Page 79 of Play For Keeps

“I assumed there was an ex somewhere in the picture, but my brother hasn’t said much.”

“There is an ex. He lives in Brookmont, where Birdie and I lived until last March.” I tell them a little about my history with Grant, my decision to move to Reed Point with Birdie, and his demands now that we return. I don’t get into the really awful parts. Jules and Sierra listen intently with wide eyes. I can only imagine how they would react if they heard the whole story.

“My God, I am so sorry. You are dealing with a lot,” Jules says with sincerity. “And now you’ve found Jake. I guess that further complicates things.”

“It does.” I pause. “I wasn’t looking for someone. In fact, I had sworn off men all together, but Jake walked into my life, and he got it right where my ex-husband got everything wrong. It finally feels like I’m not the only one giving my all.”

I just wish I could fully act on my feelings. I wish I could tell him I love him. But that will only make things more difficult when we have to say goodbye.

“So, what are you going to do?” Sierra asks softly.

I sigh. “I have to move back. I don’t have another choice, and I can’t ask your brother to come with me.”

Jake owns a business; he has a family and great friends and a full life here in Reed Point. I could never ask that of him.

“If you two love each other enough, you’ll find a way,” Jules says with conviction in her voice. “Trust me. I know.”

Jules tells me about her relationship with Beckett, about the obstacles they faced to be together—her family’s disapproval, the fact that he had a very big job offer waiting for him in London. Sierra and Grayson also had to overcome some challenges, she tells me, but eventually, they figured it out. Their stories give me hope.

“I care about him a lot.”

“He’s a good one, Everly,” Sierra says. “He’s honest and giving, and he’s obviously crazy about you. Guys like him don’t come around often. Do everything you can to find a way to be together if that’s what you want. He’ll love you forever.”

My throat gets tight at the thought. I’ve imagined a future with Jake and Birdie, and more babies with his green eyes and dark hair. I can picture a life with him.

But life doesn’t always work out like you planned. I should know that better than anyone.

JAKE

“That’s it! Keep peddling!” I holler at Birdie once my hand leaves the back of her seat. She rides without my help for a few beats before her handlebars swerve to one side and she plants a foot down to stop from falling. “That was great! A little more practice and you’re almost there.”

She drops her bike to the ground and snaps open the helmet buckle under her chin.

“You ready to have some lunch?” I ask, walking towards her, holding my hand out for a high-five. She winds up and claps my hand.

“Yeah, all that bike riding has made me hungry.”

“Okay, let’s go see your mom.”

I carry her bike back to the apartment, Birdie skipping ahead of me. When we step inside, Everly is on the phone.

“I haven’t said anything to Birdie, but I’ll have to soon. I’m making decisions today.” She pauses. “Thanks, mom. I know… I feel the same. I’ve loved living here so much.” Loved, past tense. My heart aches hearing her say that. I understand she has to go; I would do the same if I were in her shoes. I only wish things were different. I prop Birdie’s bike next to the door and walk to the kitchen for a glass of water. I don’t want to hover, but I do want to hear what she has to say. “I gotta run. Jake’s back with Birdie.” There’s another pause. “I will. I love you.”

She ends the call and gets to her feet, an uneasy expression on her beautiful face. “Hey,” she says, walking towards me. “Is Birdie in her room?”

“She is.”

“How did it go?”

“She’s so close. I give it another week and she’ll be riding her bike without help.” But you won’t be here for me to see it.

I brush her hair back from her face, and Everly sighs as if she can read my mind. “You’re going soon, aren’t you?”

“I have to.” Her forehead drops to my chest and my hand instinctively goes to the back of her head. She starts to cry.

“Don’t cry, baby. Please don’t cry. We’ll figure this out.” I hold her close.

“It’s all so overwhelming. I don’t know what to do first. I can’t find a rental on such short notice. There’s nothing.”

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