting. The floor is covered by a thin layer of water and I know my TV is shot. Fuck.

Luckily, my bedroom didn’t get hit that hard, so none of Lottie’s belongings got too damaged. I called her right after I hung up the phone with the leasing office to let her know what was happening. She said she could get a ride after band practice from her friend, Sophie. I take three long deep breaths and race downstairs to get my sweet, probably traumatized, little pup. I open the double doors of the leasing office and take a hard left to the main office. I see Eloise there in her standard navy polo, holding Pippa. My girl’s tail is wagging, easing my panic.

Once I say her name, Pippa shimmies out of Eloise’s arms and runs over to me. I pick her up and snuggle her. Eloise meets me halfway. “Tess. I am so sorry this happened.”

“What exactly happened?”

“There was a major pipe burst. Although they can get the pipe fixed quickly, the damage that has been done is extensive. It may be three to four weeks until you can move back in.” Almost a month? Lottie literally just moved in and she should not have to worry about stuff like this. Hell, I’m an adult and I don’t want to worry about stuff like this.

“Okay” is all I can muster for a response.

“Do you have anyone you can stay with? The drywall, floors and ceilings all need to be replaced. We are not going to charge you any rent until you can safely move back in.”

“I’ll figure it out. Thanks for taking care of Pippa. I’m sure she was freaking out being by herself. I really appreciate it. I’ll gather my things and get out of y’all’s hair so the repairs can start as soon as possible.” I force a smile at the sympathetic face staring back at me. Lottie should be here soon to gather whatever belongings she can fit into a suitcase for the time being.

Just as I’m crossing the street back to my building, a car pulls into a parking space along the sidewalk. I don’t recognize the vehicle, but I do recognize the person coming out of the back seat. Lottie. Shit, how am I going to navigate this? I feel like the floor has turned into quicksand and I am sinking. I need to keep a brave face for Lottie. She is counting on me to keep my shit together in the midst of a crisis. I force myself to smile even though a dumpster fire is burning me internally.

“Thanks for the ride, Sophie. See you at school tomorrow.”