I smile. “Yeah. We’ve already talked about my background. I’ve given you my list of current clients, although I recently signed a new client—Hunter Morrissette.”
“I heard that.”
“I hope you’ll contact them.”
“Have you ever had a client leave you?” he asks.
“No. I have not.”
Van asks me questions about my fee structure, how and when I get paid, the duration of our agreement and how to terminate. I suspect he’s been coached on these questions to ask, but I respect that he’s here on his own and not with Mom and Dad.
“What services do you offer other than contract negotiations?” he asks next.
I talk about tax advice and financial planning, and the financial planner I have a relationship with if he wants more advice about that. I also talk about endorsements and partnerships with other businesses.
We talk our way through lunch, both business discussion and some personal talk.
“I’m impressed with your maturity,” I tell him. “Becoming a professional hockey player comes with a lot of pressure.”
He nods. “Yeah. I get that. But I think I’m pretty down-to-earth and realistic. My parents keep me grounded. And having your dad’s advice has helped too.”
“That’s great.”
“Well,” he says. “I’d basically decided before we met today, but Mom and Dad said meet one more time to make sure.”
I’m holding my breath.
“I want to sign with you.”
I slowly let the air out of my lungs and try to keep my smile professional. “Wonderful. I’m so glad. I think we can do great things together. You’re going to be a superstar and I’m excited to be part of that.”
“Thanks.” He grins.
We talk about the paperwork we’ll need to take care of. I pay the lunch bill and we stroll back out into the bright sunshine. We shake hands standing on the pier in front of the restaurant. “We’ll talk soon,” I tell him.
With his ball cap pulled down over his eyes, he walks away.
I resist the urge to jump up and down and scream.
I fumble to pull my phone out of my purse and text Hunter with shaky hands. We’re done. Where are you?
I pace as I wait for him to answer. On the Ferris wheel.
I stare at my phone. Seriously?
Yeah. Cool view up here.
I laugh. You couldn’t wait for me? I love Ferris wheels!
Sorry! We can go again.
I’ll meet you there.
There’s no missing the giant wheel. I climb the stairs to the upper level where the Ferris wheel is, looking up at the cars as they go around and around.
I did it!
I’m nearly dancing when Hunter finally climbs out of a gondola and jogs toward me. He breaks into a smile when he sees me. “Good news?”
“Yes!” I leap into his arms. “He’s going to sign with me!”
“Holy shit! That’s fucking awesome, Kate!” He picks me up and spins me around.
I love it that he’s so happy for me. He knows what a big deal this is. Or will be.
I’m laughing and breathless when he sets me down.
“Congratulations.” And he plants a big kiss on me.
“Thank you.” I beam at him. “He seems like a good kid.”
“Fantastic. Come on. Let’s ride this baby again.” He takes my hand and leads me to the ticket booth and then we wait in a short line to get on.
The view is spectacular from up here…the gleaming skyscrapers, the curve of the lakeshore, the colorful canopy of the merry go round beneath us. And when we’re at the top, Hunter kisses me. The world is spread out beneath us and I literally feel on top of it. On top of the world.
Dinner’s not what I expect. We meet Jenelle and her twin boys at Howard’s Hot Dogs on North Damen. It’s not the kind of place I would have chosen for a get-to-know-you dinner since it’s noisy and crowded, but they have great food and it’s a good place for kids.
My stomach hurts and I can’t stay still, shifting in my seat all the way to the restaurant. I don’t know why this matters. It’s fine for Dad to have a girlfriend. I just want her to be…good enough for him.
Is this how he feels about me and Hunter?
Probably.
Sitting next to me in the back seat, Hunter sets his hand on my thigh and squeezes. I turn to him.
“Okay?” he asks in a low voice.
“Sure!”
His lips twitch. “You’re as jumpy as a one-eyed cat watching two rat-holes.”
I laugh so hard I snort. He laughs too, and I lean into him. “Oh my God.”
“What?” Dad calls from the drivers’ seat.
“Nothing,” I answer, trying not to giggle.
“You better not be playing finger puppets back there!” Ryan hollers. “Save it for later.”
“Jesus,” Dad mutters.
“What!” I collapse into laughter again.
“Feel better?” Hunter asks, leaning near my ear.
“Yes.” I shake my head, still smiling. And I know he made me laugh so I’d get over my nerves. This man.
We have to wait a few minutes for a couple of tables to empty so we can push them together and have room for all of us. So Dad introduces us to Jenelle, Ethan and Lucas while standing in the entrance of the tiny place. Despite the age difference, Jenelle doesn’t look like she’s way too young for Dad. She’s about my height, her blonde hair cut in a wavy chin length bob, stylish glasses on her narrow nose, and she’s dressed in slim black pants and a hot pink top. We exchange greetings, smiles and handshakes. Ethan and Lucas are in awe of Hunter, staring up at him.
“I hope you don’t mind,” Jenelle says. “The kids brought Storm pennants for you to sign.”
They eagerly display their pennants.
“Don’t mind at all,” Hunter says cheerfully. “Are you guys Storm fans?”
“Sometimes,” Lucas says. “I usually cheer for the Aces.”
“Me too,” Ethan chimes in.
We don’t tell them that Hunter probably won’t be playing for the Storm next season. He uses his ever-present Sharpie to sign his name, holding the pennants against the wall. This attracts the attention of others in the restaurant, but I don’t think anyone else recognizes Hunter.
“I guess golfing’s not cool,” Ryan says, ignored by the boys.
I smirk. The boys give him a blank look.
“They do think it’s cool,” Jenelle assures Ryan. “They’ve been excited to meet you.”
Ryan looks unconvinced as Lucas and Ethan continue to worship Hunter. When we finally move into the small dining room to sit, they’re quick to take a seat on either side of Hunter.
I smile at Hunter as I sit opposite him. He grins.
We have to order at the counter, so Jenelle and Dad go up while we wait.
“Do you guys play hockey?” Hunter asks Lucas and Ethan.
They both nod vigorously. “Mom makes us do other stuff, too. Taekwondo. Baseball.”
“Golf?” Ryan asks dryly.
“No.” Lucas wrinkles his freckled nose.
“Maybe one day,” I say. “Hunter likes to golf.”
“You do?” They stare at him.