Page 56 of Go Away, Darling

“Most of the guys are like Chris. There are absolutely a few Beau’s, but by and large, from Chris’s teammates to all the former players I interviewed over the winter, they all had a different attitude. Calmer, more introspective. A desire to be both a teammate and individually excellent. Plus, baseball is just not as glamorous as football.”

“I can see that. So you’re happy?”

I took a moment to breathe, to think through all the swirling emotions and possibilities. “He loves it here. He’s not an islander by birth, but by spirit. This is his home and he’s become so a part of our lives I can’t imagine him not being here.”

“He really stepped up while you were traveling.”

My heart skipped a few beats at the thought of how devoted Chris was to Linc. He was the kind of father I dreamed of. Attentive, funny, and he took the time to learn about Linc’s interests, even if they seemed weird. “You think so?”

“Yeah.” She pushed her melting glass of water around, creating a pool of water on the table. “I saw them a couple of times. Once with Summer at the ice cream shop, and another time when he was picking Linc up from baseball. He’s...well, he’s a natural. They both looked so happy. I realized I was being judgmental and putting my own crap on your relationship. Plus, I caught a couple of games where the camera panned to Linc, you, and Summer, and it all just looked so right. Every single one of you was smiling and happy.”

“Linc wants us to get married. He informed me last night over dinner.”

Berlin laughed loud and clear. “I love that kid.”

“So will you give him a chance? For me?”

“He plays ball because he loves the game, not because he wants the fame.” She snorted. “That rhymed. That’s awesome.” She chuckled again, pleased with her word play. “Anyway, Chris looks at you the way my dad looked at my mom. Like you’re a gift in his life and every day is a present he can’t wait to unwrap. Let him unwrap you, Olivia. And enjoy it.”

“That’s beautiful.”

She shrugged. “I was wrong.”

I noticed she didn’t ask me to support Ryker. I would if she asked, but I firmly believed they were too different for this to work out. “So...Jack’s brother is one of Chris’s teammates…” Erik and I had a chance to chat about Jack and Berlin on several occasions. Jack was torn up over their divorce and I wasn’t sure if I was doing the right thing or not by telling Berlin.

But I did it anyway.

“Yeah,” she sighed. “It’s hard to miss Erik Cassidy in the news. If there’s anything I regret losing in the divorce, it’s Erik. He was always so good to me.”

“He comes down to fish with Chris sometimes. Maybe I can arrange a lunch or something the next time you're both in town? Zoe is amazing.”

Berlin smiled. “Imightstalk Zoe Hyde’s Instagram account. They seem really, really happy together.”

I tossed some bread at her. “Get real. You stalk Wes Allen’s Instagram account.” Wes was Erik’s best friend and he frequently posted shirtless videos and pictures. Wes Allen’s account was a delight to follow for women everywhere.

“Everyonestalks Wes Allen’s account. But when I saw Erik got together with Zoe I was curious. I follow her now too.”

Annabella dropped off our food and scurried away without a word. I dug into my food and let the subject drop for a few minutes. So I was surprised when Berlin did the questioning.

“So...how is...he?”

“Jack’s good. Healthy but sad, according to Erik. He’s...different.”

Berlin’s eyebrow shot up. “Different how? He bosses around a new woman every day or just every week?”

I winced. Her pain was so valid. “Erik thinks Jack was a selfish jerkoff, but because he didn’tknowhe was an asshole until you left him, he’s had an awakening. Apparently he’s no longer selfish or a jerkoff.”

“According to his little brother.” Berlin shook it off. “Well I’m happy for whatever woman reaps the benefits and I’m glad I’m no longer stuck with a selfish prick in my life. Ryker may be boring but he’s kind and he cares about me.” She dug back into her food.

I let the entire subject drop. I finished my food and pushed the plate away. “So what’s the latest on London and Ben?” The last I heard there were sleepovers taking place at Chris’s house, which seemed like very good news for everyone on Couple Watch.

Seriously, there was a whole island dating pool going. I’m ashamed (I’m not ashamed) to say I had a bet in and my day was fast approaching. So them getting together was kind of critical.

Berlin didn’t meet my gaze as she shrugged, but the pink on her cheeks told me something big was coming. Whenever Berlin tried to lie she blushed. “Well, all I can say is there is a plan that may or may not involve all the Kaine brothers, so you might want to ask your future husband for details instead of me.”

My future husband.“I think Linc is putting the cart before the horse. Maybe we should just date for a little while. Like normal people.”

But Berlin scoffed. “Normal is boring. Don’t be boring, Olivia. It doesn’t suit you.”

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