“Come on, Addison. You need this. A fresh start with no strings attached.”
I exhale slowly, thinking about the offer. I’ve spent weeks creating a firm that gives me control. I’ve set boundaries to ensure no one traps me ever again. I’ve done it all for opportunities like this one. This could be it. The job that gets me out of New York. A fresh start and a chance to rebuild my life on my terms.
“Just for the season?”
“Just for the season, Addison.”
“I’m in.”
3
away fixture
FOR REAL THIS TIME BY GRACIE ABRAMS
I grip the edge of the seat in the cab, my fingers curled so tight on the leather that my knuckles ache. Outside the window, London unfolds like a postcard. Big Ben stands tall in the distance as we weave through traffic with red double-decker buses. I watch wide-eyed as the London Eye turns slowly against the blue sky.
“First time in London?” the driver asks, smiling at me in the rearview mirror.
“First time even out of the country,” I admit.
His eyebrows lift, like he wasn’t expecting me to admit that, especially given the amount of luggage he loaded into the car. It surprises me too. I’ve spent years planning out the perfect career and the perfect life, but I never went anywhere. I collected paychecks, but not passport stamps. Even just days ago, I never imagined I’d be here. But when Luke called with the opportunity, I knew it was the right move.
And now here I am.
I look out the window again, watching in horror as the cab whips around a roundabout in the wrong direction. My stomach jolts like I’ve been thrown sideways.
“Oh my god,” I mutter, putting a hand to my forehead and squeezing my eyes shut as the car sharply turns. “Fucking Christ.”
“You’ll get used to it,” the driver says, chuckling. “And keep talking like that and you’ll fit right in here, love.”
“Doubtful.”
He shakes his head and continues driving, amused that I’m watching normal London traffic like it’s the scariest roller coaster I’ve ever been on.
The cab pulls up in front of a row of brick buildings and slows to a stop. “This is it,” he announces before shifting the car into park.
I take a deep breath, forcing myself to move. I push the car door open and step out onto the pavement. The street is quaint and quiet, with just the faint sound of city life in the distance. I glance up at the building—old, but charming, like it’s lived many lives. It looks like it was ripped straight from a period drama—complete with weathered bricks, bay windows, and an iron gate.
God, where’s Emma Thompson? Is she here somewhere, ready to profess her love for Hugh Grant?
Before I can fully process where I am and what I’ve done, the front door swings open and Luke runs out grinning, with Pippa trailing behind him.
“Addison!” He comes toward me, arms spread wide open to pull me in. “Welcome home, love.”
“Let her breathe, Luke,” Pippa scolds from behind, hands on her hips. She steps out from his shadow, a petite woman with dark curly hair, sharp brown eyes, and brown skin. She takes my hands and pulls me toward her. “Good to see you, Addison.”
“Good to see you too, Pips.”
She slides her arm through mine and leads me toward the apartment. “Grab her bags, Luke!” she shouts back toward her husband.
“Well, with that order, you’re robbing me of the chance to be chivalrous.” Luke laughs, groaning theatrically as he pulls the first of my bags from the trunk of the cab. I can’t help but smile as I follow Pippa inside the building.
The first-floor apartment is nice, and bigger than I expected. For an old building, the apartment is surprisingly modern. The hardwood floor creaks under my boots. The built-ins along the wall are filled with books and knickknacks that make me feel like I’ve stepped into a real place.
The kitchen flows into the living room, both spaces painted a soft dove grey. There’s a white subway tile backsplash and enough counter space for someone who likes to cook, which I don’t. I enjoy baking, but for some reason, I’m utterly hopeless at cooking. I think the takeout services in New York City will miss me more than anyone else.
Floor to ceiling windows in the living room bring in gorgeous natural light and offer a clear view of Ashdown Park, where Rockford FC plays, in the distance. The massive floodlights stand tall against the sky.
