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“But I am birthing something,” Guy continues. “I’ve decided to retire from the corporate world and open Ashford Falls’ very first soccer complex. Consider this my official two weeks' notice.”

Shocked gasps fill the room. Everyone looks around, waiting for the punchline. But Guy doesn’t so much as flinch.

A moment later there’s a loud pop. I look up to find Kira standing in the doorway holding a bottle of champagne. “Sounds to me like we need to be celebrating.”

Without a word, everyone holds up their glass.

My dad’s the first one to break the silence. “Now, son, I’m going to need you to tell me where the hell you think you’re going to build a soccer complex…”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Kira

Making a toast right after Guy dropped that bomb was a risk. But somebody had to lighten the mood. I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been for Guy to make the decision to break away from the career that was always expected of him. I’m sure it helps that his brothers are there to maintain their family legacy, but I know how difficult it is to feel like you’re letting everyone down.

We may be close to the same age, but Guy is clearly light-years ahead of me.

Not that our situations carry remotely the same weight.

Still, it was nice to see how things could have been for me if I’d been born into a different family. If I didn’t feel the pressure of holding everything together for everyone.

The conversation has shifted from astonishment to curiosity as Frank and Leo probe Guy with questions. Judging from the way they’re all reacting, it seems like Guy’s kept all of this pretty quiet. He seems so carefree—especially when it comes to work—I’m surprised to see how excited he is about this. His body is practically vibrating with excitement. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt that way about anything, especially not my job.

A gentle tap on my shoulder causes me to glance up and I see Ivy and Scout holding a bottle of champagne and three empty glasses. Ivy nudges her head toward the door.

I glance over at Roman, who’s deep in conversation with Guy and his brothers, and decide to give them some privacy. Besides, I can’t remember the last time I’ve had girl talk with women who actually want to get to know me, other than my sister, of course. Ivy and Scout seem fun, and I’d love to get to know them better.

Matilda follows at my feet. Whether it’s from FOMO or her protective instincts, I can’t be sure. Probably a mixture of both.

“Why don’t we take this party outside?” Scout says, leading us through the kitchen and out the back door. The porch is the kind that makes you want to stay a while: string lights, deep cushioned chairs, the smell of summer rain. “Now we won’t have to worry about the men eavesdropping.”

“I like the way you think,” Ivy says, taking a seat on the wicker loveseat.

I sit across from them in a club chair.

“I still can’t believe I’m casually chatting with a celebrity.” Ivy pours a glass and hands it to me. “I don’t know what I was expecting, but you seem so normal.”

That makes me laugh. “Thank you? I guess.”

“Sorry, that came out wrong.” Ivy places a hand on my arm. “I just meant, you seem so friendly, and I didn’t realize how funny you were.”

My eyes fall to my naked ring finger, and I quickly stuff my hand under my thigh. “Yeah… I get that a lot. It sort of goes along with the whole image thing, I guess.” I try to smile.

“Like you’re expected to maintain an image outside of the characters you play?” Scout asks, studying me.

I nod, biting my lip, not sure if I want to divulge anything more.

“Who’s up for a game?” Ivy says.

Scout and I both nod. “Sure. What do you have in mind?”

Her smile is maniacal. She grabs the chilled bottle of champagne. “Are you familiar with the drinking game Never Have I Ever?” she asks, topping off each of our glasses.

“I’ve never played, but it seems pretty self-explanatory,” I say.

“Okay, so we all know how to play.” She pulls her legs up and crosses them. “The only other rule is that everything spoken between us doesn’t leave this circle. Everyone agree?”

I gesture back and forth between them. “You two would really keep a secret from Luka and Leo?”