We all scoot around to watch those magical three dots pulse and turn into a reply. At seeing his affirmation that he could pull some strings, we all cheer as if we just watched one of our guys score a goal.
One of our guys…is Wade my guy? He’s kind of been my person for years, but nothing more. Not really. Yet today in my office, how he looked so disappointed when I asked if we could go back to how things were before I kissed him, I think part of me wanted him to say no.
But things are better this way, really —for both of us.
Just as we return to our places around the coffee table, Sophie’s phone pings again. “But the best he can do is the weekend of the event.”
I feel a fresh wave of tears piling up behind my eyes. “There has to be some way to keep Chase from coming.”
They all exchange glances, appearing as much at a loss as I feel. I need a miracle at this point.
Mia pushes up on her knees, lifting a finger up like a politician making a point. “At the very least, we’ll make sure people know the truth. Bree, if you had a link to the article, could you put it somewhere on the event page on the website for people to find?”
I nod like a banshee. “Yes! We’re doing bio features on each of the players. I could include the link there as a feature interview along with his stats. And it will be in the fans’ newsletter, as well.”
Lily nods her approval. “I think we have a plan, ladies. Operation Take Chase Down.”
Mia snorts. “You are so official.”
Without saying a word to confirm or deny, Lily gives her an evil grin before taking a sip of her wine.
But there’s still one more thing to figure out. “How do I tell Wade?”
Mia’s eyes widen at this. “I didn’t think of that. What if you don’t tell him?”
Sophie tilts her head. “How did this rivalry between them start?”
I take a deep breath. “They were actually friends when they played junior league. When it became obvious that Wade was meant to be a goalie, Chase tried to be one, too. But he couldn’t cut it.”
Lily groans. “And now he is. He’ll rub it in Wade’s face.”
I nod. “Without a doubt. And knowing Chase, he’ll try to demean Wade or instigate something to get him suspended.”
“What if you didn’t tell him?” Mia stares at me over the rim of her glass.
“If he knows, he can prepare for it.” Elbows on the table, I cover my face with my hands. “He’s going to hate me when I tell him.”
Sophie pulls one of my hands down. “Why would he hate you?”
I drop both hands into my lap. “Because it’s all my fault. If I’d seen Chase for what he was, none of this would be happening.”
“No, that’s not on you.” Lily’s fierce tone and expression take us all by surprise. “You did nothing wrong, Bree. He’s a liar, a cheat, and the worst example of how a man should treat a woman. He didn’t appreciate you, nor did he deserve you.”
Tears fill my eyes, but I can still see the agreement on Sophie, Mia, and Harper’s faces. “Thank you. Maybe one day I’ll believe it.”
Harper grabs my hand. “You know the saying, fake it until you make it?”
I’m not sure where she’s going with this, but I nod as I grab for another tissue.
“Sometimes we have to pretend it’s true until it is.” She gives us each an awkward glance at our silence. “When I was working for my father, he pretty much told me every day that I was his biggest disappointment in life. But then Rebecca took over and told me the opposite, that I was talented and capable. Did Ibelieve her at first? No, but I decided I would pretend I did until it became my truth.”
“And now?” Lily’s voice holds an element of wonder, as if she’s seeking something similar. Maybe we all are.
Harper’s lips spread into a slow smile. “Now I believe it. No, I know it.”
I’m not the only one in tears now. Mia tries to say something but winds up throwing her arms around Harper, which sets off a chain reaction in the rest of us until we’re one big blubbering pile.
After a few minutes of this, we abandoned the floor for the couch and an overstuffed chair that Harper and I found at a yard sale. Our faces are blotchy from tears and rimmed with runny mascara. Harper makes another trip to the bathroom to fetch more tissues, returning with two boxes, just in case.
