“Ha-ha. I know, as evidenced by being pregnant with our third child.”
“That’s right, baby. All mine.”
It sounds like they’re kissing now, so that’s my cue to cut this off.
“Okay, guys, I’m gonna let you go. I have to get up early and go to the gym.”
“Dude, Organized Team Activities don’t start for another week and a half. Why are you working out already?” Archie asks.
“Because, unlike some of us, I’m on a brand-new team, and I have to prove myself. I have to prove my worth. I want them to believe that every dollar they’ve spent on me is worth it.” I take a deep breath. “And I want to see who shows up because that always tells me a lot about their leadership and how hungry they are to win.”
“Or how much they want that money.” Archie laughs.
“True,” I agree.
“All right, well, keep me posted on your little situation in New York.”
“What situation in New York? What’s going on?” Emma asks.
“Remember that girl Pitz hooked up with in New York at that wedding a couple of years ago?”
“Yes, the one he couldn’t find later?”
“Yep. Well, not only is she one of his new bosses, but she’s also the team owner’s daughter,” he says, a little too cheery. Like he’s enjoying this.
“No! You’ve got to be kidding me.”
“I know, Em. I can’t believe it.”
“Did you just die when you saw her? What did she say when she saw you? I mean, obviously, she knew you would be there, but oh my gosh!”
“She acted like she didn’t know who I was, other than their new player, and I didn’t get to talk to her because she took off before I got done for the day.”
“That sucks, Liam. I’m sorry, but there has to be a reason. You totally have to find her and talk to her,” she says.
“I know. I’m gonna try to. I’ll figure out a way to get to her so we can have a conversation. I just really want to know why she didn’t want anything to do with me and took off after our night together. And why I couldn’t find her. I was telling Arch that there’s no online trace of her.”
“Hmm … well, find her and talk to her privately. Maybe even outside of work. Just be honest with her and tell her how much that night meant to you. And ask her what happened. Don’t play games. Be direct and ask her why she left and didn’t want to have anything to do with you.” Emma suggests.
“Yeah,” I sigh.
“All right, brother, we’ll let you go. We’ve got two kids looking for some dessert, and then Mommy and Daddy need to get their dessert.”
“Archie, stop it, dude. I don’t need to hear that shit.” But I say it with a laugh. He’s never gonna stop oversharing.
He lets out a bold laugh. “Good luck. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
“Will do. Later.” I disconnect before waiting for a response.
Then I toss my phone on the cushion beside me. I drop my head back, and I think back to one of the most magical nights of my life.
I really thought we could have something special, and I’d never felt that way about anyone before in my life. That feeling that my friends talked about when they knew they’d found their ladies? Never before Alie. So, when I came out of that shower and she was gone but had left the ornaments that we’d gotten together to remember our night, I felt played.
But now I think there’s more to it, and I’m gonna find out what it is.
CHAPTER
FIFTEEN
