I shudder, thinking of the things Elle knows. Crying into a box of donut holes at five in the morning after an all-nighter during vet school, I told her all about Danny. She comforted me at all the right moments and agreed with me throughout the entire conversation like I did nothing wrong (the best sort of friend).
Avoiding the subject of my cringey twenties at all costs, I pivot our conversation. “Enough about me. How was your day?”
“I met with the board of my charitable foundation. I don’t think I’ve mentioned it to you yet, but I started a foundation with some teammates a few years ago.”
“Danny, that’s amazing!” I’m not surprised his generous heart led him to foundation work.
“Yeah, and it’s even better having some of the guys’ support. Speaking of my foundation, I actually wanted to ask you something.”
“What is it?”
“Our inaugural gala is in two months in New York City. I know it’s kind of far out, but, um, I was wondering if you’d liketo come with me as my plus one. It will be nice to have a… friend there.”
The word “friend” sounds like it’s being yanked out of his mouth by a dentist. Yes, we’ve been rebuilding our friendship, but using that word to describe us is starting to feel wrong. We’re in motion, fluctuating between friends andmore. Lately, my heart is leaning toward more. I just need my courage to catch up.
“Sure, it sounds like fun.” Even though I’ve been out of the football world for a while, getting back into it through a sports charity will be a great start.
“Perfect, Gracie. Thank you.” Danny sounds almost relieved, like he wasn’t sure if I would say yes.
“I’ve never been to a gala, and it would be really cool to meet some of your teammates.”
“I’m excited to introduce you to them. A couple of the guys already know a little bit about you,” he admits. “Oh, I almost forgot to mention. I have to give a speech.”
“Youarekind of a big deal.”
He chuckles. “I don’t know about all of that, but I’m going tofeellike a big deal, being your date for the night.”
I light up, glowing so bright he might be able to see the glare from his window in New York. “Well, I’m looking forward to it. I’ll need to pick out a dress.”
“You could wear your green and white Sharks sweatshirt and still be the most gorgeous one there.”
My face heats, and I’m suddenly grateful he can’t hear my loud blush.
“But I actually wanted to talk to you about the dress. It’s totally up to you, but, um, Tessa offered to design one for you if you don’t already have something. You’d just have to send her your measurements. She’ll be at the gala and can bring it to the house beforehand. No pressure at all, though.”
A pang hits my heart as I ache for another person I haven’t seen in years. “Tessa wants to design a dress for me?”
“Yes?”
“Of course I would love for her to design me a dress! I’m honored. I’ll email you my measurements so you can send them. I’m actually dying to see her.”
“She’ll be so excited, Gracie. Thank you.”
“Thank me? Thank her. I hate dress shopping. She just made my life so much easier.”
Danny clears his throat. “And, since I asked you to come, I’d like to foot the bill for your plane ticket. The team has a travel agent, and I can give you their information, if you’ll let me. Also, if you want hair or makeup done, I’m happy to send someone to the house.”
“That’s all really thoughtful. I’d love my makeup done. I doubt I’ll do anything different with my hair.”
“You’re perfect. I mean, your hair is perfect,” he praises.
I smooth a flyaway back from my forehead.
“Listen, I’m so sorry, but I have to run. I promised I’d grab dinner with Tessa tonight. We haven’t caught up in a while.”
“Tell her I said hi. I miss that girl.”
“She misses you, too. And…I’ve been missing you.”
