That gets another laugh out of him.
“But after my injury...” I say quietly. “Things changed.” My smile softens. “He changed.”
Anthony watches me carefully. “I think his brain's just been a little slow to catch up.”
Anthony leans forward. “Do you know what he wants?”
The answer comes immediately. Without hesitation. Without doubt. “I know he wantsme.”
Anthony raises an eyebrow.
I nod firmly. “I know it. I see it every time he looks at me.” Then I sigh. “He's been hurt badly, Anthony.” The joking leaves my voice. “He hasn't told me everything.” A pause. “But what hehastold me...” I shake my head. “It's really holding him back.”
Anthony hums thoughtfully. “This is where the patience comes in.”
I glance toward the window. Toward the people moving through the courtyard. “I'll be as patient as he needs.” And I mean it. Every word.
Then I look back at my best friend. And immediately ruin the serious moment. “But he won't kissssss me, Anthony.”
Anthony's eyes go wide. “What?”
“I'm dying here.”
“Wait, seriously?”
I slump lower in my chair. “Seriously.” I drag a hand through my hair. “Like I said. Big things to overcome.”
Anthony stares at me for a full three seconds before leaning forward. “You know what I think?”
“Hm?”
A grin spreads across his face. “I think if there's anyone on earth tenacious enough to win that kiss. To break down that final brick holding his heart hostage...” My smile starts growing. “...it's Ryan Buterbaugh.”
Something warm explodes in my chest. Hope. Confidence. Determination. All of it. I sit up straighter. My grin stretches ear to ear. “Hell yeah it is.”
Anthony laughs. I point toward myself. “I'm gonna make that man mine.”
Anthony lifts his coffee cup. “Yeah you are.”
I grab mine and tap it against his, feeling absolutely certain. Spence is worth every ounce of patience I've got.
Anthony looks down at his phone and says, “Chance and Tyler are here. We should head back.”
I nod and we stand to toss our cups and walk back. On the way, Anthony bumps my shoulder and says, “Nice post by the way.”
“Thanks. It felt really good.
“I’m sure it did,” Anthony says. “Run those things by me in the future, though, will ya? We’d like to keep representing you as long as you’ll have us.”
My face lights up. “Yeah? I just figured since I wouldn’t be playing anymore—”
“No,” Anthony cuts me off. “Once you’re one of our athletes, I want to support you in your post-career endeavors.”
“You’re so smart,” I tease.
He chuckles and says, “Speaking of post-career. Talks with team management are almost complete. You have your full contract guarantees we negotiated for you. They could potentially contest that you may still be able to play, but I’m guessing your little online mishap changed their perspective.”
I snicker. But what can I do?
