Page 93 of Wildflowers and Wide Receivers

He shrugs in a way that says, “So what?”

I don’t know how to explain it to him. Hell, I’m still trying to explain it to myself.

Silence falls over us as we glide across the water. Both of us are lost in thought. Eventually, we approach the bridge leading us out into the Gulf, and he slows.

“Dreams can change,” he says without looking at me.

I know he’s not wrong, but have hers? If they had, wouldn’t she have canceled the interview? And what happens if I do ask her to stay and she does out of some misguided sense of obligation because of me or Vivi? Resentment is a real thing, and I refuse to layer that between us as well.

I’ve thought of everything too. Asking for a long-distance relationship. It’s not ideal, but I would do it if she agreed. Homeschooling Vivi so she and I can go back and forth between Tampa and Minnesota during the on and offseasons. Moving there and leaving them during the season so Vivi can have stability. And retiring.

I’ve never considered retiring early. After all, who turns down that kind of money, but at some point, it’s just money, right? We have enough to live comfortably, and with the right investments, it could even grow. I just don’t know if I’m ready. My heart isn’t there yet, but I suppose it could be for her.

I do recognize that it is okay for each of us to have a dream. It’s how badly we want each other to make it work.

“Your turn,” I state, returning the raised brow and shifting in the seat so I can reach behind us and into the cooler for three sparkling waters.

His expression sours and drops into a deep scowl, and I almost laugh. Seriously, what could be so bad that he turns into this?

“New roommate,” he says, and the shock on my face has his ears turning red and his lips pressing into a flat line.

“What? Who?”

To my knowledge, the only roommate he’s ever had was his buddy Lance all through college. While Tyler is definitely one of the guys, what he’s not is someone who shares his space. Even on the road, he has some agreement with management that usually gets him his own room, unless it’s not available. He likes being alone.

“No one I’m ready to talk about yet.” He continues to frown, and this has me even more intrigued.

I try to think back to what family members he has, but I can’t come up with any. His parents are happy in Jacksonville, he’s an only child, and while he’s mentioned a few cousins in passing, none of them were frequent enough to become a roommate.

So who is it?

“You know you won’t be able to keep this a secret for long. Someone will find out soon enough, and word will travel.” I pop the top on the can, and Vivi turns at the sound. She stands to grab the drink as I hold it out for her.

“No one will find out if you keep your trap shut. Besides, it's not a big deal. She won’t be there long.”

“She?” My jaw drops.

He keeps his head facing forward and his eyes on the water in front of us as he completely ignores my question.

Chapter 38

Sophie

Pulling onto Davis Islands, my heart aches, knowing that they’re close. As many times as I’ve driven to Camille’s, I’ve always loved the feel of this quiet little slip of a neighborhood in downtown Tampa, but now it feels different, it feels more. As much as I hate to say it, it feels like home.

A home that’s not mine, but with each day that passes, I’m wishing more that it was.

As I pass the hospital, my phone rings throughout my car. It’s my dad and instantly I feel better at seeing his name.

“Hey, Dad,” I say as the road curves. The late afternoon light streaks gold through the tree branches, and it’s so beautiful and inviting.

“Hey, kiddo. How’s it going?” His voice is warm, familiar, and I already know I’m about to spill all the tea.

“It’s going,” I tell him, uninterested in trying to mask the sadness I feel.

“Uh-oh. That doesn’t sound too good,” he says. He’s moving through the house, and after a beat I hear him close a door.

“I don’t know what it is, but not good sums it up.” The road forks, and I veer to the right.