I laughed. “I’ve tried to change it up this year but yeah, I am. It’s a hard habit to shake.”
“Perfect.” Covee gave me a smile over her shoulder. “Now, our group is finally balanced. Two artists, and two people who love being front and center.”
I smiled back and suddenly felt the excitement acceptance offered, spreading across my chest. When Ari waved at us and Yara motioned her hand to indicate she’d saved us a spot, I felt welcomed. The feeling was warm and safe and peaceful.
As the class started, I felt my body release what was probably a year’s worth of tension. Ari’s teaching was worth more than the ‘tip if you’d like’ policy at the studio. I dropped a twenty in her jar when the session was over.
My mind felt a little clearer now. As people mingled, I realized I’d found a group of women I wanted to stick by and who’d stick by me. And, I couldn’t stop wondering how Dakota and the game were going. The clock read ten after four so there were getting ready for kickoff.
Was he nervous? I hoped he remembered to tape his leg. He’d complained about his knee to Kyle a few times at the clinic. But he always forgot to tape it up.
The girls decided we should go for dinner. As I followed them out of the studio, I gave into my worrying and texted Dakota about remembering the tape. He responded after a few minutes.
Thanks for having my back. I completely forgot.
He included a blue heart. I bit down on my lip to subdue my growing smile.
“Come on, Emmy,” Yara called. “We’re having tacos because we deserve it.”
Ari nodded. “We truly do.”
I looked up from my phone and accepted Yara’s outstretched hand. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Chapter 25
Westayedoutlate,eating tacos and exchanging tips for a better love life. They all knew about my relationship with Dakota. I was more than willing to share some of the details since I was currently struggling with holding back. Yara was the only one who agreed with my mother about taking things slow. Covee seemed to be more of an advocate for taking a risk. Ari was stuck somewhere in the middle.
“Covee’s still in her honeymoon stage,” Yara teased. “So, of course, she wants you to take a risk.”
“Sure I am.” Covee shrugged, more than willing to take on the label. “But that doesn’t mean anything.”
“Doesn’t it?” Ari looked unconvinced.
“Hey, I thought you were pro-Dakota,” Covee argued.
Ari nodded. “Oh, hands down. But, still, Weston has spoiled you. You’re way more gung-ho about relationships because you’re in a good one. You’re jaded.”
“Fine, I’m jaded.” Covee agreed and then, focused her gaze on me. “So, take my words with a grain of salt. But Dakota is one of the best guys out there. We’ve been friends for a year, and I knew when he found someone, he’d give it his all.”
Her recommendation kept playing in my mind as I drove home. Maybe I wanted to believe Covee because her words aligned with what I wanted. When I pulled into the driveway, my phone started to vibrate. I smiled to myself when I saw Dakota’s name on the screen.
“Hey.” I turned off my car so the noise of the AC wouldn’t drown out his reply. “How did the game go?”
“Great.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “We won and did much better than anticipated. Reporters are starting to say the Angels are back in the game.”
“That’s great!” It made me proud to hear that everyone’s hard work was starting to pay off. “Wish I could have been there.”
I pulled my key out of my ignition and started out of the car.
“Same here.” He paused for a moment. “I’m so used to seeing you in the stands at practice. It’s weird when I look over and don’t see you there. A few of the guys were asking where you were too. Turns out, your patching up skills are becoming legendary.”
“Really?” The guys on the team didn’t seem to pay me much mind when I helped Kyle out.
“Of course. You’ve become a big part of the team.” There was another pause. He cleared his throat and I stopped walking up our lawn, waiting for him to continue.
When we first met, Dakota didn’t trip over his words. Our conversations were seamless. Now, that version of him seemed to vanish. I pressed my tongue on my top lip, waiting and wondering if I should say something first. Sometimes, it was smarter to let the person struggling have time to gather their thoughts in silence.
Dakota took a few more seconds before he said, “I’m back on campus for the night.”
