“You wouldn’t.”
“Sorry, Em. Baby Fiona already has a name.”
“Ohhh, Fiona! I love that.”
He stands and holds out his hands, tugging me to my feet. “When will you see your man again?”
“He’ll be in the city tomorrow,” I say. “He has a game, then we’re going out after to officially get engaged. Wanna come? It might make it easier to follow the rules I haven’t put in place yet.”
“I wish I could just for the fun of watching you try,” he says. “But I’ll be at Jeremy’s niece’s school play tomorrow night.”
“Look at you doing all these family-centered things,” I say. “Howishis family? Do they like you?”
“I think his mom would like me more if I could give her grandbabies. But his dad is a gem. And I love his sisters.” He pulls me into a hug. “I know we didn’t talk about your art today—clearly this was much more important—but I need you to know how proud of you I am. You’re doing amazing work.”
I squeeze him a little tighter. “Thanks. I’ve got a show in Atlanta at the end of March, if you want to come. I can text you the invite.”
“A weddinganda gallery show in the same month? You are making my social calendar so much more fun.”
“Oh! I almost forgot,” I say, pulling back from the hug. “I’m also supposed to decorate Carter’s house. That’s part of the agreement. Want to help? We basically get a blank check.”
“Um, do peaches grow on trees?”
“And on every road in Atlanta,” I say.
Emerson nods. “Text me the details. And send pictures. I’d love to help.”
I walk him to the door of the apartment, blanket still wrapped around my shoulders. I had no idea this was how I’d spend the first half of my day, but it’s exactly what my heart needed. I look at Emerson one more time. “It’s going to be okay, right?”
“What’s going to be okay?”
I shrug. “Everything?”
As jokey as he’s been all morning, I’m surprised to see his expression turn thoughtful. “It always is, isn’t it?” he says. “Even when things turn out differently than we expect. Just take things one day at a time. And don’t be afraid of what the next day might bring.” He gives me a saucy wink that’s much more in line with his personality. “Especially if it lands you a hot hockey playerfor real.”
13
CARTER
After our gameagainst the New York Warriors—which we lost in a shootout, three to four—I change quickly and duck out early so I have time to meet Sarah. At first, I wished she was at the game, but after the way I played, maybe it’s better she wasn’t. I let our public relations people know before puck drop that I wouldn’t be available for any interviews after, but I shouldn’t have even bothered. Nobody will ask, based on my performance.
I did the bare minimum, playing distracted, my brain already hours ahead, thinking about seeing Sarah again. Which would concern me if it was a pattern, but it was just one game. I’ll lock in and get myself sorted in Boston this weekend.
Miles gave me a pointed look on my way out, yelling after me to tell his sister hi, and that got a reaction from the rest of the guys. They’ll understand even more once they see the engagement news.
I book a driver to use for the night, and he picks me upoutside Madison Square Garden. The plan is to head to a private club where we know we’ll be seen by at least a few important people in hockey. Maybe it won’t matter, but if we can create a digital footprint of our engagement, get a few mentions in the news, it’s only going to help build our story.
Still, it feels weird to be going out without Theo, especially outside of Atlanta. Then again, if he were coming along, I’d still be waiting for him. Despite the loss, he had a killer game tonight, scoring a goal and an assist in the second period, then a second goal in the third. Two goals in one night is great for any player, but it’s rare for a defenseman. He’s the guy everyone will want to interview tonight.
The driver has the address of the Bainbridge Studio, where I’m picking Sarah up, so I sit back and will myself to relax.
I’m excited to see her, but alsonervousto see her. After our conversation yesterday when I freaked out over Emerson, I’m not sure how things will feel between us. I was obviously jealous, but she admitted having similar feelings about Shelby, so where does that leave us?
I don’t think either of us would deny our chemistry, but when does chemistry turn into something more? And will we know when it does if we’re so focused on pretending?
I lift my hand to my inside coat pocket and press against it, feeling the hard ridges of the ring box.
Sarah has a ring—one Anna gave her. But she didn’t seem all that impressed with the design. Plus, if we’re aiming to make this seem real, a purchased ring carries a lot more weight.
