Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
I take two steps toward the lobby door, following Boone and Atlas from the bus, when someone calls my name.
A female voice, soft and recognizable.
I turn and see Emily standing on the sidewalk, wrapped in a wool coat with her purse slung over her shoulder. She raises a gloved hand for a tentative wave and offers a hesitant smile.
I’m stunned to see her there. I mean, she lives in Chicago, but I have no clue why she’d be outside the Titans’ hotel. It immediately puts me on edge.
Stepping over to her, a mixture of curiosity and unease swirling in my chest, I ask, “What are you doing here?”
I try to make it sound politely intrigued but it comes off a little defensive, and I mentally wince. I’m not an asshole and I don’t want to be one, but I don’t correct it.
She looks sheepish and a bit out of place. “I knew the Titans were playing here tomorrow. My boss rubs elbows with the Chicago Bobcats general manager and he got me tickets to the game.”
“Along with the location of the players’ hotel?” I glance back at the bus, see players still ambling off, then back to Emily. “This feels a little weird.”
She at least has the grace to blush and stammers an apology with a sheen of tears in her eyes. “I know, and I’m sorry. I was going to call and see if we could have dinner and talk, but I was sure you’d say no. So I thought if I just showed up here, you’d have a harder time saying no to my face, and I know that’s pushy as hell, but… well, I’ve got bad news about my mom and you said you were my friend and we could talk…”
I hold up my hand to stop her as I’m a relieved to hear this has to do with her mom and there’s no denying the fear and angst in her voice. I’m guessing the news is really bad. Guilt tugs at me. The tears in her eyes make it hard to say no. While I’m not keen on the idea, there’s no reason I can’t grab a bite with her and lend a sympathetic ear.
A hand comes down on my shoulder and I turn to see Rafferty. His expression is curious and a bit concerned. “Hey man… don’t mean to interrupt, but can I borrow you a quick second before I head in?”
I frown, wondering what could be so important but say, “Sure.” I then tell Emily. “Give me a minute. Then we’ll go find some place to eat and talk.”
She flashes me a relieved smile and takes a few steps back. I turn to Rafferty. “What’s up?”
He keeps his eyes locked on me, not sparing a glance at my ex, but it’s clear she’s the subject of his concern. “Who’s that and why are you going to dinner with a woman who’s not Willa?”
If his words weren’t coated in so much suspicion and accusation, I would laugh at my friend, but honestly, I’m too amused and touched over his worry for my girlfriend that I don’t bother.
Instead, I say, “She’s just a friend I’ve known for a long time and she lives here. Her mother has cancer and looks like the news isn’t good. We’re going to grab some dinner and talk about it.”
Again, Rafferty doesn’t look at Emily but pins me with a censuring stare. “She looks at you like you’re more than a friend.”
“It’s not like that,” I assure him, then realize that’s not quite truthful. “I mean… we dated for a long time but broke up a few years ago. She—”
Rafferty shakes his head, his frown deepening. “Doesn’t work like that, young one. You may not see it, but she’s looking at you as more than a friend. You need to be careful.”
It’s a struggle for me not to glance over at Emily. I mean, I had a moment’s unease and I wondered both at her call and her showing up here, but… her mother is what’s important. “I hear you and maybe you’re right. But I’m truly just interested in hearing about her mom—a woman I cared about—and giving her a little support. I still care for her, you know.”
He nods, understanding in his eyes. “I know. Just be careful. Nothing good ever comes out of an ex popping back into the picture.”
“I have no intention of doing anything but lending an ear tonight. I plan to reiterate that I’m with Willa. I told Emily about her already when she called earlier this week.”
Rafferty grunts with a smirk. “Aha. She’s already called once, and now shows up out of the blue. She wants you back, my man.”
“Maybe,” I reply with a shrug. “But that’s not what I want. I’ll make sure she understands that.” And then I can’t help but add with a pointed look, “Because you have to be clear when you’re not interested in someone.”