I’m taking on too much, but my family has a way of guilting me into doing what they want instead of what I want. I put my foot down when it comes to work and school, but I’ve never had much of a social life, and I think they take it for granted that I’ll simply be available.
At some point, I have to push back.
But not today.
Right now, I have to get ready for the day and see if I can help with Charlie before I have to go. Maybe I can make breakfast for Mom and Ivy, which is one less thing for them to deal with.
The next couple of days are a blur. I go from school to work to home and then out again any time my mom or Ivy need anything. I’m working, studying, cooking and cleaning, and Jordan is leaving on another road trip tomorrow. By Sunday, I’m wiped and it’s actually more relaxing to be at work than at home. And Jordan comes in not long after we open.
“Hi.” I give him a tired smile.
“You look exhausted,” he says, shaking his head.
“I am. But Mom and Charlie are both feeling better. Of course, now Ivy is under the weather, but she doesn’t require the same amount of babying that Mom and Charlie do.”
“You need to take care of yourself too,” he says gently.
“I know.” I look down at the bag in his hands. “Whatcha got?”
He grins. “Well, Juliet runs a bakery business and though her specialty is custom cupcakes, she does cookies and other things sometimes. And yesterday, she hosted a high tea for a bunch of ladies—and there were a ton of leftover white chocolate scones.”
My mouth waters.
“Oh my gosh, yes.” I reach for the bag and peer inside. The scent that hits my nostrils is heavenly, and I moan.
He laughs. “Wow, that’s all it takes to turn you on, huh?”
“Don’t even try to compete with white chocolate,” I tease in a stern voice.
“Noted.” He pops a kiss on my nose. “Since the store is still empty, I have a proposition for you.”
“Okay.” I take a bite of the scone and sigh happily, ignoring the powdered sugar that just dotted my blouse.
“You still haven’t been to New York, right?”
“No.”
“Our last road trip of the year includes all three Manhattan-area teams, plus Philly.”
“Weren’t you there not that long ago?”
He shrugs. “They did a weird thing with the schedule this year. But anyway, since it’s the last road trip of the year, a lot of the wives and girlfriends are going. How about you come with? They’re planning a spa day and a few other things. Normally, Coach doesn’t like when the ladies come along, but once in a while he’ll make an exception.”
“Oh.” It sounds amazing.
I really, really, really want to go.
But I don’t know if I can.
“And I know what you’re thinking,” he continues with a grin, “but I checked online and it loosely coincides with your spring break from school.”
“Oh.” Now I’m listening with a lot more interest.
“What do you think?”
I hesitate for a second but then throw my arms around his neck. “Yes! I’d love that. I’m so excited.”
“Good.” He nuzzles my hair for a moment. “I won’t have time to do a bunch of touristy stuff with you, but I mentioned it to Chloe and she’s never been to the Statue of Liberty, so she said she’d go with you. And the Macy’s in Herald Square is apparently Hana’s favorite place in the whole world, so she said she would go to the Empire State Building with you if you go shopping with her. It’s right down the street.”
