All three of them wrap their arms around me and tell me it’s going to be okay.
“Are you falling for him?” Cammie asks.
I bite my lip and nod. “I think so. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and he’s connected to all my friends, and my dad’s team. There’s just so much at stake, and now he’s flying me out to a game and it feels so real.”
“It’s big, isn’t it?” Fee rubs my back.
“We’ve been in this bubble and that will break tonight. Once the media sees us together, the speculation will start. All I’ve ever wanted was to be his and now I am, and I’m afraid of how things will change once we’re out in the open.” I don’t want the pressure to be too much.
As if he can sense me talking about him, my phone buzzes with a call.
“It’s him.”
“You got this. We will be here on the other side of this trip for whatever you need. Please, have fun.” Cammie hugs me.
Enid and Fee join in and then they file out of my room as I answer the call.
“Hey, kitten.”
“Hi.”
“How you doing? Are you heading to the airport soon?”
“Rix and Dred are picking me up in fifteen.” I’m so grateful I’m flying with them.
“I can’t wait for you to get here. Not long now and I’ll get to hug you.”
“I’m really looking forward to that.” Just being close to him will make me feel better, I’m sure of it.
“Did you talk to your dad?”
“Yeah. He’s taking me for lunch when I arrive.” I couldn’t fly out to a game and not spend time with Dad.
“That’s good. Are you looking forward to it, or are you stressing?”
I laugh. “Why are you such a mood reader?”
“Because I know how hard it’s been for you and him lately. I’m glad you’re spending some time with him, though.”
“I know. I can’t repair the relationship by avoiding him.”
“No, you can’t. And I’ll be ready to provide all the stress relief you need after the game tonight,” he assures me.
“Promise?”
“Cross my heart, kitten.” His tone softens. “I can’t wait to snuggle you all night.”
“I’m really excited about that, too.” To be spooned to sleep by him and wake up in his arms is the dream, even if I’m scared of how much deeper my feelings for him will become once I’ve had those experiences.
He clears his throat. “We might go out after the game, which means photos will likely be taken.”
“I packed a going out dress.” I wheel my suitcase down the hall. “The media will know we’re dating after tonight.”
Parsnip rushes off, probably to hide under my bed. He hates the sound of luggage.
“They will.” I can sense Flip’s nerves, and they match my own. “Are you ready for that?”
“I am if you are,” I reply.
