Page 152 of The Americana Playbook

Parker presses her lips together. “Your future?” she asks. “Or his?”

Her question suddenly makes me realize the answer. “He piggy-backed off of me to climb up the ladder.” I swallow painfully. “He trained me like a damn workhorse and so I’d carry him up.”

“You would know better than me,” she says softly. “Football is your world, not mine.”

Maybe I know football. But Parker knows abuse. And I’m not sure I can say with certainty I’ve experienced it. I just have a feeling if I haven’t, I’ve come pretty damn close.

I let go of her hand to cup her face. “I’m so sorry,” I whisper. “I never should’ve listened to him. I let himself believe he had my best interests at heart and… I don’t know that he ever really did. You’ll never know how hard I wish I could go back and do the right thing.”

Parker takes a deep breath, and I taste the forgiveness that floats on the exhale, I feel it in the way she reaches up and holds onto my wrist. “It’s heartbreaking to realize someone you love isn’t even someone you know.”

It is. But as I tug Parker down and nestle her against me, I realize the opposite is true too. It’s so comforting to realize the person you love has been the same all along.

I run my hands through the soft strands of her hair. “What about Cam?”

Parker sighs. “I need to know what it will take for him to move that bill back into committee. If me testifying or giving a statement is enough.”

My mouth twists. “And you’re okay doing that?”

The lawsuit is one thing. But testifying in front of Congress? With her father as the sitting president? That’s something else.

“What about the convention and your parents? Will you still go through with that?”

“As of now, that’s what they think.” Parker lets out a heavy exhale. “Using the truth todosomething is more important than just putting it out there and walking away. It will be hard, but I’m going to be okay. Maybe not right away, but one day, I will.”

I know you won’t see this until after the game, I just wanted to tell you how handsome you look in your uniform.

I can’t wait to be there to cheer you on.

jersey, jacket, your number on my face, I’ll pull out all the stops.

Fitzy

Good. There shouldn’t be any doubt about who you belong to.

I rollmy eyes and look at the TV, which has gone to a commercial instead of live coverage of the stadium in Tampa.

Shouldn’t you be warming up or something?

Fitzy

That’s done. Just wanted to check and see if you needed me.

Abby is on her way. We will be okay.

Fitzy

Yes. You will.

I lock my phone and sigh, trying not to feel guilty that I’m not there, even if this game isn’t a big deal for Fitz personally. That team? They were part of our wedding.

The doorbell rings and I jump, hurrying over to open it. I told Agent Samuels that Abby was coming and Cam would follow later.

“Come in.” I hold open the door. “Thanks for coming here to do this. I didn’t want to risk meeting somewhere public.”

Abby’s eyes grow wide as she takes in the space.

“Are you okay?”

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