“You little minx.” I dive for her sides, tickling her. Ivory shrieks, still in a fit of laughter.
“Oh man, is he going to kill you.” Releasing her, I lean back settling my weight onto my palms.
“For being trapped at a resort in a different country with his daughter? Or for being trapped at a resort with no way home when I should be in Tampa preparing for the season even though it’s technically postponed?”
“A little of both, maybe.” Ivory scrunches her face playfully.
“He was pissed enough when he found out I was here. I haven’t told him I have no idea when I will be able to get back.” I blow out a breath in exasperation and run my hand through my hair.
Ivory scratches her temple, closing one eye and says, “He was still pissed about it when I talked to him.”
“What did he say?”
“Something like ‘one of my dumbass players went on fucking vacation.’”
I wince. “When was this?”
“The day our flights were canceled.” Ivory cringes grabbing my forearm before rushing out. “I didn’t tell him you were here. I only put two and two together when he mentioned it. You looked familiar and then you mentioned your coach. All the pieces came together then.”
“Hey, it’s okay.” I cover her hand, stroking my thumb over her knuckles. “Coach isn’t dumb. It’s only a matter of time before he puts it together too. I’ve had to keep him updated, so he knows where I am, and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that I’m stuck until the borders reopen. I’m fucked either way.”
“Yep.” She adds an audible pop to the P. “So, I’m guessing since you know who my dad is and you called me Hollywood that you know who I am too?” She draws her knees to her chest, shoulders hunching in. Crossing her arms, she leans them on her raised knees, resting her head on top. It’s like she is closing in on herself. Making herself smaller. I don’t like the transition.
“I do.” I stay still, not sure where she is going with this but not wanting to lose this glimpse of vulnerability .
“Why didn’t you say anything?” Her voice is soft, curious.
“It seemed like you were enjoying yourself. I understand wanting privacy.”
“Thank you for treating me like a normal person.” The corner of Ivory’s mouth tips up as she looks at me.
“You aren’t a normal person.” I stare at her until she meets my eyes. “You are extraordinary.” Holding her gaze, I try my best to show her how much I mean those three words because she is.
“Not to a lot of people.” She averts her gaze to the pool deck and mumbles the words. It hurts she feels this way.
“You are to me.” Ivory’s eyes jump back to mine.Not great with genuine compliments.I will have to file that away for later. I try to break the awkward tension. “Plus, in case you haven’t heard, I’m kind of a big deal.”
Ivory smiles up at me and that tingling sensation morphs into a shot right to my chest.
It’s real.
It’s raw.
It’s everything.
I want more of this version of Ivory. No, I need it.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Ivory
March 25
I’m running out of clothes. Actually, I’m already out of clothes but was luckily able to get them laundered. With two weeks left in Belize, I need more options. The resort has a clothing store in the main building. They thankfully agreed it was okay for me to do some shopping.
The attendant greets me with a kind smile and a nice black cloth face mask.I was wondering where I would get one of these.She tells me to let her know if I need anything and leaves me to peruse the store.
The shop is surprisingly well stocked. Jewelry cases line one wall. Clothing racks are strategically placed around the room. High built-in shelves hold shoes, pants, and mirrors. The other side of the store is designated to swimwear and beach accessories, reminding me I need another pair of sunglasses. I make my way past the high-end fabrics and dresses to the casual clothes in the women’s section quickly grabbing items that jump out of me. I catch sight of myself in the mirror on a pass. My arms are full of shorts, tank tops, and lounge clothes befitting of Ives—not Ivory Crenshaw. Granted, the lounge shorts are silkbut there is only so much a girl can do. It hits me how easy it was to pick out things I liked.
