Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 124005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124005 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 620(@200wpm)___ 496(@250wpm)___ 413(@300wpm)
He looks like he wants to say something else, but I get out of the vehicle before he can make me dislike him any less.
CHAPTER 15
HEMI
Iscroll through the email chain as I take the elevator to my office, my irritation level climbing by the second.
Subject: Arena Availability
Hi Topher,
Checking in on rink availability for the boys’ team. We discussed dates, but you mentioned there might be some conflicts. Should I contact PR on this?
Best,
Bob Royer
Subject: Arena Availability
Hi Bob,
I’ll check in with Wilhelmina and get back to you.
Best,
Topher Guy
Subject: Arena Availability Circling Back
Hi Topher,
Checking on an update.
Best,
Bob Royer
Subject: Arena Availability Circling Back
Hi Bob,
I’m pulling Wilhelmina into the conversation.
Best,
Topher Guy
Subject: Arena Availability Circling Back
Hi Bob,
Please see the calendar for rink availability. I’m linking it directly for your convenience.
Based on the previous thread, it looks like there’s a conflict with your requested times and the women’s team. Are your practice times flexible? Otherwise, we can schedule you on rink B or C if times and dates are firm. Just let me know and Topher or I can provide you with an access code to book your own times.
Best,
Hemi
Subject: Arena Availability Circling Back
Wilhelmina,
Re-adding you back into the thread.
Topher
None of this surprises me, but it does frustrate me.
Topher responded to Bob only that we could see about overriding the calendar and switching the women’s ice time to a different rink so the boys’ team could get in time on the main rink. That email was sent two days ago, and since then they’ve had a back and forth of six emails that didn’t include me, with Topher insisting they could change the rink and Bob saying it wasn’t a problem.
I take a deep, calming breath as I step out of the elevator. Instead of going to my office, I head for Topher’s. I try to avoid face-to-face interactions with him, mostly because it’s hard not to want to punch him in his asshole face. But this can’t be helped. I knock on his office doorframe, and his eyes lift along with one finger. He continues to do whatever he was doing for an irrationally long time while I stand there. Waiting.
Finally, he gives me his attention. “I know what you’re going to say.”
“Please. Enlighten me with your mind-reading capabilities, Topher.” I cross my arms and rest my shoulder against the doorjamb.
He leans back in his chair, sighs, and waves a hand in my direction. “This right here is your problem, Hemi. You’re always…” He makes a face. “Aggressive.”
“If I had a Y chromosome to go with my X, the appropriate descriptor would be direct. The women’s team has been booked on that rink, on that day, for weeks. It’s an experience the boys’ team gets frequently and one that’s new for the women’s team. I understand that it’s a change and sometimes that takes time to get used to, but dropping me from an email thread and undermining me and the women’s team does not help create an equitable and inclusive environment, which is what the Terror strives for. I know you’ve been here a lot longer than me, and that I’m still green in your eyes, but I would appreciate it if you wouldn’t undo all the strides we’re making because you’re used to doing things a different way.”
“I’ve already switched the women’s team to the other rink,” Topher says.
“Are you planning to let Denise know about the change, or are you leaving that up to me?”
He folds his hands and smiles. “Up to you, Wilhelmina. Whatever you think is best.”
“CC me on the email, please.” He needs to clean up his own mess. I leave before I do or say something that will end up making this situation worse.
Dealing with Topher has become more difficult since the whole Dallas-and-me situation came to light. He didn’t love me before I supposedly got involved with a player, and judging by his current attitude, this new development makes him like me less.
When I arrive at my office, I notice the crocheted peach sitting on my desk has multiplied, so now there are two nestled between my mug of pens and a family photo. I pick up the new one and flip it over in my hand. It’s adorable with its little smile and brown eyes. Freaking Dallas and his sweetness. When the heck did he stop by and leave this here? I set it back where I found it and turn them both around so I’m looking at their bums and not their smiling faces.
I call the coach of the women’s hockey team after Topher sends an email. Denise was more than understanding about the whole thing, even though she’s pissed. Her pro team just got displaced for teenaged boys.
An hour into my day, I get a phone call I expected, but had also hoped to avoid. Possibly forever. I swallow the ball of anxiety sitting in my throat and answer on the third ring.