Page 5 of The Charmer
“Breathe, Jayde,” Scott demands, leaning forward. “You never do anything you don’t want to. The fact that you said yes means deep down, you want to go. You’re curious about this…spark, between you and Keller. Don’t psych yourself out about it. And don’t admit this to anyone, because I’ll deny it, but Keller is one of the nicest guys on the team. He’s a good man and if you let yourself, I think you could have a great weekend with him.”
I huff, letting the air out so it blows my bangs away from my forehead. “Scott, I suck at dating.”
My boss freaking grins. “I know.”
I flip him the middle finger and he laughs. “Put it this way, if you go and nothing comes of it, at least you don’t have to wonder ‘what if?’ And, if something does come of it, you’ll be too happy to regret going. And…you won’t have to see this ugly mug for a long weekend.” He cheeses really hard, and I roll my eyes.
But, there’s that concept again.What if?
What if Reese and I have a future? Since my ex and I called it quits, there’s been no one. A handful of dates through online sites but nothing real. There’s been no one who’s made my heart race or my blood heat, the way it always does around Reese.
And, if I’m being honest with myself, which I loathe doing, I haven’t stopped thinking about Reese Keller either. I haven’t stopped wondering…what if?
What if I give this weekend a real chance? If it goes well, I embrace it, like a normal person with normal emotions. And if sucks…well, then I know. I can move on the same way I have from my ex-boyfriend.
“Get out of here, Jayde. You gotta pack,” Scott reminds me.
I heave out another breath. At the panic that must be obvious on my face, Scott’s expression softens. “It’s going to be okay. You got this.”
“Yeah,” I agree, hardening my tone so Scott doesn’t worry too much. I hate letting my guard down; I hate wearing my heart on my sleeve. “I got it.”
He tries, and fails, to hide his smirk. “See you Monday.”
“See ya.” I give a little wave and leave his office.
As I head for the exit, my nervousness spikes. My mind spins.
What am I doing? Why did I say yes? I waited for months after Reese’s rejection burned me from the inside out. But I’d be lying if I said I didn’twonder. About him and us and…a stupid future.
No, I’ve made my decision. I’m giving this weekend the chance it deserves. I’m giving Reese and me and a potential us a true chance to develop into something more.
Wait, do I have a cute bathing suit? Fuck, do I even have a cocktail dress for a beach wedding? My style leans edgier. I like black with pops of color. I love a good ripped pair of tights and sparkly bling. I don’t do pastels or peach or whatever the hell is trending.
I pause at the end of the corridor, trying to recall everything in my closet. I have nothing to wear!
“Hey!” A friendly voice greets me.
I turn and nearly weep with relief when I see Abbi Walsh. She’s the girlfriend of Hawks goalie, Luca Pandatelli, and head of Youth Outreach. She also owns a killer wardrobe. We sharea slice of the same personality and if anyone can relate to my unease—and loan me a dress—it’s her.
“What’s wrong?” she asks immediately, her eyebrows drawing together.
I take a deep breath and then, I blurt out the whole story. All of it. Taps and Reese and the past year, before getting to the wedding weekend and my lack of attire.
When I’m done, Abbi is smiling. Jeez, what is wrong with these people? Don’t they realize how dire the situation is?
“Calm down, girl. I got you,” she says easily. “I’ve got one more meeting and then I’m heading home. I’ll swing by your apartment tonight with a bunch of options. You’ll be good to go in no time and Jayde, the way Reese looks at you, there’s something there. Don’t overthink it.” She tilts her head. “Even when it’s in your nature,” she adds before I can interject. “I got you.”
I nod, starting to calm down because I believe her.
Over the past four years, the Boston Hawks have become my second family. I’m not a warm and fuzzy girl. I never joined a sorority or had sleepovers with my friends. I always kicked it with the boys. But the BHH girls, as they’ve taken to calling themselves, have always gone out of their way to make me feel included.
“Thanks, Abbi.”
“Don’t mention it.” She squeezes my arm. “I’ll see you later.”
And she does. Abbi Walsh shows up with Chloe Crawford, the captain’s girlfriend. They bring armfuls of dresses and skirts, linen pants and cropped tops. Between the three of us, we’re able to pull together the necessary outfits so that when I arrive at the airport to meet Reese, I’m only mildly, instead of full-blown, panicking.
I’m fucking panicking.
