Not the time.
“So you’re gonna get your internship, and I’m gonna follow.” I shrugged. It was that simple. That easy for me. “You don’t have to agree, so I’ll just out-stubborn you. It’s one of my biggest strengths.”
Ivy smiled, and her eyes softened. “I remember that silly quiz. You were stubborn, charismatic, and an influencer.”
“And you were creative, loyal, and brilliant.” I kissed her softly. “Now, want to visit our old stomping grounds like the café and drive-thru?”
“I thought you’d never ask.” She giggled, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect moment.
I just had to make sure we had a million more of them.
25
IVY
My life felt like a dream. It was almost too good to be true. Esme and I attended girls’ night with Callum and his friends, who were amazing. I felt like I’d known those girls longer than a few weeks. Esme even loved them, and she was just as much of an introvert as me.
Then came the I love yous. I’d never imagined hearing those words and saying them back would give me so much joy. Every time I said it, Callum would get this smile, this little giggle on his face, and I wanted to keep it. I made him happy, and it was evident.
Fact: your body reacts when you’re around someone you love. He was always my safe person, but now he was more than that, and it felt… amazing.
“You’re grinning like an idiot. An idiot in love and I kind of dig it.” Esme nudged my shoulder with a sly smirk. “I never thought I’d say this, but Callum has been good for you. He’s brought you out of your shell, and you’re smiling more. I never thought I’d forgive him for making you sad the last three years, but the way he is around you—” she kissed her hands “—chef’skiss, Ivy. Not that you needed mine or my brother’s approval, but you have it.”
“What brought this on?” I smoothed down my polo and adjusted my hair. We had a big game against Michigan today, and my butterflies had butterflies. I was excited for Callum and for me. Henry said one of the trainers from Chicago would attend not only as a former alumnus of the school but to chat with me.
The interview was Monday, and the conversation was today, Saturday.How is this my real life?
“You going to party with Callum after the game? If not, my brother and I are going to head to my cousin’s place near the hockey house. You guys can totally attend, but you might want to celebrate alone.” She wiggled her brows and hit my hip. “You’re glowing right now. You look so happy.”
“Don’t make me blush.” I shoved her hand away and cleared my throat. “Callum didn’t mention any plans, but I’m happy to spend time with you.”
He might want to hang with his teammates. They were super close and often did guys-only nights, which I thought were great. Team dynamics were essential, and he did such a good job uniting them all.
“Figure out what your man is doing, then let me know. Oh, wait.” Esme pulled out her phone and grinned. “Mack and I hit it off, and she texted that the girls are going to the football house, and I’m invited.”
“Esme.” I squeezed her wrist. “I love that. Yes. Let’s go to the football house.”
“I love keeping my circle close, but it’s also been fun making new friends. Is that dorky?”
“No. I know what you mean.” I exhaled, and my chest about burst with love and appreciation. “I’m not used to trusting orletting people in that much, but since Callum returned to my life, there are all these people.”
“I can almost hear the disbelief in your voice.” She cupped my face, her dark eyes narrowing as she squeezed my cheeks. “Do not for one second doubt what’s happening. You are a beautiful pessimist sometimes, and this is not the time to let that come out. We’re both getting new friends, which is awesome, and you’ve fallen in love with someone special. Now, get to your internship and impress the dude from Chicago.”
“Mr. Allpress.” I shivered. “He’s one of the head trainers and runs the internship program. He graduated here fifteen years ago, and his dad was an athletic trainer for a team out east.”
“Don’t recite stats for him though when you meet him, okay?”
“Obviously.” I rolled my eyes and grabbed my keys. “Are you coming to the game?”
“Yes. Me and Enrique are. We got good seats!”
“You even know how to cheer for football?”
“No, but dudes are in tight pants, and we’ll root for you.” She laughed and shoved me out the door. “Go be a badass.”
I waved and made my way toward the stadium. The air was charged. Something vibrated with energy, like there was gonna be a storm tonight. The feeling unnerved me, like there’d be a full moon or some cycle was off. Sports were highly superstitious, and even a slight change of routine could set off the mental resilience of a player.
Despite not being an athlete, I followed the same path toward the offices. I stepped on the same tiles I always did, following a pattern that had garnered success in previous home games. Even being two hours early, the stadium buzzed with what-ifs.
