“I will.”
We hang up, and a second later, a link comes through. It’s an article about the celebrity sightings at this afternoon’s football games. There’s an entire section on Rose and her relationship with Anton, along with a photo of her in the booth. It must have been taken around the time Bex took the photo of her TV screen,because I’m standing behind Rose. In the follow-up photo, Rose has pulled me forward, her arm draped around my shoulder. It was right after TJ scored his first touchdown of the day. We were celebrating together. The caption below the photo reads:Mystery woman joins River Foxes families in the box.Does TJ Wilson have a new girlfriend?
I let some air escape between my teeth. That’s nothing too terrible or incriminating. I study the photos of me, and I don’t think anyone would be able to pick out identifying characteristics linking me to TJ or to the River Foxes at all.
I frown when I realize that my name isn’t mentioned, and yet Cassie still got an alert. I skim the rest of the article and scroll down to the comments, and that’s when I see it. It’s from a username called PopCultureFinatic007, and it reads:Unhinged hypothesis, but does anyone else think the woman in the photo with Rose Kasper looks an awful lot like Lucy Dupree? We haven’t seen her in months. Could she be cozying up with some pro footballers in Wisconsin? It sounds far-fetched, but honestly, I can kinda see it. Thoughts??!
I reread the comment a couple times. It’s been liked by a dozen other readers, and there are a couple replies. A few concur, and a few say PopCultureFinatic007 is reaching.
I give myself a second to digest this. It’s like Cassie said. Nothing earthshattering. A good reminder nonetheless of how TJ’s life is scrutinized down to the inch, and that’s how my life was and would be again if I stepped back into the public eye.
I shove my phone into my bag. Rose told me to pack a swimsuit, but as I step out into the frigid outdoors, there’s no way I’m going to want to put that on.
I make it to the side entrance of the condo complex, and the door opens. Loretta and Martin are standing in the entryway with matching grins on their faces. TJ is behind them, and he waves.
“Hello, dearie. You made it.” Loretta opens her arms, and I step into a hug, feeling some of the stress and ick from the article melt away.
“I did.” I lean out of the hug and smile at her, but then I frown when I realize she and Martin have their winter jackets on. “Are you leaving?”
Martin nods. “Gotta get this one home at a decent hour. Can’t trust her after dark.”
Loretta harumphs. “You like me most after dark, you big tease.”
My cheeks flush.
TJ palms his face. “O-kay. That’s enough of that, you two.”
Loretta grins. “Anywho, we wanted to make sure we saw you. I hear you’re going back to California for a bit.”
“That’s the plan. I’ll see my family ahead of their New Year’s Eve commitments. I should be back here by Thursday.”
“TJ has an away game,” Loretta says. “You can watch with us at our place if you’re interested. No pressure, but you’re always welcome.”
“That’s so nice.” My heart pinches. I want to be part of that. I want to be around these people who are so kind and fun and caring. “I’ll get in touch when I’m back in town, and we can sort out the details.”
“Excellent.” Loretta pats my arm as she walks by me, Martin trailing after her. “Bye, Lucy,” he says, and then he leans in. “Take care of that boy’s heart for us, will ya?” His voice is low, for my ears only.
Before I can respond, TJ steps forward. “I’m going to walk them out to the car. Wait here for me? I’ll bring you into the party as soon as I see them on their way.”
I nod and watch as the trio ventures out into the cold, wondering if it’s possible that I could fit into their life in the way my heart longs to.
Chapter 31
TJ
Ijog through the underground parking structure after making sure my grandparents find their way to the exit, returning to Lucy in under five minutes. She’s right where I left her, and I exhale a relieved breath. I don’t know where I thought she would have gone, but I’m still getting used to having someone be here for me.
Lucy looks up from her phone, her brows creased, but her expression clears and she smiles at me. “That was fast.”
“Why do you sound surprised? I am one of the fastest men in the NFL, Lu. You saw me today.”
“I did.” Her eyes twinkle, and a warm pink hue colors her cheeks. “You’re kinda hard to miss out there. You looked good.”
“Past tense?” I grab for my heart, pretending she wounded me. “What about now?”
“Now you look like someone who’s fishing for a compliment.”
I laugh. “Pathetic?”
