Page 121 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
I rubbed the back of my neck. “It’s too soon for that.”
“You’re talking to us—that’s a huge step,” he said. “But yeah, about the career switch . . . It helped that I wasn’t giving up basketball just for Tala. Don’t get me wrong, I wanted more time with her and that definitely influenced my decision. But I also figured that I didn’t love my job anyway. Why stay when I had the chance to get the girlandthe career I really wanted?”
I nodded as I took in his words, then I realized they couldn’t see my reaction. “That makes sense.”
“Are you considering quitting your job at Sterling U?” Jason asked.
“And my doctorate.”
“Oh.”
“There’s no point continuing one without the other.”
“I can see why.” He paused for a second and said, “Did you want to ask me anything else?”
“Don’t rush him,” Tala murmured.
I spoke up. “Actually, no. I know everything I need to know.”
“Really?” she asked in disbelief.
“That was quick.” Jason chuckled. “For what it’s worth, the hardest part was telling my coach and teammates.”
“Don’t forget your mom,” Tala added.
“Oh, yeah. Her too. Everything after that came easier than I expected. And it was the best decision I’d ever made—next to going after the girl of my dreams, that is.”
“Nice,” Tala told him. “Just cause of that, I forgive you for that line earlier.”
They laughed together, and I joined them.
I’d already made up my mind before I called Tala. Talking to her and Jason only cemented that I wanted this with Luna—this sense of belonging and ease that came when two people trusted each other completely. I needed to work on becoming the man Luna deserved, but I would do whatever it took to be with her.
“Just a heads-up, you’ll have to win Lonzo over,” Tala warned. “And Papa too. Mama will be easier, but the guys are another story.”
“I know.” Convincing them I was the right man for Luna would be a challenge given the distance, but I’d fly to the Philippines if I had to. “Has your dad adjusted to you two living together yet?”
She snorted while Jason simply chuckled. “If by adjusted, you mean him sending me wedding-related articles practically every week, then sure,” she said.
They caught me up on news from Manila then wished me luck with my plans. After we hung up, I finally opened the message I’d gotten from my father hours ago.
Cesar
Can you call when you have time?
I would . . . but first, I needed to prepare myself for that conversation. Anyway, it was almost two a.m. in Rio now, so I could leave that for tomorrow.
I drained my liquor and proceeded with step two.
Scheduling a meeting with Nora.
chapter thirty-eight
luna
Mama
How was the rest of your birthday, Luna?
