Page 80 of Biggest Player
It’s one kid, not seven. I can handle that.
“You said you didn’t want to date someone with kids.”
I know what I said! Everyone keeps reminding me! Do I have to get it stamped across my forehead, jeez!
“Am I not entitled to change my mind?” I grind out the words, agitated, not wanting to explain myself. Again. It was bad enough rambling on like a fucking idiot in the movie-theater parking lot. Never have I ever spewed such nonsense.
No,I said.It’s been on my mind a few times and today, well. Today, I just ... couldn’t ignore it anymore. I couldn’t keep pretending that what we have is casual when it’s anything but, and I honestly don’t want to be friends.
Jesus Christ.
I sounded like a moron and can’t believe she bought it.
Not that I don’tlikeMargot, but it goes against the boundaries I set for myself and told her on replay, and now I look fucking wishy-washy changing my mind.
Thanks to Trent.
In the camera’s view, I can see Landon hesitating and his dog, Kevin—a cowboy corgi—in the background, sniffing the floor beneath one of their pristine white cabinets, looking for crumbs.
Honestly, I’m a bit shocked by the fact that Landon hasn’t yet bought a bigger house since he signed to play for this new team, in a new city, but instead moved in with his girlfriend.
I guess time will tell.
Maybe bigger, better houses aren’t his thing.
My eyes go to the ceiling of my own kitchen, and I eyeball the shiny, glistening monster of a modern chandelier hanging above the round table.
“Are you entitled to change your mind? Of course you are.” He pauses. “But did you actually? You’re cool with kids, now?”
I mean . . .
“Eh.”
“Eh? What the hell does that mean?”
And here we are at a crossroads. I can either go left and tell him the truth, or I can go right—and lie.
It’s now or never.
“Dude. What I’m about to say youcannotrepeat.”
The tone of my voice has Landon stopping what he’s doing to give me his full attention.
“Oh shit.” He’s staring at me now, a carrot in his hand. “What?”
Let’s see, how do I say this without sounding like a world-class asshole?
“It was an accident.”
Shoot. Not what I meant to say.
I try again as I watch Landon take a bite of carrot. “What I meant was—my intention wasn’t to date her at all. But then I was having a chat, and the subject came up about how dating a single mom might actually be good for my reputation? Not that I’m a complete shithead, you know? Just that teams like someone family friendly, and I date models.”
My buddy stops chewing. “Dude, no.”
I nod. Yes.
“Dude, stop fucking around, this isn’t funny.”
