“Your lack of love life.” She nods. “It’ll be perfect. I can already think of a couple of candidates.”
I’m going to regret this, aren’t I? Still, the pleading look on my sister’s face is tugging at my heartstrings, so I nod in acceptance.
“Yes! Thank you, Val.” Fran wraps her arms around me and squeezes. She pulls back. “You doing anything tomorrow evening?”
“It’s Friday.”
“So that’s a no?”
I huff. “If you want to set up something so soon, fine. Otherwise, I’d prefer next weekend.” I need more time to mentally prepare to go out with a stranger again.
“Will do. Let me go set things up.” Fran wiggles her fingers at me and trounces to the back where her bedroom is.
What will Jabari think of my blind date?
As if my mind is connected to his, my phone rings,JHflashing across the screen. I get up and walk to my room while swiping right to answer the phone.
“Hey, how did it go?” I bite my lip. I’ve been praying for him all afternoon. The waiting has been awful.
He groans. “They were kind, but, yeah, my career is over.”
Oh my word.“I’m so sorry.” Questions fill my mind as I consider what this means for him. “Are they going to end your contract now?”
“No. They’re going to put me on the injured reserve list and then let me retire when the season is over.”
“How are you handling everything?” I sink onto my bed, rubbing at the ache in my chest.
“When I saw you earlier, I felt resigned to it all. It made sense. There’s absolutely nothing I can do to change my circumstances.”
All logical statements. “But ... ?”
“But I’m angry. I’m frustrated. I’m...” I hear an audible swallow. “I’m sad.”
I swipe at a tear. “I’d be all of those things too.”
“Would you? You seem like you have it all together.” He pauses. “Val, do you ever wrestle with doubts?”
“Of course I do. You’ve had a dream career where you get to play a game you’re passionate about. I legit only have passion toward plants. Everything else seems kind of pointless, you know?” I hold back a sigh. I didn’t mean to word vomit or turn the conversation toward me. This is Jabari’s time.
“Val, you’re incredible at what you do, which is why the agency still runs. But I can understand not knowing what to do with your life. I’m in the same boat now.”
“How do we get to shore?”
Jabari laughs, and his deep tenor gives me shivers. I frown at the goose bumps along my arms. What in the world is up with that reaction?
“When you figure it out, let me know because I definitely want off the boat.”
“Same. Unless we can turn it into a yacht cruising down the Potomac or somewhere better.”
“Pacific Ocean is gorgeous. Want to fly out and have fun?”
I laugh. “Be serious. Your mom is coming, and I work.”
“Then after my mom leaves.”
Is his offer serious? What would a vacation with him look like? “I’m not sure. I’d need to check my vacation days ... if you’re serious?” I say hesitantly.
“I’m always serious.”
