Unlocking the secrets of Sterling and Hartwell

Chapter 1: Unexpected Opportunities

Evelyn's POV

"I think a mistake has occurred, Ms. Stroud," I said to my boss as I looked over the semester schedule.

"What seems to be the problem, Evelyn?" Ms. Stroud asked. My boss, Katherine Stroud, is the head of all sport departments at Northern Lakeside University—nothing happens without her knowing.

"Well, it um, says here that I am meant to do the marketing and planning for the Ice Hockey team, but I had originally been assigned to do Baseball," I explained. It wasn't that I didn't want to work with the Ice Hockey team; I would love to do Ice hockey because I have liked it since I was a kid; I just wasn't allowed to play it because my father always said no.

Ms. Stroud furrowed her brow, reviewing the schedule with a critical eye. "That's an unexpected twist," she mused, her fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. "Let me look into this. It might be a simple clerical error."

I nodded, relieved that she was taking it seriously. As the part-time sports marketing assistant, I was eager to make a positive impression, but I also wanted to respect the assigned roles. The Ice Hockey team was a prominent fixture on campus, and any involvement with them would be a valuable experience. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story than a mere mistake.

Ms. Stroud, ever efficient, picked up the phone and dialed Marcus Turner, the senior sports analyst who handled scheduling matters. I couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness as she spoke with him, the conversation hushed and intense.

After a few minutes, she hung up and turned her attention back to me. "Evelyn, it appears there was indeed a mix-up in the department. However, this unexpected turn can be viewed as an opportunity rather than a mistake. While we're in the process of restructuring assignments for future semesters, you'll be exclusively working with the Ice Hockey team for now. If, after this experience, you find it doesn't align with your preferences, we'll make adjustments next semester. Consider this an opportunity to showcase your versatility and dedication to embracing new experiences."

I took a deep breath, "I understand. Thank you, Ms. Stroud. I'll be on my way." Rising from my chair, I retrieved my black purse from the floor and walked towards the door. Once outside, I pressed my pale body against the cold wall. In a quiet whisper, I mumbled to myself, "Dad's not going to like this."

I stride through the imposing steel door, ushering myself into the cafeteria. The walls adopt a neutral hue, bathed in the soft glow of natural light pouring in through the generously sized windows embedded in the ceiling and walls. The tables and chairs, fashioned from sleek light wood, offer an inviting spot to unwind.

Scanning the bustling room for my friends, I find myself abruptly colliding with someone, causing my bag to tumble to the ground. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry; I didn't see you there," I apologized, admitting truthfully that he had gone entirely unnoticed. Bending to retrieve my purse, he beat me to it, gracefully placing it back in my hands.

"No worries, I should've watched where I was going," he reassured me.

"I'm Sebastian, by the way," he offered his hand, and I reciprocated with a handshake, a departure from the customary expectations I had grown up with. I found it oddly pleasing.

"I'm Evelyn," I introduced myself. "Nice to meet you, Sebastian." Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Aria's dark hair and catch the echo of her boisterous laugh.

"Well, it was a pleasure to meet you, Evelyn, but I've got to go. Meeting a buddy, see you later, beautiful," he murmured, casting a small wave and a charming smile as he strolled away.

Turning around, I head toward my friends, bracing myself for the inevitable questions about whether I secured the Baseball management position. Inhaling deeply, I plunge straight into the anticipated conversation.

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A/N Hi, it's the author Emma. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please don't forget to like, comment, and follow if you enjoyed it. Have a great day or night.
See you soon!