by Lea Coll
“Do you plan on being at each meeting?” Hadley sipped her wine.
“I tried to schedule things so I could make the first one at each school. After that, there will be too many for me to attend each one.” I didn’t mention I intended to attend Quinton’s lessons on Mondays because Reid would be there. I love seeing him connect with the boy.
Hadley placed a finger on her chin as if she was thinking. “I don’t think it’s necessary. You can touch base with therapists, the school, and parents without being physically present. If there’s a problem at a particular school, then you might need to.”
“I like going, seeing the kids progress. It’s satisfying.” The past few weeks were challenging, but seeing those kids getting necessary services was rewarding. It felt like I was doing something good.
“It is,” Hadley agreed.
“There’s this one child who seemed shy at first. Reid saw something else I think.”
“What do you mean?” Avery asked, getting more comfortable in her chair.
“Reid talked to him by himself. Whatever he said encouraged him to participate in the session. His therapist said she’s worried the boy won’t participate if Reid isn’t there.”
“Is he planning on being at each session?” Hadley asked.
“He said he was. Mondays tend to be rest days for them. They’d watch tape or have a light practice.”
Avery shot me an uneasy look. “Hopefully, he doesn’t change his mind.”
“I’m hoping this connection will make him more amenable to doing more for the organization.” It warmed my heart that he’d connected with Quinton. That he was making an effort to be at his session each week.
It made me think of that moment in my living room when he seemed to stumble over a word. I wanted to bring it up with the girls, but I didn’t. Something told me if he did have an issue with speaking, he was intensely private. He wouldn’t want anyone to know.
Hadley looked down at her notepad as if she was going down her list of things to discuss. “Have you spoken to him about being the spokesman?”
“He’s shot me down every time I’ve brought it up.” I chewed the inside of my cheek, unsure how I was going to be successful when he’d been so adamantly against speaking in general.
“When we met the guys at the yacht club it seemed like there was something between you.”
I put a bite of food in my mouth so I wouldn’t have to answer right away. I wasn’t sure I was prepared to share we’d gone on a date last night. Not when it was so fresh in my mind. His arms around me as we looked over the water, his lips on mine, his sweet words, promises of another date. When he was vulnerable like he was last night, I wanted to wrap my arms around him, protect him from people who wanted to use him. The thing was, wasn’t I doing the same thing by pushing him to be a spokesman?
“Is it going to be a problem to work with him?” Avery asked.
I swallowed, drinking a large sip of wine. “Of course not.”
Hadley leaned her elbows on the table, her checklist forgotten. “Did you have a connection with him on that blind date?”
I laughed in denial even as I remembered the moment I saw him, the jolt that traveled through my body at the impact of him in a suit, his eyes, his soft words. He’d wrapped himself around my heart during the one meal, making me want something I shouldn’t, a man to date, someone who could potentially be mine.
I’d used him for what he could do for me and the organization. I still wanted things from him that had nothing to do with him as a person. Guilt coursed through me when I remembered how he’d said everyone wanted something from him. “Even if he liked me, which he doesn’t, we’re business associates, partners, whatever. It wasn’t a real date.”
Last night was as real as it gets.
“I didn’t ask if he liked you. I asked if you liked him.”
I thought carefully about what I should say. Should I admit my attraction? Would an affirmation make them back off? I wasn’t used to talking to my friends about my relationships. I didn’t want them asking why I shied away from anything serious. “He’s good-looking.”
“So, you are attracted to him?” Hadley’s voice was lighter, a smile playing on her lips.
“Anyone would be. He’s a hot football player. What’s not to like?” I shrugged my shoulders as if I hadn’t just admitted to something deeply personal. He wasn’t just a guy who was attractive. Something about him touched me in a way no one else had.
Avery pointed a finger at me. “You don’t care about status or money.”
I didn’t. I had money, a trust fund. It’s not that I wasn’t appreciative of my advantages in life, but I didn’t seek it out in other people. I didn’t need or want that from a partner. I hadn’t spent much time thinking about what I did want, because being with someone meant letting them in, telling them about my parents. It wasn’t an option. Family came first. I’d made that mistake with my last boyfriend, Pierce. When it came time to take the relationship to the next level, I couldn’t without him asking more questions I wasn’t prepared to answer.
“He intrigues me.” Honesty made my limbs loose, my words flow freer. “We’re very different. I’m outgoing and social. He’s quiet and avoids people.”
Even after our date last night, I worried we were too different. That in the end, he’d decide I was too much for him. He’d retreat to his lonely existence, only hanging out with his teammates, Callie, and his family.
Hadley rolled her eyes. “That doesn’t mean anything.”
Annoyed she dismissed my concerns so easily, I asked, “What are you talking about? That’s everything. If we have nothing in common, if he doesn’t like the core of who I am as a person, how could we work?”
Hadley looked around, probably to make sure no one was listening, before she lowered her voice. “Does he know who you are?”
“We had dinner together. We talked.”
Her eyes narrowed. “So, you told him about yourself, your friends, your family, your dreams and hopes on the first date?”
I felt slightly ashamed that I’d treated our first date as a business meeting. Had Reid gone into that date with a different mindset? Even last night I hadn’t opened up about my family. We’d kept conversation light, surface level. “Not exactly. We talked about Kids Speak.”
“You showed him your passion for Kids Speak, which is something, it’s not everything. I’m not even sure I’ve seen all the sides of you yet.” Hadley seemed so sure of herself.
Had I shown him myself last night? I hadn’t talked about my family. Was Hadley right? Would he like me if I told him everything?
Hadley exchanged a look with Avery before addressing me, “This is good.”
“What is?”
“You working with Reid. You can get to know him, see if something’s there.”
“I don’t want a relationship.” I hadn’t dated since Pierce. He didn’t like it when I’d leave when my father called. He didn’t understand why I needed to visit them each week. At the time, my mom’s speech had deteriorated because of her MS. She couldn’t meet him then. He wouldn’t wait. Part of that was I couldn’t explain why he couldn’t meet them yet. He assumed I wasn’t as serious about the relationship as he was.
Avery shrugged. “Who said you need one? Maybe he’s just what you need—a fling, something fun. No pressure.”
“Maybe.” What would they say if they knew we’d gone out last night? It hadn’t felt like a fling, it felt like the beginning of something huge.
“You never know when you’re going to meet someone who changes everything, your perspective, your focus,” Avery said thoughtfully.
I shivered at her words despite the warmth of the sun on my face. “I’m focused on Kids Speak and the firm.”
Hadley pointed a finger at me. “Those things are important, but it’s nice to have someone to come home to, share your day with.”
When Avery changed the subject, asking Hadley a question about a case she had, I all
owed myself to imagine what it would be like if I had someone to call on the way home to talk to about my day. If I had someone to talk about my worries concerning my parents. Would the tension in my shoulders ease? Would I feel lighter, better able to handle things?
My phone dinged with a text from Reid.
Reid: Hope you’re having a good night. I’m headed to bed. We’re traveling early tomorrow.
Dylan: Champagne Friday’s in full swing. Good luck this weekend. Let me know when you land.
Reid: I will.
I smiled, placing the phone faceup on the table in case he messaged again.
He knew nothing about my family or how much they needed me. I’d have to keep him at arm’s length. I shouldn’t be drawing him in too far.
Chapter Twenty
DYLAN
I headed home after brunch with my parents to catch the game. Settling on the couch in Reid’s jersey and leggings, I propped my feet on the coffee table, texting him, Good luck in the game today. I’ll be watching.
I wasn’t expecting a response.
Reid: I was just putting my phone in the locker when you texted. I’ll be thinking of you.
Dylan: You should be thinking of football.
Reid: Even if thoughts of you make me play better?
Dylan: I can’t argue with that logic.
Was he being cute or was it true? Did I make him play better? On our blind date, he’d mentioned not wanting to lose focus on football. That’s why he didn’t let anyone get close. I didn’t want to be the reason his priorities changed any more than I wanted him to change mine. Or did I?
Then I texted Avery and Hadley, telling them my parents had an interesting idea for Kids Speak. They said they might come over to talk.
I watched the pregame commentary, hoping to learn a few things while I waited for Avery and Hadley.
An hour later, they knocked.
I answered the door to find them holding grocery bags. “Wow. You brought a lot of food.”
Avery arranged things on the dining room table, opening a large tray of cannoli. “I wasn’t sure what to get, so I got everything. Nachos, fruit, veggies, fried chicken.”
“I’m not super hungry. I just had brunch with my parents.”
I leaned on the dining room table as Avery opened the containers of food.
I wondered if I should talk to them about my parents, and Reid. The conflict I felt between my obligation to them and my relationships. “I told them I was seeing Reid. It was only one official date, but we’ve spent time together because of Kids Speak, we text and talk otherwise.”
“You are? When did that happen?” Hadley placed a hand on her hip.
“You were holding out on us.” Avery reached over to smack my arm.
“He kissed me on Monday after the session at school then asked me out to dinner. We went to a sushi restaurant on Thursday. I didn’t want to say anything Friday because it was so new.” I had a few days to process. Now I wanted to share with friends.
“We’ll forgive you if you tell us everything from now on,” Hadley said.
“What did your parents’ think?” Avery piled a paper plate high with nachos before taking a seat on the couch, the announcers speaking in the background.
“That I should be careful. They don’t want our relationship interfering with my job, Kids Speak, them.” I grabbed a lime seltzer, having a seat in my armchair.
“What do you mean?” Avery wiped cheese off her chin.
“He’s a celebrity. Any bad press will affect Kids Speak, the firm.”
“He doesn’t seem like one of those guys who’s in the press for the wrong reasons," Hadley said.
I sighed, debating whether I should tell them everything. I could trust them. I needed to talk to someone about it. “It’s not just that. My parents don’t like me talking about what’s going on with them. They keep everything private. My mom has a health issue, one that’s unpredictable. It causes them a lot of stress. I visit them weekly to check in, make sure they’re doing okay.”
Hadley moved to sit on the edge of the couch nearest to me. “I’m sorry. We had no idea.”
“It’s something that bothers you?” Avery asked.
“Yes.” The weight of shouldering their health issues, both physical and mental were exhausting. I already felt lighter talking to them.
“You’ve never talked to anyone about it?” Avery placed her plate of nachos on the coffee table.
“No.”
“Wow. That must be tough. We’re here for you if you want to talk about it.”
“Thanks guys. I appreciate it.” Somehow, I felt less guilty not telling them the specifics of her illness.
Avery gave me a pointed look. “That’s what friends are for. That’s what you told me when I started trusting you with personal stuff.”
It was a reminder I needed. I couldn’t shoulder everything myself. “It’s not something I’m used to.”
Avery’s gaze met mine. “I get that. I didn’t trust anyone until recently either. But I found that things are better when you can share them, talk it out with someone.”
I already felt better, some of the tension eased from my shoulders. “My parents mentioned they have holiday galas for their charities each year. It’s a way to thank your investors and volunteers, drum up excitement for the progress you’ve made, even get more donations.”
“That’s an interesting idea,” Avery said.
“It would be a lot to plan, especially with the firm being so new,” Hadley said.
“It could be amazing.” I wasn’t sure why I was pushing it when it was adding to my responsibilities. I’d seen how successful the galas were for my parents. It could be the same for us.
“We’ll help you plan it.”
I held up my hand, feeling bad. I wanted to talk to them, not make them feel like they had to offer their help when they were busy with their own things. “No. That’s not why I brought it up. I don’t want you to shoulder the responsibility.”
“We’re in this together.” Hadley briefly touched my shoulder as she walked to the table for more snacks.
The idea of someone helping me plan the party was attractive.
“The game started.” Avery pointed at the TV, settling back on the couch.
Baltimore kicked the ball to Cleveland. Reid wasn’t on the field yet, so I went to get a plate of food since my stomach had settled. It would be nice to have help, to have someone to talk to.
“I wish Callie were here to explain things to us,” Hadley said.
“We should have invited her.” I enjoyed her company at the game.
“She doesn’t travel with Reid to the game, does she?” Hadley asked.
“I have no idea.”
“If not, we should bring her into the fold. She seemed cool,” Hadley said before turning her attention to the TV.
We watched the game in silence for a few minutes, watching Baltimore’s offense march down the field.
When Reid scored a touchdown, I threw my hands in the air, proud of him. I watched his end zone dance with Chase before pointing at the replay. “Did you see that? He’s so big he just ran over those guys.”
Avery covered her face. “Oh my God. Not only do you have it bad, you’re turning into one of those crazy fans. Next thing you know you’ll be wearing face paint.”
I’d be happy to sit at the game cheering for Reid. I wanted to be there for him. “I’m only crazed for Reid.”
Avery smirked. “You and a football player. I never would have guessed.”
“Me neither. I haven’t exactly been available the last few years. My parents don’t want anyone to know about Mom’s illness so I can’t bring anyone home. Eventually, men want to meet your family, come to the brunch I attend every Sunday.”
“So, you don’t let anything get too serious?” Hadley asked.
“Basically. I also haven’t met anyone I’d consider changing those rules for.”
Avery shifted on the couch to face me
. “Is Reid the guy?”
“I want him to be so badly. I want to lean on him. I want to tell him everything going on in my world.” After admitting my issues with my parents, I felt freer talking to them about Reid. It felt great.
When I researched him, all I discovered was that he was raised by a single mom and has two younger sisters,” Hadley said, her attention on the game.
A chill ran through me. “That’s all I know.”
Should I know more about him by now? Although it probably wasn’t fair to judge when I’d told him nothing about mine.
“Maybe if you open up to him. He’ll open up to you,” Avery said.
“You had trouble opening up to Griffin, right?” I remembered her struggle when she started dating Griffin, how he’d eased in slowly, touring Annapolis with his nephew, getting to know her before asking her out.
“Every time I’d push him away, he was so patient and understanding. If Reid is the guy for you, he should give you a little time.”
“You need to know things about each other to have a good relationship. You can’t keep stuff from him either,” Hadley said.
“I know.” I wanted to tell him but I was worried how he’d react.
Chapter Twenty-One
REID
I’d showered and eaten dinner with the other players quickly, wanting to get back to my room to talk to Dylan. My roommate Jonah went out with the rest of the guys to a club. I rarely went out after dinner, preferring to stay in. Settling on my hotel bed in a T-shirt and athletic pants, my phone buzzed.
Dylan: Good game today.
My heart picked up seeing her name on my screen, knowing she’d watched the game as promised.
Reid: You watched?
Dylan: I told you I would. The girls came over with food. It was fun.
Dylan: I was so proud of you when you scored.
