Even so, it makes sense to immerse myself in this experience. Getting involved and helping anywhere I can, being supportive of my husband—these seem like more ways to prove that this team needs Luke.
“Richard mentioned you’ve taken over Luke’s social media,” Nadine says. “How’s that going?”
“He hired me as his publicist. I used to do public relations back in Chicago and when we talked about his total lack of media and community presence, I said I’d take him on,” I explain.
“What’s it like working with your husband?” Krista asks.
I raise a brow. “Have you seen the thirst traps I’ve posted? It’s not hard.”
The girls laugh. “Well you’ve done wonders,” Nadine says. “People are taking notice, and not just the social media stuff, but the community outreach. Can you take on Richard, too?” she asks.
I chuckle. “For the right price.”
Nadine laughs and winks at Nicki. “I like her.”
My chest warms at the thought of building a bond with these women. We sit chatting for hours even after we’ve all finished our lunches. We sip wine and laugh, and I’m already starting to get that first feeling like I’m a part of something.
I learn that these two weeks are the loneliest of the entire season because even when the guys have to travel for games, they’re usually only gone Friday through Sunday.
Leah invites me to go with her to the staff offices tomorrow so she can introduce me to all the key people, and I jump at the chance. Not only will it seal my own place as a football wife, but it’s also giving me the chance to get to know Leah. I could certainly do with more friends out here in Vegas since my old ones basically ditched me when I left Chicago.
I think of Brittany. She was my best friend at the office back home, and when she got wind of my tryst with Todd and the way we were both fired, she faded immediately away. If that taught me anything, it’s that scandals prove who your true friends are.
I’ve learned my only true friend is Nicki. She’s the only one who has been by my side since we were teenagers, and now she’s family. But I’m working on a complete transformation. Maybe it’s okay to make some new friends—especially if these are people Nicki trusts.
* * *
“This is Erin,” Leah says, stopping in a doorway. “She’s the director of charitable contributions. Erin, this is Ellie Dalton, Luke’s new wife.”
Erin glances up and smiles.
“We’ve met,” I say, smiling at Erin. “Good to see you again. Thanks for all your advice with our event. It went amazingly well.”
“I saw Savannah’s story in the Sun. Great work, Ellie. I never would’ve imagined it was the first event you organized based on its success.”
“Thank you,” I say, feeling a little self-conscious at her compliment. “I couldn’t have done it without your help.”
We move to the next office. “This is Phil, Director of Player Engagement and Development,” Leah says. “Phil, meet Ellie, Luke Dalton’s new wife.”
“Ellie,” Phil says warmly as he stands. He sticks his hand out over his desk to shake mine. “Nice to meet you.”
“And you,” I say. I’m about to ask what, exactly, his job entails when he beats me to the punch.
“I’m here to help players set career goals both while they’re with the organization and with what comes after,” he explains.
“Oh, yes.” I nod. “You and I need to schedule a meeting about what comes next for Luke.”
He chuckles. “I’ve been trying to get that guy to commit to some sort of goal regarding what comes next for years. Here’s to hoping you have better luck than me.”
I press my lips together. “That definitely sounds like my husband.”
Leah introduces me to Terry, the Director of Community Relations, and a few other key people. The name plate on the last office we get to says Monique Thompson.
“Thompson?” I ask.
Leah nods. “Maybe the most important person you’ll need to know in this entire organization...Coach’s wife.” Leah knocks on the door, and we hear a come in a second later. I’m suddenly a little nervous.
“Leah!” the elegant woman behind the desk says. I’d pin her at mid-fifties, but despite the elegance, she has this motherly aura about her. She stands and moves around to give her a hug. “And you must be Ellie,” she says to me. She pulls me into a hug, and somehow she’s warm and comforting and at the same time gorgeous and stylish in her dress and heels. “I’m Mo, but you can call me mom or Mama Mo. All the other ladies do.” She smiles as she pulls out of our hug. “Now look at you.” She eyes me up and down, and then she grabs my hand and ogles my wedding ring. “The one who finally tied down Mr. Luke Dalton. Good work, girl. Make it stick.”
God, how I hope I can. Michelle edges into my mind at that moment. She’s one of the ones who tried to tie down the man I married.
I wonder what Mo’s opinion on her is. I know what mine is. Was she as friendly to the boss’s daughter as she’s being to me? Did Michelle get special treatment...or was she even a part of this club? And what happens now that she’s not with Luke anymore? Does she just get voted off the island or something?
These might be questions best suited for Nicki.
“You two sit,” she says, and we do as she makes her way around her desk. “I’m so glad Leah brought you by. You know, when she and Dave were engaged, it was Nadine who brought her by to introduce me to her, and I love how the torch is being passed.” She folds her hands in front of her on top of the desk. “Welcome, welcome, welcome. I’m here for anything you need, whether it’s a shoulder to cry on because you and Luke got into a fight all the way to a recommendation for where to go when your claws need a pedi.”
I giggle at her description.
“I’m the president of the Ace of Hearts Club for the wives and girlfriends of players. You’re the newest member of this very exclusive, very private, and very fun club, one that brings a ton of blessings but also a few curses. We’re all here for you, and in fact I’m planning a luncheon for next Wednesday. Come. I’ll introduce you and you can dive right into whatever you’re interested in.”
“Thank you,” I say. “I appreciate it.”
“Do you know many people here in town aside from your brother and Nicki?” she asks, and I love how she already knows this. It makes me feel even more a part of this club she’s referring to.
I shake my head. “I met Leah, Nadine, and Krista through Nicki, but that’s it. I’m completely new to town.”
“Well you’ve got me now, and all the other ladies. They’re just going to love you. And they’ll all be banging your door down to take thirst traps of their men. Not for public consumption...just for their own.” She winks, and I laugh.
“Luke isn’t exactly a tough subject to photograph,” I admit.
She laughs. “I don’t think you’ll get any arguments there.”
We chat a little longer before we say our goodbyes, and on my way out the door, she hands me a folder. “All the important contact information you need is in there. Don’t hesitate to text me or call me any time of the day or night. Supporting the wives is what I’m here to do.” She gives me another hug, and I love her. I love this organization. I love my husband. I love the place I’m settling into here.