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“Have we considered the ramifications if Chevy pulls out? I mean really look at the worst-case scenario to make sure we’re ready?” I dove right back in. If I had the data one way or another, it would help me. I ate more as I silently ticked off what I knew. We seemed pretty safe, but I didn’t know the ins and outs of every contract anymore because there were so many.

“Certainly the board will get skittish if we lose them because they’re the largest.” Tamara’s tone said she didn’t really want to do this, but she’d pacify me. “But we have two model years to make up the shortfall if they exit. I’ll get a more in-depth analysis together so we know all the what ifs.”

“Thanks. It might be more than we need but better to have it ready.” That was my attempt to acknowledge that I might just be asking for too much.

She nodded and finished taking notes before she met my gaze again. “You know, this won’t all go away overnight?” She gestured around, indicating the company as a whole.

“I know.” And I did. We had issues, but it also wouldn’t just collapse. “I just want us to be safe. Make sure everything is buttoned up and everybody’s loving what we do.”

My phone chirped with a text that I knew came from Kyle. He was only the fourth person to get their own tone on my phone—my parents and Tamara were the others.

The phone sat face down on the tabletop. I usually stole looks at alerts when the screen lit up, but I wanted to be more mindful and not always jump for the phone. It challenged me, especially since I knew Kyle had sent the message. But I needed to practice.

“You’re not going to check?” She eyed me suspiciously.

“An exercise in self-control.”

She opened her mouth, then closed it and then looked thoroughly confused. I held back a laugh. “Are you some kind of doppelgänger?” What I couldn’t keep down was a silly smile. “There’s more going on than you’ve told me isn’t there? Who knew you even had a dopey grin like that. I quite like it. Don’t let him get away. Check that message.”

“Only if you tell him that you made me look.”

Hey Austin. Hope it’s okay I’m texting. Just wanted to wish you good luck with the presentation tomorrow.

A giddy feeling washed over me. Should I even have that as an adult? Seemed like it should be more of a teenager thing. He’d only wished me good luck.

I typed: Thanks! We’re as ready as we’re going to be. How was practice today?

Practice was good. Already eager to play Thursday night.

I sent the text and then started another: And just so you know, when you texted I had my phone face down on the table. Tamara insisted that I turn it over to see what you said. So I am pouncing on every single message. I finished with a smiley face emoji.

“Your goofy smile has only gotten bigger. Spill.”

“All I told him was that me responding so quickly was on you.”

Before I could put the phone down, it pinged with his response.

He sent back a grinning emoji.

I was thinking… And you can totally say no. I’d love to see you again. Would you like to go out sometime?

“I just asked him out.”

She made a noise that sounded like something a grade schooler with a secret to tell might make. “You did not!”

“Stop.” Nothing like embarrassment caused by a friend. My face was crazy hot. I turned the phone to her, hoping he wouldn’t respond while she was looking.

Just as I turned it back, the three dots popped up.

Your timing is amazing. I was thinking about asking you the same thing.

My sharp intake of breath forced Tamara’s gaze back on me from her tablet.

Our captain’s wife has an art gallery opening next week. Most of the team is coming along with wives, girlfriends, boyfriends, etc. Come with me? Dinner after maybe?

I wasted no time with my response: I’d love to. Send me the details and we’ll make a plan.

“Holy crap. I’ve got a date for next week.” My heart beat like a drum, and I hoped it wouldn’t explode from excitement and nerves