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“Only the women,” Hallie says.
Saylor rolls her eyes.
I know she cares about me. She’s told me she loves me, and she’s shown it.
But I’m not certain where I fall on her priority list when football is involved. We’re at two very different places in our careers. Hers hasn’t reached its peak. And as much as I like to pretend otherwise, mine possibly has.
I have no doubt Saylor will accomplish everything she’s hoping to.
Me? I’ve hit the milestones. I’ve proven myself. And while I have no intention of retiring anytime soon, that means some of the pressure is off. Saylor doesn’t share the same mindset.
We haven’t discussed many details regarding her next move, only spoken in abstract terms. But what is best for her career and what’s best for us will likely bisect, and I’m not sure what, if anything, she’s willing to sacrifice. I’m not worried about our relationship, but I’m aware it will be affected.
“You guys are headed out?” Saylor asks her sister.
Hallie nods. “Matthew is close to crashing.”
Saylor stands and walks over to the doorway, taking her nephew and lifting him up in the air. His little arms wave around, and he laughs. The sight makes me smile. I want kids with her—when, if, she’s ready for that step. I think I knew that when I heard her talking to Matthew in my favorite coffee shop.
“He seems wide awake to me,” Saylor states, grinning at Matthew while he waves at her. “You guys could stay for dinner.”
I speak before Hallie can answer. “I made reservations at La Central,” I tell Saylor. “Hallie, uh, said it was a nice place.”
Hallie smirks a little, like she’s suddenly realizing why I asked her for a restaurant recommendation. I hope that’s a good sign, but hell if I know.
“We don’t have to go,” I add, quickly. “It was just a?—”
“No. Dinner sounds great. I’ll go shower and change.” Saylor passes her nephew back to Hallie, says goodbye to her sister’s family, and heads upstairs.
More heavy silence lingers in her departure, as we all listen to Saylor’s footsteps climb the stairs.
Hallie talks first. “Okay, we’re headed out. Bye!” She glances at me. Winks. “Good luck.”
I nod, registering the sentiment more than the teasing. That I’ll need luck.
I know Saylor. But she still manages to surprise me on a regular basis. Honestly, I have no idea how she’ll react.
Once the front door closes behind Hallie, Matt, and Matthew Jr., Sandra stands. “I should reorganize the fridge before I lose all motivation. The caterers stuffed all the leftovers in there.”
She sends a smile my way, which I return. The fridge might need to be reorganized, but I’m positive this is an attempt to give me and Marcus a moment.
As soon as we’re sitting alone, he speaks. “Saylor hasn’t asked for my permission about anything in years. You don’t need to pretend a word I say will make any difference to her, Adler.”
“Just because she doesn’t ask doesn’t mean she doesn’t care,” I reply carefully.
I like Marcus. I hate how he raised his daughters. Saylor still resents him, and I do too, on her behalf. But I know he has regrets, and I don’t want her to have any.
“I’m going to ask her regardless of what you say,” I continue. “But I’d like to have your blessing.”
“You have it, of course,” he tells me. The corner of his mouth twists. “Good, uh, luck.”
The landline rings, followed by a call from Sandra in the kitchen. Marcus stands, offering me a smile I think he means to be encouraging, then heads for the doorway.
Leaving me alone with my thoughts.
As soon as we step into the small bistro, someone calls out Saylor’s name. It’s an echo of her graduation party this afternoon. Every person there wanted to talk to her.
She turns to greet a tall guy with brown hair. “Hey, Andy.”
