Fin lifted my chin. “What?”
Blinking away tears, I pressed my lips together. “I feel like I’m letting Dad down by passing the position to someone else.”
“Your dad owned the Coopers. Why didn’t he coach?”
I stifled a laugh. “Dad was many things. An NFL coach wasn’t one of them.”
“So, you mean your dad could do his best for the Coopers without filling every position himself?”
“He used to say that it’s important to have the right people.”
Fin tipped his forehead to mine. “I think you just explained yourself. When the time comes for you to take over, you’ll be ready. And I’d bet Reid is proud of you knowing your limitations at this time.”
The bartender laid out cocktail napkins and placed my wine glass and Fin’s fluted beer glass on top of them. “I’ll check back.”
“Thank you,” Fin replied, lifting his glass. “To you,” he said to me, “the woman with the answers.”
I lifted my glass. “I’m not sure I can agree with your toast.”
His sexy grin quirked and his eyes shone. “To our bubble.” He lowered his voice. “And a lifetime of challenges.”
Warmth returned to my cheeks as I squeezed my thighs together and nodded. “I can drink to that.” We clinked our drinks before taking a sip.
“Tonight is supposed to be wine and dine,” Fin said, “but I have a few questions first. Have you heard more about Bre?”
“Oh, I did.” I recalled speaking to Leigh after Bre’s arraignment. “The judge posted a five-hundred-thousand-dollar bond.”
Fin’s eyes opened wide. “That’s high.”
“Remember Detective Oldson saying Bre had a plane ticket?”
He nodded.
“It was one-way. According to Leigh, the judge made the bond higher because of flight risk. They also ordered Bre to remain in the Lexington area, have regular check-ins with an officer of the court, and relinquish her passport.”
Fin exhaled. “How do you feel about her being out of jail?”
Running my finger around the lip of the wine glass, I considered. “We still don’t know what evidence they have against her.” I scrunched my nose. “I have a difficult time believing that she would maliciously plan Dad’s” —I didn’t want to say the word murder— “his death.” I met Fin’s stare. “The night she told me about the affair, I believed she loved him. She was absolutely shattered. But then…today I spoke with Dad’s attorney.” I shook my head. “Bre said Mr. Eads knew about their plans to marry.” I pursed my lips. “If that’s true, Mr. Eads didn’t let on.”
Fin hummed before taking a sip of his beer. “Who do you think is telling the truth?”
“I don’t know.” I turned, meeting his gaze. “Fin, I don’t want to keep anything from you, but I’m exhausted. Could tonight just be about us?”
“Vee.” A shrill voice pierced our bubble.
We both turned to the owner of the jarring intonation.
Daphne was halfway down the large staircase, waving and calling from the banister.
“Shit,” I mumbled.
“How the fuck did I choose the same restaurant?” Fin murmured.
Same?
“Daphne,” I replied with a nod of my head.
As the men following her came into view, I reached out, gripping Fin’s knee. Grant and Preston were a step behind her. “Why would Preston be with them?” I asked under my breath.
