Page 98 of Lucky 22

“Okay, fine. I’ve had to do it a little bit.”

“Exactly. You uprooted your life in California, and yourapartment back in St. Louis couldn’t be decorated because it was temporary. Youcook meals based on his needs and not yours. And then you can be friends withthe WAGs, but close to none of them. You’ve sacrificed a lot.”

“It’s not so bad.”

Shaking her head, she doesn’t say anything else, and we eatin companionable silence for several long moments. Still, she’s saying all thethings I’ve been thinking and then feel bad about.

“Jen?”

“Hmm?”

“Thank you.”

A smile tugs at her lips. “For what?”

“For not being afraid to say the things I don’t always wantto hear.”

“That’s what friends do. We lift each other up, say theuncomfortable stuff, and do our best to support each other. And I will, youknow. All of it. I’m always here for you.”

Tears sting my eyes. “Right back at you.”

We’re precariously balancing our plates in our laps, but wereach out and grasp each other’s hands. It’s such a simple connection, but it’spowerful.

When we let go, I see that impish grin again. “Do I need tovisit you in Florida? Mr. Lucas hasn’t heard loud steps until he’s heard thesefeet pounding on the floor above.”

We break into a fit of laughter, and it’s so darn perfectthat I feel all the lingering tension leave my body.

And I desperately want the feeling to last.

I need it to.

The next morning, I wake up to a series of texts frommy husband. I can’t believe I didn’t hear the notifications.

Christian: Good morning, beautiful.

Christian: I booked my flight forFriday. I land at LAX at 12:30 and fly home early Monday morning so I can getmy physical therapy in later in the day.

He sends me all the flight information, because that’s whatwe do.

Christian: I’m off to the batting cagesnow and then PT. I’ll talk to you tonight.

Christian: I hope you have a wonderfulday.

Christian: Love you and can’t wait tosee you.

I stare at the phone, smiling, hearing his voice in my head.

I want to feel like this all the time—seeing his texts orhearing his voice and smiling. And I don’t feel like it happens as much as itshould. Our lives make it difficult. As we gear up for another baseball season,I find I’m feeling anxious. I want to be mentally prepared for whateverhappens.

But I also want to focus on me. And this role.

Becoming Ashla.

I can’t explain it, but I know this will be a bigdeal for my career. I want to give it everything I have and make it something Ican be proud of.

This is the first time I’m technically going to be the leadin a series. It’s not happening the way I always imagined it would, but that’snot a bad thing. It means I’ll have to find the balance of committing to thisrole—this character—and being there for Christian and whatever the seasonholds.

Christian’s coming off a World Series win and an MVP title,but his body still isn’t healed. I have a feeling he’ll need more than luck.