But I set a goal tojust be, so I’m going to try my hardest.
A crisp crack of the bat sends a wave of gasps through the stands. Little do they know that this time, I’m ready. My cleats dig into the dirt as I shift to the left, glove low and knees bent. Muscle memory kicks in before doubt has a chance to whisper in my ear and tell me I’m too slow.
Leather meets the ball with a snap, and I flip it to Marco at second base, who rifles it to Garrett at first base. The double play draws a chorus of screams, but for the first time, I’m not reveling in everybody else’s excitement.
I’m reveling in mine.
Chapter Twenty-Three
“She can’t keep thisup. Her hip is bound to give out soon.”
I nudge Kenneth’s shoulder. “Don’t be so sure about that. Nan will probably outlive us.”
The All-Star Game after-party isn’t like any party I’ve been to. Star athletes mingle with rookies, agents dance with PR reps, and more people are starting to join Nan on the dance floor. There are no velvet ropes or VIP sections. Just good music, sweaty bodies, expensive drinks, and the kind of electric joy that makes you forget it’s way past bedtime.
The DJ is playing all of Nan’s favorites, from Abba to the Bee Gees. Her red hair hasn’t dulled with age, the fiery color shimmering under the lights as she spins Mallory to “Boogie Wonderland.”
Perched thirty floors above the city, the Whittaker Hotel’s rooftop bar pulses with an electric energy I haven’t felt since college. Dimmed yellow bulbs crisscross like constellations above us. Glass railings offer an uninterrupted view of the skyline, where the lights below flicker like champagne bubbles.
“At least she’ll sleep well tonight,” I say, waving the bartender down for another glass of water. “You’ll probably have to carry her to the car though.”
“Mallory or Nan?” he asks.
I spot the two women forming a conga line. “Both.”
Kenneth’s sigh straddles the line between a laugh and a yawn, but he doesn’t sit down. After the fourth player slid behind Mallory, he has refused to take his eyes off the dance floor, ready to physically remove the next sucker who tries to make a move.
It must be exhausting having a hot, perfect girlfriend.
At least she can fight.
“Today was really nice. I’m glad we were all here today.” The bar creaks under his heavy weight when he leans against it. “And thanks for taking care of Cade.”
I pick at my nail. “It’s my job. No need to thank me.”
“Duh, short stuff. I know it’s your job to be his agent, but instead of punishing him for what happened between you two, you’re helping him in ways only you can.” His attention finally strays from the dance floor to the corner of the bar. “Everyone knew Cade was going to be a star. People tried to take advantage of his light and his kindness, clinging to him in hopes they’d get something from him. Old friends. Jon.” His jaw works angrily, and I wonder how much he knows. “But you? You don’t want anything from Cade. You never have.”
I look up at the man who stole my best friend’s heart two years ago. Even before he and I became friends, I knew his love for the people in his life burned bright.
He’s the best partner for Mallory and the best friend for Cade.
My head falls against his boulder shoulder. “I’m glad you’re my best-friend-in-law.”
“I’m glad you’re mine too.”
After a quick hug, Kenneth rushes to the dance floor to join Mallory, Nan, Jo, and Adri, but since I’m in work mode, I stay put and sip my water.
Against my better judgement, I let my eyes roam, and they find Cade almost instantly. He has always been the center of attention, and not because he goes looking for it; it finds him. In the tailored lavender pants and fitted white T-shirt, it’s hard not to notice him. Which explains the women swarming him like bugs searching for light. The number seems to multiply every time I look.
That’s why I swore to stop checking in on him an hour ago.
But our eyes meet as I lift the glass to my lips.
A second passes. Then two. After three, he winks.
And at this moment, I hate every single one of my rules.
“Shaylene Turner?”
