Page 38 of Last Slice of Pie

“It’s surpassed everything I imagined,” I tell her, and it really has. For years I’ve known I wanted this to be my full-time business. I’ve also known it isn’t going to be super lucrative, but I’m happy. I have everything I need and I love what I do.

“I’m so thrilled for you! I actually bought a couple jars of the honey balsamic blueberry as Christmas presents.”

“You did?” I turn to look at her, and she’s smiling conspiratorially as I hand my bag over to security. “I didn’t know that.” He hands it back and we make our way to a set of elevators.

“Yep, and you weren’t supposed to. I bought them for my mom and my mother-in law. I’m going to wrap each jar with a pie dish and tea towels.”

“Such a cute idea.”

A while back, Marie and I actually talked about branding a few items. I’ve been hesitant because it requires an upfront cost, but it might be something we should revisit.

“Maybe next year I’ll expand and offer some of those things as well,” I say, not realizing I’m speaking out loud.

“I think you should. You could totally sell them.”

Instantly, I have visions of fireflies, and my heart rate picks up in excitement at the potential product additions.

“And you think people will buy that stuff?” I ask, looking at her to see if she’s blowing smoke or being sincere.

“I don’t think—I know. I would have.”

And I believe her.

As we enter, my uneasiness drops significantly. This box belongs to the team captains, and it isn’t very large. It’s filled with wives, girlfriends, and a few kids, most of whom I remember meeting at the picnic.

Camille and I make a drink and then head to the front row of seats to await the start of the game. The warm-up is over, and the team is in the tunnel as the pregame activities begin.

“You good?” she asks as Pittsburgh takes the field.

“Yep, just fine and dandy.” We smile at each other as music blares throughout the stadium.

Everyone turns to the big screen as an animated video begins. A single tarpon swims along and is then joined by others, creating a school that moves and acts as a single unit. With each twist and turn, the music gets louder, more daunting, and it increases in tempo, my heart matching it beat for beat. The fish approach a boat, and in it are the Pittsburgh Steelers mascot and several of its players. Underneath them, the fish start swimming in a circle until the boat spins so much it loses control, capsizes, and sinks. The crowd roars, fireworks shoot off from the top of the stadium, and our team runs out onto the field. I easily spot Bryan, and my excitement leaps in my throat.

As he runs toward the sideline, he glances up in our direction, and my heart thumps hard in my chest. I give him a small wave knowing that will be the only time he acknowledges I’m here, and it was enough.

A large flag spreads out across the field, the national anthem plays, the Blue Angels fly over, and then it’s time for the coin toss. I track his every step as he makes his way to the center of the field, my eyes glued to his broad shoulders and long legs underneath those tight pants. The flip goes to the opponent, they choose to receive after the half, and then the game begins.

I’d forgotten how exciting it is to watch Bryan play in person. He never looks frazzled, just calm and collected, and this bleeds out to his team. They follow his cues, make the plays, and like that swarm of fish, together they go in for the kill over and over and over again. The opposing team today doesn’t even have a chance, and I feel lucky that I’m here for Bryan.

Of course, all of these people are here to see him play too, to watch him lead this team to another victory, but at the end of the day, I’m the one he wants. They might be here watching him, but he’s going to be looking just for me. That’s a heady feeling, one I welcome, one that instills a bit of possessiveness and makes me completely anxious, but in a good way.

They win the game twenty-eight to three.

“Well, that was exciting,” Camille says. “I swear, it doesn’t matter how many games I watch him play—I still get nervous and find myself holding my breath until the last second clicks away on the clock.”

“I know exactly what you mean. That’s been me for years, but from the middle of my couch.”

She glances over at me, smiles knowingly, and then goes about collecting her things.

Together we walk down to the family room. I’m grateful she’s here, because I’d never be able to find my way alone.

I look around at all the people. I can feel eyes on me, and I’m certain people know who I am and why I’m here. It makes me want to both stand taller and shrink away.

It doesn’t take long before the players start wandering out, and my eyes widen as Bryan is one of the first. His face is expressionless as he looks at the ground, placing one foot in front of the other. He knows I’m here, knows I’m going to be waiting for him, and it’s as if he can feel me in the room. He looks up, and his blue eyes flare as his gaze lands on me, those achingly familiar, electric blue eyes.

He inhales, very slowly, his chest expanding underneath his white button-down and suit jacket. His free hand, the one not holding his bag, curls a little at his side as he looks at me, and my insides follow suit.

Holy moly, he looks so freaking good.