The Slot (Rochester Riot #1)(46)

He turned to look at her, his electric blue eyes registering disappointment. He seemed tired and restless. Down two games to one in the second round, the team would be headed out of town again in a few days, their playoff drive on the line. Perhaps it was too much to ask for him to be excited about her career.

“I’m happy for your new job,” he said. “Congratulations. But I have some news too. I thought you’d be pleased, but…” he broke off and took a deep breath. “Maybe you and I are headed in opposite directions. Sounds like you’ll be even busier than before. I’ll be on the road half the year. I could be traded to another team, you never know. I don’t think it’s the kind of life you’d want. Because you’re Eloise Robertson. Always kicking ass and taking names.”

Eloise felt her chest crushing in. Just when she thought she’d solved all the problems, cleared all the hurdles, it sounded like he wanted to break up with her. The idea of not being with him made her insides go hollow, and the feeling was unbearable.

“Don’t say that,” she said, a shudder in her voice. “I want a life with you, Cole. I’ll make it work. You’ll see.”

A doubtful smile crossed his features, then disappeared. “Sure. You say that now.”

“I mean what I say. You should know that about me by now. What’s your news? I really want to hear it.”

Cole looked up at the ceiling, then at the walls. “This,” he said, gesturing to the space around them. “I made a deal with Trey. He needed the money, and I have tons of it. Eventually, I have to start thinking about my life after hockey.” He sighed. “You’re looking at the new owner of Blues & Brews, soon to be renamed Casa Fiorino. I’m thinking of turning it into an authentic Italian bistro featuring my mom’s recipes.”

Eloise’s jaw dropped open in surprise. “Really? That’s totally brilliant!”

“Well, of course, I can’t run it myself and be on the team,” he said.

“Spud can run it, he does that already,” she offered.

Cole nodded. “Sure, but he has no marketing skills. I was thinking… maybe you’d run it. As my partner,” he said, looking into her eyes. “In everything.”

Eloise returned his gaze, trying to determine if he was saying what she thought he was saying. Her heart felt twisted in two directions. “Is that your warped idea of a proposal?”

***

Eloise sat waiting outside Lou Spieker’s office. The last few weeks had been a blur, a thousand things to consider and weigh against each other. She thought about her conversation with Sophia and the wisdom their mother had shared with all her girls. Love is more important than work. Sometimes you got lucky and could have both, and Eloise felt lucky indeed.

She’d found a good gynecologist and arranged for a consultation. Her test results came back favorable, the doctor indicating there was no reason to believe she couldn’t conceive or carry a baby to term with the intervention of a fertility specialist, and the best in the world resided right in Rochester at the Mayo Clinic. Eloise’s attention to her health and diet being a major factor. Suddenly everything seemed possible, all her dreams within reach. But sometimes, to reach one dream, you had to let go of another. Eloise felt certain she was choosing the right one.

The door to the office opened, and Barbara stepped out. She looked happier than Eloise ever remembered seeing her. “Hi, El,” she said, her short blonde locks bobbing as she nodded in greeting.

“Hello, Barbara. Good to see you,” Eloise said with a smile.

“Good to see you too. I hear congratulations are in order,” she said.

“Thank you. It’s wonderful to have such a great opportunity.”

“You’ll make a great COO,” Barbara said, reaching to shake Eloise’s hand. “I’ll look forward to working with you.”

Eloise clasped Barbara’s outstretched hand. “I’m glad you’re staying on with the team.”

“Me too. I promise to do my best as the new Communications and Community Relations Director. I have some big shoes to fill.”

“You’ll be great. See you around,” Eloise said.

“Thank you.” Barbara waved and left the room looking positively buoyant.

“Eloise?” Lou called from his doorway.

“Hi Lou,” she answered, following him into his office.

“Have a seat,” he said, gesturing to one of the chairs opposite his desk. “You all ready to take on a new challenge? I have the offer letter and your contract right here, all we need’s your signature.”

“Thanks, Lou.” Eloise sat down, smoothing her skirt into place. “I appreciate your confidence in me. It means a lot.”

“You earned it, El. You’re an asset to the organization. Always have been.”

“I’m glad you think so. This is a major turning point in my career.”

“I’m sure it is.”

“It’s been a pleasure working with you.”

Lou nodded in agreement. “Likewise. I look forward to continuing a great working relationship.”

“I appreciate that, and again, I want to thank you for believing in me and for your generous offer.”

“You’re welcome.” He handed her a fancy ball point pen.