Page 134 of Bad Run

“What do you think?” I ask.

“I think I got swindled.”

“Maybe a little,” I admit, holding up my thumb and forefinger.

I pick out my prize, a small stuffed basketball, and hand it to Lance. “I should have mentioned that I played basketball in high school, huh?”

Lance chuckles, throwing his arm over my shoulder again, leading me away from the kiosk. “Your family owns a baseball team; shouldn’t you have played softball or something?”

I shrug. “Probably, but basketball was a winter sport, and since it didn’t conflict with the Evaders baseball season, my dad attended a lot more of my games.”

Admitting that I chose a sport based on my dad’s availability makes me sad. Constantly vying for his attention and approval is exhausting.

All that, and look where it’s got me. I haven’t spoken to my father in weeks. He hasn’t called to apologize or talk things out. He doesn’t know anything about my life.

About me.

If I think about it, I don’t think my father knows me at all. He might have been present physically, but emotionally? He was distant. The Evaders always came first.

Tears prickle my eyes, and my nose stings.

Lance shakes my shoulders, forcing me out of my trance. His blue eyes are filled with worry as he searches my face. “Where’d you go right now?”

“Sorry.” I sniffle, swallowing the lump of sadness in my throat. “I just realized I haven’t spoken to my dad in weeks. He hasn’t called, texted, nothing. It’s always me keeping in touch. It’s like he doesn’t see me unless I’m standing in front of him, and even then, I don’t think he knows anything about me.”

“I’m sorry, baby.” Lance wraps his thick arms around me, hugging me tight to his body. He holds me until his strength and warmth penetrate my skin and dig deep below the surface. When we separate, he cups my cheeks in his large palms. “I hate that you feel this way. I know how deep it cuts when your dad doesn’t see you. But that’s on him. He’s the one missing out. You’re amazing, Gwen. You’re kind, driven, determined, and far stronger than people give you credit for. So, fuck him. You’re going to prove him wrong one way or another. I believe in you.”

No one, not even my mom or Juju, has looked at me or believed in me the way Lance does. He sees every part of me and accepts all the pieces without conditions.

“Thank you.” My heart expands with something akin to love inside my chest. The sensation is warm and tingly, and downright terrifying. But I know without a doubt …

I have completely fallen head over heels for my husband.

And it’s the best feeling I’ve ever experienced.

forty-three

Lance

Present

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to check the message.

I smile at the screen, happy with the note from my agent, Charles Tinsely. Looks like my plan is already set in motion. I’ve been walking around with a pit in my stomach for weeks, and today I’m finally filling it. It’s time.

Charles: I checked your contract. It’s clear. Everything is a go. Story hits in an hour.

Thank you, Charles. You’re the best.

Charles: I know. But you boys are going to send me to an early grave with all your drama.

I bark a laugh reading his message. Charles acts as if he doesn’t love all the drama, but he totally does. He’s a riot. The moment Cam introduced me to him, I knew he was good people. I also knew I was going to sign him as my agent before the end of the meeting. Before now, I’ve never asked him for anything but doing his job. But I knew if I wanted my plan to work, I was going to need his help.

I highly doubt that. Thanks again. I owe you one.

Charles: It’s my job to help. Just don’t get yourself traded.

I’ll try not to.