Jake stopped massaging Dominique’s neck. He came from behind her, pulled up the ottoman and sat directly in front of her. “I know you can handle it,” he said, taking her hands in his. “But I do worry about it. I worry about you and the weight of the world that is putting those kinks in your shoulders. You’re a strong woman. I get that. But what I’m trying to tell you is that I’m here for you, to support you and protect you. You don’t have to handle everything alone.” He paused, his stare unflinching. “I love you, Nick, and want to help make life easier.”

Jake’s unexpected declaration almost moved Dominique to tears, and his offer to help was her further undoing. It had been so long since she’d had anyone to depend on that she’d forgotten how it felt. “I don’t know what to say,” she finally uttered, a single tear running down her cheek.

“What happened, baby?”

Dominique told Jake about François Deux, the earlier phone call with Mirabelle, and how she actually feared for her job. “I’m Justin’s sole provider,” she finished. “And I’ve worked damned hard for this company. That’s why I have to do whatever it takes to protect my investment and keep my job.”

“No, baby,” Jake countered. “You are not Justin’s sole provider and you don’t have to kiss anybody’s ass to save your job. I’ve got more than enough for the three of us. If anything happens ... I’ve got you.”

43

43

It was Championship Saturday and the Hurricanes and Panthers were about to square off for winner take all. Their records were equal: 8 and 1. Because the Hurricanes’ sole loss had been at the Panthers’ paws, the Panthers had home-field advantage. The game was taking place at their Van Nuys stadium but at least half of it was bleeding purple and gold as the Hurricanes’ supporters gathered en masse to cheer on their team. Dominique was sitting with Kathy, Ian, and other parents who’d become friendly over the past eight weeks. Reggie sat beside her and next to him was Alejandro, Reggie’s drop-dead gorgeous new flavor of the month. The Hurricanes took the field and half of the crowd stood up and cheered, stomping their feet and chanting, “Tear it up! Tear it up!” The Panthers followed suit and the other half roared, “Panther pride! Panther pride!” The boys ran on the field and began warming up. The excitement in the air rivaled that of the Super Bowl.

“Okay, team,” Jake said, once the boys had finished their exercises and huddled around him. “This is it. This is where we leave it all on the field. We’re good. But so are they. So what’s going to make the difference in who wins this game?”

“Hurricane heart!” was the boisterous reply, spoken in unison by team and coaches alike.