15. Savannah

15

SAVANNAH

“Stop.” Carly laughs as Lucas finishes telling a story from when he and Graham were teenagers.

“I don’t know how we didn’t get in more trouble than we did. We were little shits back in the day,” Graham says.

“I think it was our pretty boy faces. They had a hard time yelling at us,” Lucas says.

“Something like that,” Graham says. He slides his hand under the table and settles it on my exposed thigh. I shift slightly in my seat as his pinky slips under the hem of my dress, toying with the sensitive skin of my inner thigh.

I clear my throat. “I don’t remember that specific incident, but I do remember all the times I begged to come play with you guys, and you’d always tell me no. I would get so pissed at both of you.”

“We were just trying to protect you. The guys we played with weren’t known for being gentle,” Graham says. He gives my thigh a light squeeze, almost as a silent apology for the way they’d blow me off when we were growing up.

“Sorry to break it to you, sis. We didn’t want a little girl cramping our style back then. I know that probably makes us assholes, but we were teen boys. Do you really think we were thinking with the brain between our ears?”

I can’t help but laugh at my brother. “When you put it that way, I guess I can forgive you two.”

“It all worked out in the end,” Carly says.

“I guess it did,” I agree with her as I look at Graham.

Graham and I lay in his bed. I’m curled up next to him with my head on his chest and leg draped over his.

“Dinner was fun,” he says, breaking the silence.

“It was. I’m glad Lucas and Carly were able to get away for the week. It’s been good to catch up and see them today.”

“I know they want to come to my game on Friday night, but I was wondering if you’d also come?”

I push up and prop myself on my elbow so I’m able to look down at him. Is that a hint of nervousness I see in his expression?

“Are you even going to be able to play?” I ask.

“Hopefully, but I won’t know until probably Thursday when I can see Whitney.”

“If you don’t play, do you still have to go to the game?” I ask, not sure how that works.

“Yes, anyone who is injured, unless they are on limited mobility or suffering from a concussion, is still required to be at the games. Also, guys who are healthy scratches still attend. We usually watch from one of the press boxes.”

“So many things to learn about the inner workings of being a professional hockey player.”

“Just wait until I introduce you to the WAGS, and you get roped into that group.”

“What or who are the WAGS?” I ask.

Graham chuckles. “The wives and girlfriends of the players. They form their own little group as they tend to spend a lot of time together supporting one another. Some attend every home game, while others only come to weekends or when they can, due to having jobs or kids. The team has a room down on the ice level for family and a box from which you can watch the game. If our family prefers, we can also have our tickets placed in the main arena.”

“How many tickets do you get for each game?” I ask.

“Every player is given basically two season tickets. If we need extras for a specific game, then I can get them at a discount, or sometimes guys will swap passes around. So for this Friday, I’d first ask if anyone has an extra ticket I can have, and if they don’t, then I’ll just talk to the office and get one.”

“Do you still want me to come if you aren’t playing? I don’t want you to have to go to any trouble to get me a ticket.”

“Of course I want you there. I can’t come sit with you, but knowing you’re in the building is all I need. I’d buy a thousand tickets if that is what I needed to do so you could be there.”

“That’s a bit excessive.” I chuckle. “I’d love to go. I’ve never been to an NHL game.”

“You’re in for a treat, then. They are pretty exciting.”

“I hope so.”

Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit. I re-read the email that just landed in my inbox.

From: Tori Fox

To: Savannah Rhodes

Re: ASL interpreting opportunity

Ms. Rhodes,

Hello, I’m Tori Fox, the VP of Tour Operations for Honeybee Music based in San Francisco.

I’m reaching out to you today as your résumé came across my desk in our search for an ASL interpreter for a tour we are planning for next summer. As this is a new accommodation we will be adding to some of our tours, we’ve partnered with a few agencies that provide interpreting services on a contractual basis.

I understand from your résumé that you are a schoolteacher. I’m hopeful this tour will work with your already busy schedule, being that it should fall mostly in your summer break. The tentative dates of the tour are April 1 st – September 15 th . Our plan is to have three pairs of interpreters, each working a two-month section of the tour. Because of the anticipated number of tour dates, we don’t want any one contractor to be overworked.

I’m currently working on filling the spots for the months of June and July. If this is something you’d like to learn more about, please reply to this email and we can set up a video call to discuss specifics. I will need for you to sign an NDA if you’d like to learn more.

Sincerely,

Tori Fox

I quickly close the lid of my Mac and head out of my room and directly to Liz’s office.

“What lit a fire under you?” she asks as I come barreling into her office.

“I need you to read something and tell me I’m not dreaming.”

“Okay,” she says skeptically.

I open my Mac, unlocking the screen before turning it so she can read the email.

“Please tell me you already replied to this email?” she asks, just as shocked as I was.

“I haven’t, but do you think it’s a scam?”

“Did you google the lady or the company she is from?” she asks as she turns to her own computer and starts tapping away.

“No. After reading it twice, I came straight here.”

“Well, if this website and bio are correct, she’s the real deal. Do you still have your résumé up on the interpreter dispatch list?”

“Of course,” I say. It’s a useful agency through which people can contract to book an interpreter. I mostly open my schedule up with them during the summer when I have free time and need to make some extra money. Most of the jobs I get called for are filling shifts at hospitals for a day.

“Reply to her now. I want to know who you’d be interpreting for. How cool is that? I’ve seen footage from some concerts that have interpreters at every show, and they look like they are having just as good of a time as the performers on stage.”

I turn my computer around and hit the reply button. My nerves have my hands shaking as I attempt to type out a reply.

From: Savannah Rhodes

To: Tori Fox

Re: Re: ASL interpreting opportunity

Hello Ms. Fox,

Thank you so much for your email. I think I’m in shock regarding your email but am definitely interested in more details. My teacher contract ends on June 2 nd , so as long as that isn’t an issue, please let me know when you are available for that video call to discuss the opportunity further.

Thank you,

Savannah

I re-read my email to myself and then out loud to Liz before hitting the send button. I know if I don’t just send it now, I’ll chicken out later and not send it.

“I can’t believe I just did that,” I tell Liz.

“I’m so proud of you. They’ll be lucky to have you. You have so much passion when you interpret. Just don’t forget about me when you become famous. Speaking of famous, who do you think it could be?” Liz asks.

“I have no clue. Who are some of their artists?” I ask her, since she’s got their website pulled up.

“Damn, they’ve got some big names on their roster,” Liz says after she names everyone off.

“Do they have anyone’s schedules posted for next summer yet?”

“Not really. A few artists are listed here and there, but those look like one-off shows and events. My guess is they are still working out all the logistics for summer tours and will be announcing them soon.”

“Yeah, you’re probably right.”

My computer dings, and my eyes go wide when I see that I’ve already received a reply from Tori.

“Did she reply?” Liz asks.

“Yes!” I say, nervous as I open the email.

From: Tori Fox

To: Savannah Rhodes

Re: Re: Re: ASL interpreting opportunity

Savannah,

Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly!

I can make my schedule work around yours. Is there a good time tomorrow afternoon that works for you? I imagine you are busy with students until mid to late afternoon, so if it needs to be later, just let me know, and we’ll make it work. I’m also two hours behind you, so time zones are on my side.

Talk soon,

Tori

From: Savannah Rhodes

To: Tori Fox

Re: Re: Re: Re: ASL interpreting opportunity

Tori,

I am done with students tomorrow at three p.m. Central time. Could we possibly chat around four p.m. Central? That would give me time to get out of school and be home, where I won’t be interrupted.

Savannah

From: Tori Fox

To: Savannah Rhodes

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: ASL interpreting opportunity

Savannah,

Four p.m. Central / two p.m. Pacific works perfectly. Here is a link to the Zoom meeting. I look forward to chatting with you. I’ll also have our legal department send over the NDA link for you to sign the electronic NDA. We ask that you only discuss things we talk about with your immediate family. We understand the need to make a fully thought-out decision when it comes to tour contracts, so please know ahead of time that the NDA does not restrict you from that. It is more a please don’t spread the confidential information to the media, on your social media, or to random friends.

Tori

“Damn, that was fast,” I tell Liz.

“So when are you talking to her?” she asks, just as excited for me as I am.

“Tomorrow at four.”

“How are you ever going to sleep tonight?”

“Sleep, how am I going to teach tomorrow?” I ask.

“That’s also an important question.” Liz chuckles. “What do you think Graham will think?”

“I have no idea. I’m sure he’d be happy for me. I guess I’ll find out tonight,” I say.

The bell rings and reminds me that the school day is, in fact, not over and I need to go back to my class, as my students will be back in my room any minute now.

“Graham, Lucas, Carly,” I call out as soon as I walk into the house from the garage. Graham gave me a garage door opener and insisted I start parking in the empty bay of his garage when I come over, which has been every day since he returned.

“We’re down here,” Graham calls from the basement.

I go running down to find everyone, excited to share my news with all of them.

“Hey you,” Graham greets me at the bottom of the stairs. He pulls me in for a hug and a kiss. “What’s got you so excited and bouncing off the walls?” he asks.

“I got the craziest email today,” I explain, and read to them my email exchange from my phone.

“That is so freaking cool,” Carly exclaims as she comes over to give me a hug. “Any ideas who it might be for?”

“Not yet. I’m curious if the NDA will mention it or if I’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.”

“Do you really care who it might be to accept the offer?” Lucas asks.

“Yeah, if it is someone whose music I’m not a fan of, I couldn’t imagine having to sign it all the time.”

“I guess that makes sense.” He chuckles.

“It would be for two full months?” Graham asks. He’s been a little silent since I read everything out.

“I believe so, based on what little information I have from the emails.”

“Sounds like an interesting opportunity. I look forward to hearing more after your call with her tomorrow.”

“I don’t know how I’m going to make it until four tomorrow. I’m so excited and nervous!” I say.

“We can help distract you,” Carly offers.

“Good, because I’m going to need it.”

“Relax, baby,” Graham says as we both lay in bed.

“I can’t. I can’t stop thinking about tomorrow.”

He moves so fast, I don’t even realize what is happening until I’m underneath him. “I think a few orgasms will get your mind off things and into a sleepy mode.” He smirks before lowering his lips to mine. He isn’t wrong—one kiss from him, and my mind is off tomorrow, for at least a little while.

I set my computer up on the desk in one of the spare bedrooms. The door is firmly shut to block out any noise that might come from everyone downstairs. I have the link open and am just waiting to be connected and let into the room by Tori.

I take a sip from my water bottle as I watch the secondhand tick on the clock. My computer lets out a loud noise that scares me slightly, almost causing me to spit my water out.

I manage to swallow the water without choking on it and adjust the volume on my computer so it isn’t so loud.

“Hello, Savannah. I’m Tori Fox, it is so nice to meet you,” Tori greets over the video call.

“Hello, nice to meet you, and thank you for the email. I’m excited to learn more about the opportunity.”

“Thank you for signing that NDA this morning. With that all done, I can give you some of the confidential yet important details.” Tori pauses to take a drink from a large cup. “Sorry, I take frequent water breaks. Comes with being a nursing mom.”

“Ah, how old is your baby?” I ask.

“She’s six months old already.”

“Aw, I’m sure that’s a fun age.”

“Her personality is starting to come out, and it’s really awesome to see. Okay, enough about my sweet little baby. Let’s get to the good stuff.”

I chuckle. “Sounds good.”

“The tour we are booking for is Reese Blackwood’s summer tour. Are you familiar with her work?”

“Uh,” I stammer, shocked that she is asking me if I know who Reese freaking Blackwood is. “Absolutely I do. Is there really someone who doesn’t know who Reese Blackwood is?”

“You’d be surprised.” Tori chuckles. “As an employee of her record label, I’d like to think every person is a super fan of hers, but I’m also realistic enough to know that not everyone is a fan of country music.”

“That is probably a good realization to have,” I agree.

“Reese will be performing in major cities next summer on the first leg of her world tour, which actually starts in April. The stops during June and July include Austin, Texas; Indianapolis, Indiana; then she hops over to London, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Zurich.”

“Wow! That sounds so amazing.”

“It is an intense leg of the tour, and one of the reasons we are splitting it up into two-month blocks. We know that it is a lot to ask of people to tour. In each city, she will play for three straight nights, each concert lasting approximately two hours of her on stage.”

“Okay, would it just be me performing an entire show, or how does that work?” I ask.

“No, the way we’re finding works best is for each interpreter pair to swap off. You can decide among yourselves what is a good swapping spot. If it is every song or every few, whatever works best. You will be the expert in your area, so we want to leave that up to you.”

“Alright, and how does travel work?”

“The label pays for all travel. When we are in the US cities, the crew all travel on tour buses. You will be assigned a bunk, and that will be your home on wheels. If this contract works for you to accept, you will only have two US tour stops that would be applicable to the tour buses. Once we move over to the European portion of the leg, the crew will be in hotels and fly between cities. All of that will be coordinated by the label. All your food and accommodations are covered. Our travel department would also assist in obtaining any and all visas needed for you to travel to the different countries. Do you have a current passport that is valid through at least the end of next year? If not, you’d need to have your passport renewed or apply for one if you don’t already have it.”

“I do but would need to check when it expires.”

“Not a problem, you’ve got time for that. Now, for the compensation. With this leg being mostly overseas, it comes with a differential bonus due to the distance away from your home base. The two-month contract with eighteen shows pays fifty-thousand dollars, plus all the additional benefits I covered. We also would cover any and all medical, if anything were to arise while on tour.”

“Did you say fifty thousand?” I ask, shocked at that amount. I make that for an entire year of teaching. I can’t even really wrap my mind around making that in just two months.

Tori chuckles. “Yes, ma’am. I can ask if there is any room for negotiations if you feel it isn’t a fair amount.”

“No, it is more than fair,” I assure her. “I make that for an entire school year teaching.”

“Got it,” she says. “Do you have any specific questions I can answer for you?”

“How does it work? Are we assigned to specific concert attendees to sign for? And when in the foreign countries, will you also be hiring local interpreters who sign the native language?”

“Typically, you are assigned a location, and we move any and all concert attendees who notify customer service that they need ADA accommodations to that area. For the foreign locations, yes, we will have an ASL pair and a native signing pair. Since we anticipate fans traveling to see her shows, we believe offering both versions is important. You will be provided with a set list, once it has been finalized, so you know what to expect with each show. Any planned changes will be provided as early as possible. On this tour, she is adding a surprise song section where she plays an old fan favorite that isn’t on the main set list. Those decisions are usually made a day or so beforehand. As soon as Reese picks what she will sing for that show, you will be informed so you are prepared for it.”

“That all sounds amazing and like you’ve thought of everything.”

“Reese has very high standards, as do I. She knows that if it wasn’t for her team, her tours wouldn’t be as successful as they are. We do our best to take care of the entire team.”

“That’s amazing! What dates are the Austin shows? I’m guessing that would be the first set I’d join if this works out?”

“Yes. Austin dates are June fifth, sixth, and seventh. Most shows will be Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and there is the occasional city that is Friday through Sunday.”

“And the days between are spent traveling from city to city?” I ask.

“Yes. With this type of tour, we have more downtime between cities and shows. We will typically move the crew to the next city the day after the shows end in one city, rather than immediately hop on the tour buses after the final concert. Once in the new city, you are free to explore on your own. I find that most of the crew tend to stick together and go do things. There will be rehearsals once the stage is set up in each city, sound checks, that kind of thing. Some of those will have a mandatory attendance by everyone, and some will be for just specific people—dancers, band, etc. Don’t worry, we provide a very set schedule, so you aren’t caught off guard on when and where you need to be.”

“That makes sense. Can you tell me what a typical concert day looks like, schedule-wise?”

“Absolutely, and that’s a great question. Catering will have breakfast set up by seven a.m. and usually keep it up until ten a.m. That will be done at the hotel. Depending on where the hotel is compared to the venue, we will run some vans between the two to transport everyone over. For you, call time will most likely be three hours before the concert is set to start. Catering will set up food at the venue for lunch and dinner. There is always a wide variety, so no one should ever go hungry. We also have all crew members fill out a preference sheet, as well as list any food allergies catering needs to be aware of. There is also a section where you can list anything you need accessible during the show. Waters, snacks—you name it, and they will provide it.”

“I’ve always wondered how the behind-the-scenes works for tours. This is incredible.”

“We have some of the best in the business on our crew, and we like a well-oiled machine. After the concert, we typically try to get everyone out of the venue within an hour or two, at max. Reese does all of her meet and greets before shows, so we don’t have that holding us up. The only people she sees after are family and friends or the occasional special guest. We know everyone is exhausted after performing for a few hours, so we try to get you out of there and to the hotel so you can rest and are ready for the next show, especially when we’re playing three nights in a row each weekend.”

“This might be a stupid question, but how much interacting does the crew do with Reese and the band?”

“Not stupid at all. She’s very personable and wants everyone on her crew to feel like family. Expect for her to be your best friend by the end of the first week. She’s very welcoming to everyone and wants you to have a blast while out on tour with her.”

“That’s amazing.”

“I’m getting good vibes that this is something that you think you’d like to possibly do next summer?” Tori asks.

“I’m still shocked at the offer, but yes, I’m definitely leaning toward taking the opportunity by the horns and stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing something new. Plus, the idea of getting to tour Europe sounds amazing on its own.”

“The Europe leg is pretty cool,” Tori admits. “I always love tagging along for those.”

“Do you go out for the entire tour?” I ask.

“No, I’ll tag along for short bursts, but now that I have kids, it makes it a little harder. I also am not needed on-site. Most of my job is done from the office. My husband’s work schedule is also very chaotic and requires a lot of travel, so I need to be home. He’s off in the summer, for the most part, so it makes it a little easier for me to go to a few dates.”

“What does he do?” I ask.

“He’s a professional hockey player. He plays for the San Francisco Shockwaves.”

My chin about hits the tabletop. What are the odds?

“Are you a hockey fan?” she asks.

“Kind of. My boyfriend is also an NHL player. He plays for the Austin Fusion.”

“No kidding, what a small world. Who is your boyfriend?” she asks.

“Graham Webber. And who is your husband?”

“Aiden Fox. I’m sure they know each other. Graham has been in the league for a while, right?”

“Yeah, he likes to joke he’s an old man in hockey.”

“They all like to say that.” She laughs.

“I’ve known him my entire life, but we just recently reconnected, so things are new between us.”

“Aw, that’s sweet. I wish you all the luck. Hockey players are usually the biggest teddy bears. They want you to believe they are these big bad-ass men on the ice, but really, they just want to cuddle on the couch.”

“I’m starting to figure that out. He’s injured right now, so hopefully, he’ll be back on the ice soon. I’m excited to go to my first home game and get to see him play in person. I haven’t seen him play since he was in high school.”

“You really have known each other a long time.”

“He’s my brother’s best friend, and I’m ten years younger than they are, so he’s been in my life since the day I was born.”

“Ohh, a brother’s best friend and age gap romance.” Tori fans herself with her hand. “My favorite two tropes in my romance books.”

That has me laughing. “You aren’t wrong there. My best friend kind of made it all happen,” I tell her.

“That’s what best friends are for. I would have never met my husband if it wasn’t for my best friend, Avery. She’s also married to a Shockwaves player, Ryker Jorgensen. Maybe I’ll convince her we should tag along when the guys play in Austin, and we can get together for dinner and gossip and connect some more.”

“I’d love that,” I tell her honestly.

“It looks like we are in Austin in early February. I’ll shoot Avery a text once we’re done here and then follow up with you once I hear back from her.”

“Sounds great. Do you have my cell number?”

She rattles off what the booking agency provided to them. “That’s it. I look forward to hearing from you.”

“Same, and I’ll have the contract sent for you to look at. Feel free to take a few days to think it over, discuss it with your family and make sure it will work for you. I know it is a big commitment. Thank you for your time today. I really enjoyed getting to talk with you, Savannah.”

“Thanks again, Tori,” I say before we disconnect the call.

“Oh my god,” I yell out in excitement, and the door flies open. Carly is on the other side with a huge grin on her face.

“So, how was it? Who is it? Tell me everything!”

I laugh at her excitement for me, and it has me giddy all over again.

“Let’s go find the guys so I can tell you all at the same time.”

We head downstairs and find the guys in the kitchen, Lucas is drinking a beer, while Graham sticks to his water.

I walk directly over to Graham and into his open arms. He presses a kiss to the top of my head, and I can’t help but feel safe in his arms. If I take this opportunity, I’ll have to be okay with not having his arms around me for two months straight. Am I ready to give that up for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?

I dish all the details Tori gave me, excited as I reveal each one.

“Holy shit!” Carly exclaims when I finish. “Please tell me you’re taking the offer and can snag me a ticket to come see you in action?”

“Tori told me to think about it for a few days before I sign the contract, but she was going to have it sent to me so I can look over it and then make my decision. It would be an incredible experience to add to my résumé and probably open more doors to me in my career. But I do worry about the time away from home. I’m such a homebody that I’d worry about being homesick. I also don’t want to leave you for two whole months,” I say directly to Graham.

“I think you should do it; we can figure stuff out. Once my season is over, I can always travel to see you.”

“You’d really do that?”

“Fuck yes,” he answers immediately. “I’ve always been a fan of Europe, so why not follow you around for a few months?”

“I think I’m going to do it!” I decide right there on the spot.

“Before you sign on the dotted line, let me have my attorney read over the contract and make sure everything you were promised is actually in the contract. I’ve heard one too many times of people being promised the world and then getting screwed over when it isn’t in the contract, and that is all they can hold the company to.”

“You have an attorney on retainer?” I ask, dumbfounded at the idea.

“Yeah, it comes with the territory of my profession. Really, it is a perk of who my agent is. They have an attorney on staff who deals with contracts for all their clients. If someone has an issue that isn’t in their wheelhouse, they have attorneys they can refer us out to.”

“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the differences in our lives.”

“Get used to it, babe. This is now your life, now that you’re with me.”

“Oh, I forgot to mention, Tori, the lady who reached out to me, her husband plays for the Shockwaves.”

“Did she tell you who?” Graham asks.

“I think she said Aiden? Her last name is Fox. Is there a player with that last name?”

“Yep, Aiden Fox. I’ve known him for years. What a small world. He’s a good guy, so I can only imagine his wife is a good person to do business with.”