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She pauses, letting that tidbit hang in the air. “I’m not making excuses for her behavior or the pain she’s caused you, but I’ve lived long enough to know that each and every person walks around wounded and scarred from the battles they’ve faced, and very often, we’ll never know what they’ve seen or been through.”
My mind flashes to the nightlights that flickered throughout Sean’s house and how I would’ve never imagined and still maybe don’t know everything he’s survived. It makes me want to hold him, to tell him how much I care about him and how proud I am of everything he’s become despite life beating him down.
“I’m so glad he came for you.” This woman’s ability to follow my thoughts is frightening. I rest back, squinting at her. “I have no doubt he had to carry you out of here kicking and screaming.”
“Were you stalking me?”
“Oh, pfft. Only tracking your phone, sweetheart. I could kiss that man for getting you out of here. I see he’s in Phoenix.” She raises one very faint, thin eyebrow.
“It happened fast. He left yesterday morning.”
“Anything happen I should know about?” Heat rises from the depths of my toes, making its way through my body, and I haveno doubt she sees it. “That young man looks good in yellow and black. It’s a real shame he’s out there all by himself, trying to sort things out in a new city with a new team.”
“He’s really busy, Gem. He’s playing this weekend.”
She turns Ax to face her as he tries to shove a textured ball in his mouth. “It’s a big deal for him to step out on a new field, in new colors, with new guys, and there won’t be anyone in those stands for him. Seems a real shame.”
I let my head fall to the back of the couch. “You’re laying it on a little thick, aren’t you?”
She shifts, directing herself towards me and looking more like my Gem. “He’s good for you, Andie. He cares about you enough to stand by you and up for you, and he came here unafraid and determined not to let you hurt alone. It’s rare, sweet girl. It takes bravery and balls to do that.”
I groan, not wanting to think how right she is. He’s done all that for me.
“Take it from a lonely old woman. Sometimes we have to be brave and ballsy, too, and go after the things we want.”
“So I just take Ax and travel across the country for a weekend?” I know it sounds pathetic and like a massive excuse, and maybe it is. It’s a huge risk. It’s putting my heart fully on the line once again. What if Sean changes his mind and I’m not what he wants after all?
“Who says it should only be for a weekend?” This woman says it so casually, like I’m making much of nothing.
“Just like that? Only after a couple months?”
Both eyebrows lift along with one thin, bony shoulder. “Why not? What do you want, Andie?” Here she goes, calling me by my name. “Are you going to sit here and tell me it’s not him?”
“What about the album? Nora and Jonesy?” I’m not going to mention Nora’s on board to travel. “What about you?!”
Her eyes move to me, unimpressed with every excuse. “I imagine there are studios out there or that you could come back when you need to, and, honey, I’m perfectly capable of getting on a plane. The warm sun and dry air would do my spry bones some good.”
“So just pick up and go? Leave everything behind?” I’m exasperated with the pressure of this sudden life-altering decision.
Both her shoulders shrug this time. “Is he worth it?”
Damn her and her questions.I don’t even have to think about it. He’s so worth it, but the idea of going after what I want scares me to no end. Maybe that’s the point.
“My girl, you’ve spent enough time waiting for things to happen or life to change. It’s time to live your life for no one else but you. We only get one, so you need to make damn sure you're living it.”
______
“Hi.”
“Hey.” His voice is the one I’ve longed to hear all day.
“How was it today?”
“Excruciating. My body is tired, but my brain is in overdrive, trying to learn all the plays and get used to a different system and dynamics. I spent thirty minutes in the sauna, and my body is still tight and stressed.”
He sounds worn out and worn down. It makes me wonder what he’s holding back.
“How are the guys? If you can believe social media, Kings fans are stoked about you joining the team.” The news of Sean joining the Arizona Kingsnakes is everywhere. Tigers fans are outraged at his departure, but Kings fans are excitedly lighting up the web at his arrival.
