Play Along(126)

“I’m an M.D., specializing in sports medicine,” I continue. “And Dr. Fredrick hired me to be his second-in-command, but when we met in person for the first time, and he realized I was a woman, the position that was offered instead was athletic trainer.”

That finally gets me a small reaction when Reese’s jaw flexes, as if she were grinding her molars together.

“And don’t get me wrong, I have loved my job, but I can no longer allow myself to be treated the way he’s treated me all these years. I think there was a part of me that stayed in hopes that he would see my capabilities, but that was a silly pipe dream. He didn’t care.

“When I went to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago, it was to interview to be their new Head of Health and Wellness. They offered me the job.”

“Did you end up accepting it?” Monty asks.

“No.” I turn to face him, hoping to assure him. “You don’t have to worry. Isaiah isn’t leaving Chicago because I’m not leaving Chicago. I’m going to interview with some local universities while I wait to see if a team doctor position opens with one of the other pro teams in the city. But my life is here. I can’t leave it behind.”

Monty’s smile is knowing. “Kennedy, this isn’t about Isaiah. This is about you. I completely understood him offering to leave for you.”

That feels good to hear. I’ve been so afraid that Kai and Monty were going to be upset with me even though I wasn’t the one to suggest Isaiah explore free agency next year.

“Thank you for saying that.” I turn back to Reese. “And thank you. Your family has been great to work for and I’m looking forward to watching you take over next season. I think you’re going to do great.”

Hands on the armrests, I go to push up from my seat to leave when she slides a folder across the desk to me.

“What is that?”

“Your employee file.”

“Okay.” It comes out as a question. “Am I taking it with me?”

“No, it’s for in-house use only. But it does list your work history, including your education and previous experience. I got that from human resources on Friday night.”

Lips parting, I swing my attention to Monty then back to her again. “You already knew? Did Isaiah tell you?”

“No.”

“Emmett suspected something was going on. He called me on Friday after Isaiah told him you were leaving, and I did some digging. I wish you would’ve said something sooner. My grandfather, God bless him, is a sweet man but can be a bit checked out and unaware at times. I’ve noticed the way Fredrick has been treating you this season. It’s been on my radar. I was watching, and I would’ve believed you if you told me the truth.”

Holy shit.

I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.

“I should’ve seen it sooner,” Monty cuts in. “But my attention has been on running an entire team. It’s difficult to see the ins and outs of everything that goes on in the clubhouse.”

“No,” I disagree. “No, I kept it quiet on purpose, and I never let Isaiah say anything either.”

“Well, plenty of the other players spoke up on your behalf,” Reese says. “Word got out that we were looking into things, and by last night, every single player had filed a formal complaint on your behalf, giving firsthand accounts of the things they heard Fredrick say to you. He was terminated this morning.”

My entire body rears back as if the words slapped me in the face. In a way, they did.

What?

Reese chuckles at the expression on my face. Wide unblinking eyes, mouth dropped open, internally repeating her words again to make sure I heard them correctly.

“Really?” My voice croaks.

“Really.”

“Well . . .” I stutter, trying to collect my thoughts, trying to find some words, but I can’t. What the hell is happening?

Reese speaks before I can. “Looks like I’m in search of a new Head of Health and Wellness.”

This cannot be happening. I came in here with the intention I’d never walk these halls again and now . . . Oh my God.

“I can’t.” I shake my head. “Will. That job should go to Will. He’s the second doctor and was here first. He’s next in line.”

“He wasn’t here first. You were. Which is exactly what he said when I spoke to him this morning. He agrees with me that the position should be yours.”

“He said that?”

“And he wasn’t surprised at all when I told him about your qualifications.”

“None of us are,” Monty says. “Kennedy, you’re impressively good at your job.”

My eyes burn. “Thank you.”

Reese sits forward. “So, what do you say? As the first female team owner, it’d be my honor to have the first female team doctor.”

I can’t believe this is happening, but before I answer, my attention swings back to Monty and as if he can read my mind, he dispels my concern once again.

“This isn’t because of Isaiah,” he repeats. “This isn’t to keep him here, it’s to keep you here. I’ll happily trade him if you need proof.”

A laugh bubbles out of me. “Please don’t do that.”

His grin goes soft.