“More than you know,” I tell her.
She studies me with that discerning eye that’s always made me feel like she could see right through me. “You’re loving playing professionally, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I do…but it’s exhausting. We travel so much, and I’ve done the thing, you know? I did what I set out to do, and I’ve had a great run. I want to win this year, but even if we don’t, I think I’m ready.”
“To be done?” she asks, in shock.
“To be done,” I echo. “Obviously, that stays between us. I haven’t?—”
She locks her lips and pretends to throw the key over her shoulder. “What’s said in Nantucket, stays in Nantucket.”
We keep walking. Every so often one of us glances over, catches the other looking, and we just smile—quiet, knowing, like we’re sharing the same secret: This day shouldn’t be happening, but it is, and it’s perfect.
“Hey, do you have time to go for a bike ride?” she asks as we pass a bike shop.
“I’d love to.”
As we’re walking in, my phone rings, and I check it.
“It’s Dax. I better take this.” I wave my phone and she nods. “Hey,” I say, answering the phone.
“Hey, you here?” he asks. “I’m sorry I wasn’t at the ferry to meet you. This day has been crazy.”
“It’s all good. You’ll never guess who I ran into…I’m with her right now actually.”
“You little stud,” he teases, sounding brighter already. “Who?”
“Lola Donavan.” I glance at her when I say it. She’s people-watching but smiling, so I know she heard me.
“No fucking way,” Dax yells.
I wince and hold the phone out from my ear, and Lola laughs her low, throaty laugh.
“Tell her to come to the rehearsal dinner tonight! And the wedding tomorrow!”
“He says you should come to the rehearsal dinner…and the wedding.”
She scoffs. “I’m sure his bride-to-be wouldn’t appreciate me crashing their wedding.”
I repeat what she said and then tell him I’m putting him on speakerphone.
“Lola, hey!” he says. “I can’t believe you’re here. It’s meant to be. I’d be hurt if you didn’t come. I’ve missed your face.”
Lola softens, and she stares at me. “I’ve missed you too. I don’t know, though.”
“Skye will be so happy to meet you. I’ve told her about you, you know. How you saved our boy and the hockey team. Couldn’t have won the championship without you.”
“Right.” Lola laughs.
“It’s true,” he says.
Lola and I grin at each other. My chest feels like it’s about to take flight.
“You should come,” I whisper.
“I’m supposed to have dinner with my parents tonight,” she says into the phone, “but I’m sure they’d understand if I left them tomorrow to come to the wedding. If you’re sure.”
“I’m positive!” he says. “I’m stoked! Tully will tell you the details.”
