I held my breath as my fingers curled around the edge of my seat, waiting for The Yes. The entire arena was pin-drop silent. For about five seconds. Then people started to squirm. I squirmed. Lemon’s grip tightened. I needed Tally to do it. To put me out of my misery. I held my breath, praying it was a no.
Tally’s head swung around and she scanned the crowd. Her gaze stopped, and I swear she was looking at me. At least that’s what it felt like. It was hard to tell from this distance. Holden, Christy, Anna, and Blue were definitely watching at me. I could feel it. I kept my eyes straight ahead.
Thankfully, Persephone, who I’d forgotten existed for the last sixty seconds, was leaning forward, her elbows propped on her knees, her chin cupped in her hands, gazing dreamy-eyed at the proposal.
Whispers broke out everywhere.
Tally swung her gaze to Madden but still, she said nothing. He chuckled nervously and adjusted his knee. It was probably starting to go numb from the cold.
“What is she doing?” Anna hissed. “Say yes already.”
As if Anna had mind-melding powers, the word finally came out.
“Yes.” It was quiet but it was there.
My chest threatened to implode. Was this what a panic attack felt like?
Madden shot up off his feet and spun Tally around so fast her legs flew out behind her. It almost looked practiced. Like something you’d see at the Olympics.
The arena exploded in shouts of glee and congratulations. Persephone tackled me with a squeal, hugging me so tight you’d thinkwe’dgotten engaged.
I blinked, processing, as I patted her on the back.
You knew this day would come. You prepared for it.
It was true. But it didn’t make it any less painful. Apparently, I hadn’t prepared enough. If I had it wouldn’t feel like the world was caving in on me.
As Tally came through the glass, hugging the gigantic bouquet, tears streamed down her face. But she wasn’t smiling. It almost gave me hope. Which was ridiculous. She was wearing another man’s ring.
She looked up at us with a flat expression. Her eyes were as solemn as the first day I’d met her in my parent’s kitchen. And then she grinned. The last bit of hope I had slipped through my fingers like water from a broken glass.
Lemon finally releasedher death grip.
As Tally came up the stairs, my family descended on her, jabbering about what a great couple they were and how happy they’d be together. Anna disappeared to congratulate her friend. Blue was right behind her. Even Persephone joined in.
I glanced to my left, the aisle even more open than before. I gave Tally one last look.
Then I made my escape.
four
TALLY
Do anything rather than marry without affection.
— JANE AUSTEN
The restaurant after the game was annoyingly loud. Silverware scraped against the expensive plates. People laughed at everything. Even things that weren’t funny. My heartbeat whooshed in my ears so hard I felt nauseous. Which is why, for the first time ever, steak sat almost untouched on my plate.
Two women stood at the end of the table, fangirling over Ford. One of them handed him a Sharpie, begging with wanton eyes. I snorted. Who keeps a Sharpie in their purse in case they happen to run into a celebrity? He hopped up, propped the cap between his teeth, and leaned over to sign her shoulder. From the joy on her face, she was probably heading straight to the tattoo parlor after this.
My gaze fell on Ashton for the hundredth time tonight.He watched the exchange, sitting stiff-straight. But then Persephone slid her hand over, resting it on his thigh. What in the world made her think she had the right to be so casual on their first date? He placed his hand on hers, giving her permission. I squeezed my eyes shut.
Madden’s hand gripped my knee as if his subconscious knew I was on the verge of bolting. His conscious surely didn’t. He gave me a squeeze as he spoke to Blue. “You beat everyone at the forty and no one will care that you haven’t played in two years. They’ll all be fighting over you. The Chiefs, the 49ers, the Ravens. That’s the single most significant predictor at the NFL Combine.” His head bobbed confidently.
Blue nodded. “You’re right, you’re right.” He broke into a cocky grin. “Good thing I’ve still got it. I shaved two-tenths of a second off my time this week. Ran it in 4.22 on Monday.”
“Shut up.” Madden’s hand smacked the table making everyone’s glasses shake. I flinched. He looked at Anna for confirmation. “Seriously?”
