Page 111 of Even Odds
I don’t know, Mom . . . Impulsive? . . . No, this is what I want . . . I know it goes against . . . I don’t know what to say . . .
Outside the family lounge, I peer through the small glass window.
“I hate that she’s going to deal with so much stupidity because she’s dating me. From her boss. Social media.” I sigh. “She’s going to bleed for this. I’m not, which isn’t fair because we’re both in this relationship. I’m happy, the happiest I’ve ever been, but I know she’s just waiting for the other shoe to drop.” My heart stutters as I catch a glimpse of pink in the room. “That’s what kills me.”
After a long look, Dawson bonks the top of my head like a whack-a-mole game. “You’re right. It’s not fair, but Shay will stand tall like always. And you’ll be right beside her.”
“I will be,” I vow, rubbing my head. “For every damn step.”
Whatever comes next, she won’t face it alone.
The moment the door swings open, I’m beelining for the woman in pink who has my heart in her hands. I fold myself around her, lips finding her neck, and I bury myself there, wishing I could stay in her jasmine-scented safety forever.
“Well,” a chipper voice titters, “can’t say I’m surprised.”
Pulling my head from her collarbone, I recoil at the sight of the woman in front of me. There’s a reporter talking to my Shay while I drape myself all over her.
Way to go, Cade.
I paste on a smile. “Summer. Nice to see you again.”
Royal blue eyes shine at being remembered. “Andy Walker seems like a good choice as your new agent, though he’ll never be my favorite like this one.” She jams a crooked thumb in Shay’s direction. “Since the news broke that you two are no longer working together, I was asking Shay if you two were officially a couple or taking it slow.”
“And what did she say?” I ask, looking down at Shay.
Espresso-colored eyes roll. “I didn’t say anything. I was cut off.”
I say I don’t want to make her life any harder, then I go and directly throw her into the fire with a reporter. On autopilot, I shift into a more professional stance, but steady fingers catch my elbow and draw me closer until our arms are touching. When our pinkies hook, the tension in my shoulders unravel.
Summer slips her notepad into her tote and smiles. “To be honest, I was rooting for you two the whole time. But no matter what happens, Shay, remember that you’ve got people on your side. You don’t oweanyonean apology for being happy.”
I feel Shay’s gasp more than I hear it. She says the sly comments about her quitting to become a WAG don’t bother her, but I don’t see how that’s possible. Her job is everything to her.
“I know.” Shay’s voice is soft but strong. “But it’s nice to hear after the past few days, so thank you.” Then she pulls Summer into a hug.
This conversation has done more than Summer will ever know.
Stepping back, Summer blushes. “I’m planning a series on badass female agents, so I’ll be reaching out to you for an interview! Keep kicking ass, Shay! And support my girl, Cade. I’m counting on you!”
With a quick goodbye, Summer leaves the room.
The moment she’s gone, I take a half step away from Shay. “Sorry you had to spend the first half of our date watching me play baseball.” I swallow hard. “And I’m sorry if being with me is making your life har—”
My words are garbled as she grips the front of my shirt and slams our lips together in the crowded room.
“I made my decision, Cade, and if that means dealing with shitty people, then so be it. I’m not apologizing for being happy.” Then she pulls a pink sticky note out of her back pocket and waves it in my face. “Great game, by the way. I wrote you areallyimportant message.”
Nice ass #8
A laugh bursts out of me. “I see what was important tonight.”
“You in baseball pants?” She presses a kiss to her fingertips. “Chef’s kiss. Now, about the second half of this date.”
Hooking my arm over her shoulders, I lead her to the exit.
Clear Lake University isn’t a prime date location, but we’re back where it all started.
The lake that runs through campus sparkles like a black mirror, edged in the silver glow of the moon. Considering it’s half past eleven, my favorite town is asleep as we sit on a slope of grass. The first week of August has been unreasonably warm, but the breeze is cool against my skin.
