Page 21 of The Run Option

“Yes, ma’am, of course.” She pauses, and an uneasy feeling slithers down my spine. “But I did want to warn you that the insurance didn’t cover as much of the cost as we’d discussed before.”

My stomach drops. Not another thing. I can’t handle this too.

“What’s the difference?” I ask.

“Maybe you should come by and we can discuss payment plans,” she suggests.

I start to feel sick.

“What is the difference?” I repeat my question in a soft tone.

“$13,435,” she says, her tone sympathetic.

I pinch the bridge of my nose and will myself not to break down again. Insurance was supposed to cover so much more of that expense. There’s no way I can afford that on top of the hospital bill and physical therapy appointments. I’d move in with her to take care of her myself, but I can’t do that if I’m in Canada. My parents can help with some of the costs, but not enough to make a difference. And I don’t want them to worry about this on top of worrying about Granny’s health. My dad hasbeen stressed enough since Granddaddy died, he doesn’t need another reason.

“Miss Willow?” the woman asks in a gentle tone.

“Yes, I’m sorry, I was just thinking. I will look at some options and get back to you.”

“Okay, that sounds good.” She sounds as unsure as I feel.

I hang up, my stomach in knots. When I look back down at my phone, I see the texts between me and Jason. After checking to see if anyone is looking through my office window, I slide out the ring box and open it in my lap. The diamond somehow manages to sparkle even beneath the shade of my desk. A ring like this…it tells everyone the woman wearing it hasmoney. The kind of money that doesn’t bat an eye at medical bills. Thirteen thousand dollars is nothing to Jason. It’s the equivalent of grabbing a coffee before work. He wouldn’t even notice it leaving his account.

I slowly pull the ring out of the cushion and slide it onto my finger. It’s a touch big, just enough that I can easily twist it around, but not so much that it’s in danger of falling off.

I flex my fingers, shifting my hand so that the light catches the gem at different angles.

Could I really marry Jason Kingsley?

I swallow.

Do I have another choice?

I grab my phone and type out another text.

Willow: I don’t know how to ask this, but I just found out that my granny has some medical bills that insurance won’t cover. Would you be able to help with that if we were married?

My face flames as embarrassment overwhelms me. I’m not a fan of asking for help in general, but this is so much worse. I know that this deal helps him too. Without me, it’s going to take a lot to rebuild his reputation. Even if I make a statement sayingthings aren’t what they look like, people are liable to see it as him bribing me for my compliance like so many players in the league have done in the past. But knowing that doesn’t ease the sting of the facts. I’d be marrying him for all the wrong reasons.

Jason: Of course. What’s mine would be yours.

I press my lips together as a strange sense of relief washes over me. I’m still embarrassed over the situation, but there’s a way to fix it. I could stay in the country, keep my job, clear my name, and take care of my granny. How could I ever turn something like that down? Even Jason’s sordid past can’t tip the scale on this decision.

Willow: Okay, I’m in. Let’s get married.

My nausea returns, and I bounce my leg in nervous anticipation.

Jason: I’ll let Brock know. We should probably meet tonight to discuss what we’re telling everyone. We’re bound to get a ton of questions. How about I pick you up after you get done with work? We can get dinner somewhere quiet.

Willow: Sounds good.

It doesn’t sound good, though, it soundsterrifying.

Jason: Okay, it’s a date.

A date.I place a hand over my mouth in shock. I’m going on a date with Jason Kingsley, myfuture husband.

Chapter eleven

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