Page 123 of Off-Limits as Puck

“You sound like someone just told you your dog died. This is good news, Reed. Career-defining good news.”

“I know. I just... need some time to process.”

“Process what? They’re offering you stability, respect, a chance to be a cornerstone player instead of a reclamation project. What’s to process?”

What’s to process is that Chelsea’s been back in Phoenix for three weeks, and every conversation we’ve had has felt like we’re both holding our breath, waiting for someone to make a decision that changes everything. What’s to process is that this contract feels like choosing Boston over possibility, stability over love, the safe choice over the right choice.

“I’ll call you back,” I tell Jerry.

“Reed—”

“I need to call Chelsea first.”

“Christ. You’re really going to let a woman dictate your career decisions?”

“I’m going to talk to the person I love about the biggest decision of my professional life. There’s a difference.”

I hang up before he can argue, then immediately dial Chelsea’s number. She answers on the second ring, sounding distracted.

“Hey. Bad time?”

“No, just reading. What’s up?”

“Boston offered me a three-year extension. Full contract, no movement clause. Jerry’s practically having an orgasm over the terms.”

Silence. Then: “That’s... wow. That’s huge, Reed. Congratulations.”

“Thanks.” I pause, trying to read her tone through two thousand miles of distance. “You sound thrilled.”

“I am. I’m happy for you. This is what you’ve been working toward.”

“But?”

“But nothing. It’s a great opportunity.”

“Chelsea.”

“What?”

“Talk to me. Really talk to me. What are you thinking?”

Another pause, longer this time. I can almost hear her choosing words carefully.

“I’m thinking this is exactly what you deserve. Recognition for how hard you’ve worked to become someone better. Proof that people see you as more than your mistakes.”

“That’s your therapist voice.”

“What?”

“That’s your professional, supportive, completely neutral therapist voice. I want to know what Chelsea thinks.”

“Chelsea thinks...” She sighs. “Chelsea thinks this complicates things. But Chelsea also thinks your career shouldn’t be complicated by her geography issues.”

“What if I want it to be complicated?”

“Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

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