“And incredibly handsome,” Abby adds.
I point my index finger at her as we continue to wait. “Yes, and incredibly handsome.”
“Did he ask you out, or mention seeing you again?”
I shake my head no at her. “We didn’t talk all that long. I wouldn’t have expected him to ask me out after a twenty-minute conversation.”
“Really? I knew I wanted Ford after twenty seconds. I got so nervous after the first time he spoke to me, I literally ran to the bathroom like a scared freshman who was just approached by the hot senior.”
“Well, not all of us get to have those fairytale romances, I suppose.”
The crosswalk changes and as we’re close to the building, I notice a woman with keys unlocking the door while a couple stand just behind her.
“Shit,” I mutter, picking up my pace and trying to ignore the fact that my knee is still throbbing from earlier.
“What?” Abby asks.
“Right there, where those people are, that’s the building I’m interested in.”
“Well, what are you planning on doing? Marching in there and saying it’s already taken?” Abby jogs up next to me as we approach the door.
“No, not exactly. But if they’re already looking at it, what’s two more people taking a peek? I won’t bother them, I’ll be in and out.” Abby’s hand slightly covers her face as we walk into the building behind the couple.
Thirty minutes later and we’re still here. I love this place. I have to find a way to make it work. As I guessed, it was previously a dance studio. The mirrors are perfect though, I wouldn’t take them down. I’d just remove the bar that’s in front of them. I’d add a couple of TVs near the giant windows that overlook the sidewalk. There’s a small desk in the entrance that I’d probably have Nate take out so I can add something a little more my style. There’s plenty of space here to add the machines I’d want, too. The realtor, Quinn, didn’t mind that we looked around while she was showing it to her clients. She handed me a card of hers too, so I can call if I have any questions. I basically just eavesdropped on the whole conversation she had with the couple. They asked the same questions I would have for the most part, the biggest one being the monthly rent.
Abby’s standing near the entrance looking extra embarrassed by me crashing their tour, but she’ll be fine. She gets to go home to someone who wants her more than he wants air in his lungs.
Let me have this.
“Okay, we can go,” I whisper to Abby and we make our way out.
“What’d you think?” she asks me, standing on the sidewalk about to part ways.
“I love it. It needs some minor stuff, all cosmetic things though, that I could do or Nate can help with.”
“I’m glad you found somewhere you like.” Abby reaches out her arms and hugs me before crossing the street back to the parking garage.
I’ve never walked into a building and instantly felt like it was mine until today. Everything I’ve ever pictured fits perfectly in that space and I’m just praying I can find a way to make it work.Risk takerisn’t a term that would be used to describe me, but this one seems like it could be worth it.
It’d be great if I had a way to know for sure that it would all work out, but that’s not how life works. I’ve done everything on my own for the last ten years. I haven’t had the luxury of asking for help or reaching out to my parents when things get tough, so a risk this big, a commitment like this, it’s scary. But maybe never taking the chance is actually the scarier part.
Liam and I arrive at the stadium at the same time and walk in together, greeting the social media team as they take pictures of us. Liam’s suit is flashy as hell, and meanwhile, I’m wearing denim jeans and a white t-shirt with a baseball hat. The attention Liam gets is tenfold compared to mine, but he loves that shit. Relishes in it.
“Feeling good? Heard you were watching game tape late the other night,” Liam turns and asks me as he pulls his suit jacket off.
“I’m alright.” My head rolls around to stretch my neck.
“My golden boy is just alright?” He stares at me with a knowing smile before his expression softens. “You can call me, you know. If something’s going on. But continuously going out and doing our jobs… that’s all we can ask of ourselves.” Liam’s hand lands on my shoulder and he stands across from me, looking me in the eyes and I nod.
“Yeah, I know. I’m good though.” Becoming a serial liar isn’t something I thought I’d be good at, but apparently, I’m able to believe the lie enough myself to sell it.
“Let’s go out there. Play our fucking best. Savor in the fact that we’re the defending Super Bowl champs and just see where this season takes us.” He stares at me, waiting for confirmation. I nod my head in his direction just before I hear Ford coming up behind me.
“I need one of these,” Ford blurts out as he holds up a picture of Chase’s baby. His unexpected comment causes Liam and I to pull back, looking at him with narrowed eyes.
“Youneedone of those? As if you can just go to the store to pick one up on your way home?” Liam remarks.
“You fucking know what I mean. I just can’t wait to get married and have a kid. I’m ready for it. I didn’t think I’d be so excited about all of it, but hell, now that I’m with Abby, I want it all as soon as she’s ready.” Ford shrugs as he pulls his shirt off.
