Page 107 of Lucky 22

Laughing softly, he nods. “Okay. I deserve that. But Ithought that since we’re already planning to move back to Florida temporarily,maybe we should book a stay at Wonder Land.”

I study him hard for a moment. “Say more things like that.”

He grins. “I already have it booked. We’ll go directly therefrom Toronto. One week, just us, no family or friends. Just you and me andseven glorious days at The Grand Brightwater.”

Maybe I’m weak, but I’m loving that he thought up all ofthat on his own.

“I’ve booked spa treatments, dinner at some of our favoriterestaurants, and a fireworks cruise. Remember how we never got to do that thelast time? Well, I made sure it was included in the itinerary. So? What do yousay? Am I forgiven? Maybe a little?”

“Christian…”

“Look, I get it. I’m making life complicated right now. I’mbeing stubborn—your words, not mine,” he adds with a wink. “I’m not ready tolet go of the dream.”

That’s the one that gets me every time.

He playfully nudges my shoulder, mindful of the coffee in myhands. “And I still get to be number twenty-two. That’s a good thing, right?It’s still your lucky number.”

“I guess. I just wish it were lucky enough to protect youfrom getting any more injuries.”

“Okay, but now we know why I keep getting injured. Once Irehab my core, things will improve.”

“Let’s hope…”

Toronto is a lovely city.

At least, from what I’ve seen of it.

A lot of work is happening before the launch of The EchoWars, and I’m spending more time in LA than I am with Christian.

I’m not sure if that’s a blessing or a curse.

All the time I’ve been working on the series, it was justthat—a series. Twenty-two episodes that would launch on the StorytellerChannel. But then Griffin Lawson came up with the idea of turning the firstfour episodes into a movie. He said it would be a great way to introduce thenew series to fans. And personally, I’m psyched. A movie gives viewers so muchmore to absorb than having to wait for new episodes.

But this new plan changed the original marketing. Now, we’rehaving an actual movie premiere, and I’m going to walk the red carpet.

Alone.

The Skyhawks have a game the same night, and there’s no wayChristian can be with me. That’s what you sign up for when you become abaseball wife. You’re alone a lot. We’re both disappointed, and that’s allthere is to it.

Right now, Jen’s doing my hair and makeup, and she is goingas my plus-one.

“I can’t believe that I get to go to the premiere of TheEcho Wars,” she says, wielding her curling iron like one of the lightswords from the movies. “Have I mentioned how much I love all the GalacticWars movies? This is one of those pinch-me moments. And I’ve met a lot ofactors and actresses in my line of work.”

“I know you have,” I say, laughing at her antics whilesecretly praying she doesn’t hit me with the curling iron.

“Will Griffin Lawson be there? Do you think it would beweird if I casually asked for an autograph or maybe pitched the idea of medoing hair and makeup for the next live-action movie?”

“It might. Maybe just stick to asking for an autograph.”

“Ugh. Fine. I’ll relegate myself to a simple fan, get hissignature, and go.” She pauses. “Or do you think he’d be okay with a picture?”

“Um…”

“You know what? Never mind. We’ll play it by ear.” She goesback to curling my hair. “Did you talk to Christian today?”

“I did.”

“And?”