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I plop down on the couch just as Layla pokes her head into my office. Her eyebrows quirk as she takes in the fact that I’m sitting.
I don’t sit.
At least not unless I have to. I like to move. I’ve got lots of energy to burn. I make a face at her and she moves more into the doorway, leaning her thin frame against the doorjamb.
“Well, that’s really great, Cash. I’m so excited for you.”
Layla’s eyes go wide and she waves her face as if she’s hot, then pretends to melt into the door. I roll my eyes but smile.
Unaware of my eavesdropper, Cash continues, “Me too. Mom is excited for me to be home too.” His tone is soft. While Cash and I have always had a strong bond, I can’t say the same for my parents. They latched on to his natural football ability early on and did everything they could to help him succeed. Which is great. I would expect that. But in the process, his football career became an obsession for them. Wherever he goes to play ball, they follow. It’s become a source of contention between us for sure. But I don’t want to dwell on that in the midst of my brother’s news.
“Yay.” I try to sound excited.
“You’re so full of shit.” He snorts.
“Okay, so well, I want to know where you’re living and what your schedule looks like. I also want flight info for tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I’ll forward you my itinerary. I’ve got a pretty packed schedule once I land in Indy, but I’m seeing you the first second I can breathe. Let me know when you’re free.”
I fight off the emotion in the back of my throat. I’ve missed him so much. My parents are good people, but I haven’t gotten that family connection from them in nearly twenty years. But Cash, he’s the person I care about the most in this world and I’m so happy to have him back in my life on a regular basis.
“I will.” I sniffle.
He answers my watery reply with a chuckle. “So emotional. I gotta run. Love ya, Cass.”
I return the sentiment and set my phone on my lap and take a breath.
“Wow, that call was the full gambit of emotions. What’s going on with Cashanova?” Layla says as she walks fully into my office and lowers herself to the other end of the couch. I roll my eyes at the nickname she gave him years ago.
“He was just picked up by the Renegades.” I sigh, then peek at the clock on the wall and note that my next meeting is soon.
“Oh snap! That’s amazing news.” But her smile turns into a frown. “Backup QB still?”
“Yeah, but he’s not letting that get him down. His time to shine will come. I can feel it. He knows it too.” I stand and walk to my desk.
“Good. I’m looking forward to getting some good seats next season.” Layla relaxes back into the cushions.
“Ha! I don’t know how good they will be, but I can definitely see more home games in our future.” I pull my Surface Pro off the doc station and flip it into tablet mode. “Did you need me for something?”
“Not really. I got all tingly when I heard you talking and just knew you were on the phone with that sexy brother of yours.” She waggles her brows and laughs at my shudder.
“Gross.” I pull up a clean doc and jot down some notes with my stylus on my potential new client.
“For real, though, I wanted to see if you wanted to go grab some coffee downstairs.”
“Can’t. Got a meeting, but I’ll be ready for one after. That work for you?” I pull all my items together into a stack and walk toward the door. Layla stands up and follows me out of my office.
“Works for me. Also, I was thinking we need to get a photographer on staff. I know we tossed around some ideas a few months ago on how to grow, but I think we could really benefit from that.” Layla mentions.
I nod, remembering the conversation. “Oh. I like that idea. You know who would be great? Stella.”
“Oh my gosh, yes. I had that thought too. But I’m not sure she’d go for it.” Layla pouts.
“Agreed. It would go against the two things she hates most in this world, love and putting down roots.” I offer. And as much as I adore our good friend from college, Stella Young has always had one foot out the door and swore off love years ago.
With a dejected sigh, Layla says, “True. Still. A girl can dream.”
“Facts,” I tell her as I get to the stairwell.
