That’s totally valid.
“You wanna have a training session with Cocoa?” she asks.
“Yeah,” I say, way too eagerly. “That actually sounds really nice.”
“Okay,” she breathes out. “Let me just run and change, then I’ll come back and get you?”
“Deal.” I give her a smile, and she lands a kiss on my cheek before scurrying off to her apartment. I watch from across the hallway, and sure enough, I see nothing but flowers as the door opens.
Yeah, I way overdid this. Stupid cell service.
I run a hand over my face just as my phone buzzes in my pocket. I fish it out, expecting it to be my brother sending me more insultingly funny texts about mynew girlfriend,who I’m pretty sure my mother is already planning a wedding for.
As if Nicole would ever follow me to Texas.
I shake my head at the thought, but as I pull out the phone, it’s not my brother’s name on the screen. It’s Edward. I shut my eyes for a moment and then force myself to answer the call.
“Yeah?”
“We need to talk,” he says, no preamble. “Texas reached out again. Not formally—but they’re interested. Front office to front office.”
My chest tightens. “It hasn’t even been a day. I just got back.”
“I know,” Edward replies. “That’s why I’m asking where your head’s at. If you want me to shut it down, I can. If you want me to listen—really listen—I need to know.”
This is the part people don’t talk about.
The part where nothing has happened yet … but everythingcould.
“I don’t have an answer,” I say quietly.
“Well, you’re going to need one soon,” he replies. “Because if this moves forward, it won’t be subtle. And once it starts, it’s out of your hands. So, figure it out, Dom. I’ll be in town tomorrow.”
Nicole steps back into the hallway, wearing cut-off shorts and a Comets T-shirt, Cocoa bouncing at her feet.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I tell Edward.
“Dom,” he says, firm but not unkind. “Just remember—careers don’t wait.”
I hang up and step into the hallway, plucking a rose from one of the vases and tucking it behind Nicole’s ear.
“There,” I say. “Perfect.”
“You’re such a romantic.” She slips her hand in mine. “I love it.”
“Yeah?” I gaze down at her as we make our way to the elevator. “I think it’s kind of a new thing for me.”
“Well, I think it’s agoodnew thing.”
I hit the down button, wait for the doors to glide open, and then lead her into the small space. Cocoawhines at my feet, so I lean down, patting his head. “I missed you, too, you know. Justnotas much as your mom.”
“I think he’s offended by that.” Nicole squeezes my hand.
I can’t help but laugh.
“Your mom followed me on Instagram,” she blurts out, her cheeks turning red.
So shedoespay attention to who follows her.
