Page 75 of Lucky
Before I can say anything else, my phone buzzes on the table and I see it’s Winnie.Hope practice went well.I’m currently being serenaded by Sadie singing “I’m a Little Leprechaun” in full costume.She made me wear green eye shadow.
A grin breaks across my face, unbidden and warm.
Atlas catches it.“That Winnie?”
“Yeah.”I fire off a reply.Tell Sadie she’s the only leprechaun I’ll ever pledge allegiance to.How was your day?
I set my phone down, not expecting an immediate reply since she’s with her niece.But I know she’ll text at some point.We’ve maintained constant contact while I’ve been on this road trip, mostly by text, but some great phone calls too.
“She seems really good for you,” Atlas says, eyeing me like he already knows where this is going.
“She is.It’s stupid how fast it happened, but I don’t care.The more I’m away from her, the more I know.She’s the one.”
“You told her that yet?”
I shake my head.“Not in so many words.But I’m gonna.First, I need to survive these next couple days without doing something pathetic.”
Atlas leans back.“Like texting her every hour?”
“Too late,” I mutter, making him laugh.
Atlas drains the rest of his beer and rises from the table.“One more?My treat.”
“Yup,” I reply, and he heads off to the bar.
I nab my phone again and call my mom.She answers on the second ring.“Matteo Branson.To what do I owe this honor?”
I grin.“Hey, Ma.”
“Oh no.You’re using your sweet voice.What’s going on?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” I assure her.“I just wanted to confirm your flight.You’re still coming in for the Vegas game?”
“Yes!And I can’t wait to see you.”
“Same.”My mom travels to many of my games in Pittsburgh and some that aren’t.
“Will I get to meet Winnie?”she asks coyly.
“That’s… kind of why I’m calling.I was wondering if I can talk you into an authentic Italian meal while you’re here?”
“I’ve got your back.”She laughs and I hear the pure joy in her voice.“I really can’t wait to meet her.I don’t know what this is, but I love watching it unfold on TikTok.”
“Yeah, well… not sure how much more we’ll post about it.Winnie’s getting some blowback and while she’s putting on a brave face, I know it bothers her.”
“I saw the way you stood up for her in some of those comments.I’m proud of you and also so very happy.I don’t know what this will become, but it has all the promise in the world.”
Yeah… it does.
I spy Atlas heading back and cut the call short.“Listen… I gotta go, but I’ll see you in a few days.”
“Play well tomorrow.I love you.”
“Love you too.”
Atlas settles into his chair and slides a fresh brew across the table.My phone buzzes in my hand and I see it’s from Foster in a group chat we have going.Need everyone at the Rustwood Room this Saturday evening around 7.Mazzy singing with Leo.Then I’m proposing.Keep it secret.
I stare at the message, my heart doing something weird.“Holy shit,” I say, holding the phone up for Atlas to see.He’s on the group chat but his phone is tucked away.
