“I don’t know the rules.” He steps closer and lowers his voice. “Can I talk to you about Stace? You’re my buddy and her buddy. And we’re all coworkers?”
I have been wondering how it’s going on his end, but didn’t want to pry. “Don’t tell me any of her private business, you know. But if you want to, like, tell me how it’s going for you, I want to hear.”
Kevyn looks relieved. “Right. Cool. Because the thing is, Orlando, I’m really into her.”
My eyes light up. “You are?” I ask, but I can see it all over his face. He’s literally pining in front of me. Stace told me that they’re getting along great and having fun, but I wasn’t prepared for this.
Maybe matchmaking is another one of my talents after all.
“This once-a-week thing totally makes sense, but she’s amazing. Like, she’s so beautiful and so smart and dedicated to her goals. And I get it. She’s finishing school, so she doesn’t have time for a relationship. And she especially doesn’t want to be associated with a pro athlete when she’s launching her business. Makes sense to me. But damn.” He sighs. “I just really like her.”
I smile at him. “That’s cool. And yeah, she is really great.”
He looks up to me sincerely. “I got it under control,” he says like he’s trying to convince himself. “She knows I’m super into her. I’m careful not to push for more, but I’m not shy about telling her. And we got the game to focus on, right? I’ll just keep putting all my energy onto the field and appreciate what I have with her for now.”
My mouth falls slightly open.
He’s so unconvincing. He’s clearly fallen for Stace, and hearing him echo some of my bullshit logic just makes it clear how totally I’ve fallen for Troy, too.
Except unlike Kevyn, I have been shy about telling Troy how I feel, when I think about it.
Shit! I’ve fallen hard for Troy,andI can’t even get him alone in a room right now! This is a lot to handle.
I push the thoughts away. “That’s right. Stay focused,” I encourage Kevyn, although I know I’m the one talking to myself now. “It’s the Major League Cup in Philly. Our time to shine, which means we’ve got to keep the tabloids away and not get distracted.”
Kevyn shakes his head, like that sounds hard, and then gestures over his shoulder. “You’re joining the strategy session, right?”
“Yes, please,” I answer, eager to jump back in.
Anything for the game, and anything to stop thinking about Troy.
CHAPTERTWENTY-NINE
TROY
Me: Been reviewing Boston’s defense. You notice their balance?
Orlando:Too much pressure in the early game, yeah.
Orlando: But they’re forcing bad attack positions from us.
Me: Then don’t let them.
I put the phone down. I’m in the back of a sedan, on my way to another steak house, my meeting schedule full in the run-up to the MLS Cup.
Texts like this are how Orlando and I have been communicating. Even our private messages lack innuendo, which is appropriate. Good.
Although an irrational part of my brain wants him to provoke me.
Orlando: I got the final okay from the doctor.
Orlando: And the team doctor, the team’s insurance’s doctor, and I think a few lawyers, too.
Some relief settles over me. His appearance at the semi-final went well, but this clearance was the last step for his full return.
Me: Good.
Me: And congrats, Orlando.
