But so is love.
Beckham chose love. He didn’t care what the consequences might be. Georgie needed him and that was it.
Just like how Aiden chose to love me.
And it’s time my dad knows it.
I shift my thoughts back to Georgie and Beckham, looking straight at her. “Nothing is going to happen to Beckham,” I say, my voice shaky but determined. “First, from working in social media, this was a brilliant move. Yes, some fans will be assholes about it, but in this day and age? Most people are going to be on Beckham’s side. This isn’t him not showing up because he’s partied too hard the night before. This is Beckham making the choice of being there for the woman he loves in an emergency. It was the right call.”
“Thank you,” Georgie says softly.
“And if you’re worried about my dad, well, he’s old school. Hockey is hislife.But even he understands that players have lives, and that includes ups and downs and crises. I will remind him of that tonight. Trust me, the team will stand behind Beckham after seeing these pictures. And Beckham won’t face discipline for being a good man. I’ll do everything I can to make sure of it. But honestly? I don’t think it will be needed, Georgie. You took care of it yourself.”
The door opens, and I turn to see Beckham walk in carrying a tray of coffee drinks. He blinks in surprise when he sees me, and I rise from my chair.
“Becks,” I say, slipping my purse over my shoulder. “I just stopped by to see how Georgie is doing. I’m not going to stay any longer because she needs her rest. But I also want to tell you something. You did the right thing by not playing tonight.”
Beckham glances over at Georgie in bed before looking back at me. “There was no choice to be made. Georgie needed me.”
“And you needed to be with her.”
“I did. And I don’t regret my choice.”
“Nor should you.” I turn and look back at her. “I meant what I said, Georgie. Leave everything to me.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll check on you tomorrow,” I say. “Good night.”
Then I leave the room, wrapped up in thoughts about Beckham and Aiden. I don’t think Beckham will be in trouble. Georgie was in a bad accident. My dad wouldexpecthim to be here with her tonight. But I will make sure he understands that as soon as I get to my car and can leave him a message.
I make my way to the parking lot and slip behind the wheel of my car. I turn on the engine, but stay put with my phone in my hand. I dial my dad’s number, knowing it will go straight to voicemail since the game is going on.
“You’ve reached Scott Rivershon. Leave a message.”
I wait for the beep and then speak from my heart.
“Dad, it’s Scarlett. I’m leaving the hospital after seeing Beckham’s girlfriend. She’s been admitted for overnight observation after falling down the stairs, and I know you wouldn’t penalize Beckham for not being at the game tonight because of this. He wouldn’t miss a game like this without a very good reason, and his priority was being with Georgie first, then seeking permission from the team later. But Dad? After seeing Georgie? Beckham did the right thing. She needed him after her fall, and you know he did the right thing, too.
“But there’s something else we need to talk about,” I continue, my voice strong sounding even to my own ears, “and that is who I’ve been seeing. I’ll come over with him after the game tonight so we can talk about it. But Dad? Just like Beckham, I know I’ve made the right choice.”
I end the call. I quickly text Dad to let him know I’ve left him a voicemail, and then I text the Manatees’ communications director and ask him to please tell Dad to listen to my voicemail after the game tonight.
Now I have one more message to send. I pull open the last thread I had with Aiden and write:
Aiden. It’s time to tell Dad. This situation with Beckham and Georgie has made me realize I don’t want to wait another second. I love you, and I’m no longer going to hide it. I’ll meet you in the parking lot after the game.
Then I hit send.
Chapter Thirty-Two
Aiden eases his Lamborghini up the drive to my parents’ house, taking in the sprawling contemporary home outlined in white lights for the holiday season. Large wreaths hang in the windows, also twinkling with lights, and from the windows next to the door, you can see the massive Christmas tree lit up inside.
I should be coming over here to celebrate the season with my boyfriend,I think as my emotions begin to build. My parents should already know about Aiden, and they should be welcoming us into their home. They should be happy I have not only found someone who loves me in the way he does, but that I love him back in the same way.
But instead we’re going to have to go in there and defend something that we shouldn’t have to explain in the first place.
Aiden cuts the engine, but his hands remain on the steering wheel. I can feel the nervous energy radiating off him.
