Free Love from Left Field by Megan Ryder Page B

played her hand, made her decision, and now she had to run with it. Like a base runner committed to going for two, she had rounded first base and had to make second or the inning, and the game, would be over. She had to succeed, even if her father would not approve at all.
    Would she score or be thrown out by a mile?
    *
    Miranda walked down the main aisle in the ticket sales department. Her mind spun from the updated numbers provided in the recap. Lucas had predicted this, but had not estimated how bad the sales were. They’d be lucky to fill half the stadium on a good day with good promotional items. But honestly, that wasn’t even a guarantee. People didn’t want prizes and trinkets. They wanted wins and affordable seats. Neither of which were promised by the Knights this season. And maybe not even in the next few seasons.
    “Miranda? How’s your father doing?” A woman’s voice spoke from within one of the cubicles down Miranda’s left.
    She glanced down and saw the hesitant face of an older woman. It took a moment but she refused to check at the nameplate to remember the woman’s name. Miranda had worked in ticket sales on her way to learning all functions of the team and this woman had been a mentor to her as she learned the job.
    “Grace Ann! How are you?” The name came in a flash and she smiled warmly at the woman, reaching out for a hug.
    The older woman stood and awkwardly embraced Miranda, as if somehow the action was a little too personal for their circumstances. At that moment, a few other people also stood and greeted Miranda.
    “How’s Mr. Callahan, Miranda? We’ve been praying for him.” Grace Ann spoke softly, as if not everyone would pray for the cantankerous man.
    Miranda understood more than anyone how difficult her father could be. Lord knew, he had been tough on her growing up, especially once she’d joined the business. While she didn’t always appreciate it, that same toughness prepared her for this situation. Some would say it was that toughness that made this situation as bad as it was but Miranda was looking forward, not backwards to blame someone. That time had passed. She had to fix the future or there wouldn’t be one to fix.
    “He’s hanging in. He’s been moved to a regular room in the cardiac unit, then he’ll head for rehab.”
    Mutters of “Praise be” greeted her words, along with comforting pats on the arm. Miranda smiled, feeling the love from her staff seeping into her with every touch, every smile. This was why she loved working for the Knights. They were family.
    “How’s your new grandbaby, Grace Ann? Is she just wonderful?”
    Before the question was even out of Miranda’s mouth, Grace Ann had pictures out to show her. After oohing and aahing, Miranda asked after other people and their family. Finally, after about ten minutes or so, the conversation wound down. Suddenly, the group went silent and a shiver up her spine indicated that it wasn’t just due to a lack of conversation. She turned her head and saw Lucas standing behind her, a carefully blank expression on his face. He glanced at his watch, not very subtly indicating they were late for another meeting.
    Wanting him to know the staff like she did, she gestured him over to the group. “Lucas, you remember Grace Ann? She was here when your father was here. She always had those amazing oatmeal raisin cookies.”
    He nodded politely. “Of course. Nice to see you again, Ms. Cox.”
    “Hello, Mr. Wainright. I was sorry to hear about your father.” Grace Ann’s tone was just as cool and standoffish, but there was a hint of confusion in her eyes.
    Miranda shot him a scathing look at his cool tone but he kept a polite expression on his face, not welcoming any further discussion. She gently extricated herself from the small group, promising to keep them posted on her father’s condition. When she finally crossed the small room, Lucas fell in beside her and they walked down the hallway.
    “You