Page 106 of Off the Wall

I inhale deeply, letting the truth of her words fill me up. “That you’re good?”

“We’re good,” East says. “And you’ve always been good, too. We love you, Nor.” His voice goes gravelly. “There’s nothing we wouldn’t do for you. You know that, right?”

“I do.” I drop my gaze, swallowing the tears in my throat. “But could you maybe do a little less checking up on me, and a little more waiting for me to come to you?” I look up again, darting my eyes between him and Becca. “Like I did today.”

“Fine.” East’s mouth curves into a smile. “But maybe don’t try so hard to control the things you can’t change. Just be okay with what is.”

Becca reaches for her phone. “Let’s be okay with what isafterwe talk to a lawyer.”

I bob my head. “Deal.”

What we learn from Phoenix Fernsby is that Swipe Rite can’t sue me if I refuse to pick a final match and date him publicly for the next month. TheWho Will Nori Choosecampaign wasn’t a part of the original contract. Neither was their offer of the extra five-thousand-dollar bonus.

However. Swipe Rightcanrefuse to pay me any more money, and they can ask me to return the sum they already gave, if I fail to date all ten men.

Still. Like East said. I wouldn’t be failing.

I’d be learning what doesn’t work for me.

Now I just have to figure out what will.

Chapter Forty

Cash

The last timemy entire family was gathered around looking this grim,Iwas the one in a hospital bed waking up from surgery. And just like that day, I can’t meet anyone’s eyes. Half of them are red from crying, and the other half are trying hard not to.

And I’m not talking about Tilly.

“Son, the LA territory does sound like a great opportunity,” my dad says. “We’re just gonna miss you. That’s all.”

“I’ll miss you, too, Dad.”

“But what about the baby?” my mother wails.

“I’ll probably leave her here with her parents, Mom.”

“Thanks, man.” Cullen snorts. “We kinda want to keep her.”

I glance at my tiny niece asleep in her bassinet, unaware of the drama unfolding so close to her. “I’ll visit,” I say. “And everyone’s welcome to come to the West Coast. Anytime.” I hazard a chuckle. “I hear the weather there’s pretty perfect.”

“Cash Briggs.” My mother points out the window. “Summer in Massachusetts is heaven on earth, and you won’t convince me otherwise.”

“On the flip side,” I push back, “I won’t have to shovel snow in winter.”

“No white Christmas?” She covers her mouth. “I didn’t even think of that.”

“So, I’ll come home for the holidays.”

“Good luck making that happen.” My dad lets out a guffaw. “You never take time off.”

“Well, neither of my careers lent themselves to long vacations, did they, Dad?” At this point, I feel a little like I’m facing a parental firing squad. “Before this job, I was either playing ball or training to play. Year-round.”

He pulls down his brow. “That’s how you get to be the best, son.”

“And that’s all I want to be.” I glance at Lauren, who’s been unusually quiet. “So I guess you’re not going to miss me, huh?” I smirk, to keep things light. The room’s felt heavy since I told my family about the move. And about Nori. And about Serendipi-Tea and her Spring Into Love promotion. And frankly, that’s not the atmosphere my niece deserves for her first full day of life.

“I’m just thinking,” Lauren says. “Dad’s right. LA does sound like a great opportunity.” She meets my gaze. “Ifthat’s what you want.”

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