Page 35 of The Riskiest Move

“Hopefully, we’ll be successful pulling it off.”

“I saw the pictures taken of you at that charity event, and you looked pretty damn convincing to me.”

“Really? I have to admit it was weird having hundreds of people I didn’t know staring at us.”

“I bet.” She shudders. “It’s horrifying just thinking about it.”

Autumn leans forward, looking around me at Cassie. “How do you like living in Virginia?”

“It’s okay. I haven’t made many friends yet, at least not outside of my workplace. But I don’t really want to hang out with people I work with. If that makes sense.”

“Actually, it does. I don’t hang out with the people I work with either. It’s nice to have that separation between your place of employment and your refuge,” Autumn says.

Cassie nods. “Exactly.”

“Where do you work?” I ask.

“At a cafe in Virginia Beach.”

“Oh really? Which one?”

“Beach Vibes.”

“I’ve been there. It’s got a great vibe,” I say.

“And great coffee,” Autumn adds. “I wish the food was better, though.”

“Autumn.” I say her name in a scolding manner.

“What?” she asks.

“It’s not nice to insult the place she works.”

Cassie laughs. “I don’t do the baking there. If I did, it would be much better.”

“Then maybe you should,” Autumn says.

Cassie smiles with a considering look in her eyes. “Maybe I should. I’ve been thinking about suggesting some new recipes to the owner.”

“You should,” I encourage. “If you’re passionate about baking, why not share your talents?”

She nods, looking thoughtful. “You’re right. The worst she can say is no.”

“Exactly,” Autumn agrees. “And who knows, maybe it could lead to bigger opportunities down the line.”

Our conversation is interrupted by the announcer’s voice booming through the stadium, signaling the start of the game. The crowd roars as the teams take the field.

A surge of excitement runs through me as I spot Cooper jogging out with the offense. Even from this distance, I notice the determined set of his shoulders.

“Go, Cooper!” Cassie yells, cupping her hands around her mouth.

Autumn and I join in, cheering loudly.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please rise for the national anthem,” the announcer cuts in, silencing us, along with the rest of the fans.

We stand with the rest of the crowd, hands over our hearts as the anthem plays. The energy in the stadium builds as the song concludes, and the teams take the field for kickoff.

“Here we go!” Autumn shouts excitedly as our team lines up to receive the kick.

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