I snicker at the visual. “Sorry to hear.”
“You don’t sound like it.”
We let laughter take over.
“I miss hearing your laugh in person, Doe.”
More silence.
“I wanted to call you to thank you for your donation to the center. I’m speechless.”
“I told Ms. Amber I wanted to stay anonymous,” he groans.
“You are. She never advertised my job as part-time, so it was easy to guess who the donor was. Why did you do it? I mean, you didn’t need to.”
The rapid beat of my heart reveals the obvious. I know the answer, but I’ve been too scared to admit what’s been here all along.
“I love you, Miriam.”
I exhale through shallow gasps. Tears tangle with my words. “I love you too.” My voice trembles.
“Don’t cry, baby. I’ll always support you. Your dreams, your desires. All of it. I’m your biggest fan, and I’ll show it for the rest of my life. How was your day?”
“Better now that we’re talking.” I wipe my face. “The council meeting was awful. They tabled the discussion to make vacant lots more accessible to the community. It’s not surprising, but the mediocrity offends me.”
“I’m sorry, baby.”
I bite my lip. “I like when you call me that.”
“Noted.” There’s a smile in his voice.
“Aye, Cap. Coach is looking for you,” someone says in the background.
Antonio sighs. “I need a minute.”
“They’re keeping you busy.” I sag into the soft fibers of my sofa.
“I’m ready to take a year’s worth of naps,” he says between a yawn.
“You look good on screen.”
“You checking me out, Doe?”
A smile creeps across my face. “I’m your biggest fan who supports your dreams. Have you heard anything from the owner?”
“Nah, it’s been quiet. I’m taking that as a good sign for now.” Forever the optimist. “Mancini is a businessman first. Three consecutive wins and all this press brings in more team sponsors. He’s an ass, but he’s not stupid.”
“Have you ever thought about owning a team?” I ask. “Maybe the problem requires a different solution.”
“One day, when I’m no longer playing.” He huffs, and I imagine him rubbing his jaw. “The annual operating costs are in the millions, not to mention the millions needed to buy in. I want to do something good, Doe.”
“You are. You could’ve bought a bachelor pad for yourself when you moved up here, but instead you thought about your teammates,” I say. “You’ve covered travel costs and accommodations. You babysit to help out a single dad. Your contribution at the community center not only helps me, but will get programming and much needed repairs off of the ground. You don’t have to worry about doing something good because you are good, Papa Smurf.”
“Thank you for the reminder,” Antonio whispers, his voice gravelly. “Can I take you out when I get back next week? There’s something I want to do with you.”
“Antonio,” I warn with a giggle.
He laughs. “It doesn’t involve my dick, I promise. Just you, me, and fun.”
