She bounces on the cushion and claps her hands with glee. “Dish. Now. Everything. You’ve been holding back. I demand every swoony and dirty detail.”
So, I tell her, sharing how we got to know each other better, how we fell for each other over yoga sessions and lunches, over conversations and monkey bread. How all that went down before we smashed into each other again yesterday.
“Clearly, resistance was futile at that point.” She can’t stop grinning and grabs my hand, squeezes it. “He sounds great. You seem happier than you ever have been. And I know you wanted to see what could happen with him.” Her lips curve into a knowing grin. “Honestly, I had a feeling when you asked about the contract at dinner a couple weeks ago.”
I tilt my head, grinning. “Yeah, I kinda sensed you did.”
She rolls her eyes, giving me the most duh of duh looks ever. “Hello! It wasn’t that hard to figure out.”
“I’ve been researching replacements like crazy. I’ve gone to a ton of classes, and I want to find the perfect person to—hopefully—fulfill the contract. I know the Renegades might say no, and that’s on me. I’ll do whatever you need me to do to find new clients to make up for it. Hell, you can dock my profits until we sort this out.”
A wild snort emanates from her. “Oh my God. You’re hilarious. Dock your profits? Give me a break. It’s our company. Yours and mine—equal ownership. I’m not docking your profits. We both took on the risks, and I’m not going to punish you.”
“You’re not?”
“Did you think I would?” She pokes my chest, then hisses. “Now I am pissed at you.”
I sigh, but I’m smiling and she is too. “I just want to do right by you and the company.”
“And you are,” she says, then winks. “But don’t you worry. I’ve got your back.”
Intrigued, I arch a brow. “What do you mean?”
“Like I said, I had a feeling this might happen. So I’ve been scouting replacements for you too.”
I squeal now—full on, through the roof. “Oh my God. You have?”
She taps her temple. “Sister intuition.”
“I’ll say.”
Olive’s not the only one I need to talk to, though. I square my shoulders. “I really want to let Lacey know today. I don’t want to pretend any longer.”
Olive pops up. “Let’s do it.”
My sister heads to her desk, calls Wilder Enterprises, and asks for Lacey. They set up a time to meet tomorrow, and Olive says she’ll come with me.
Funny, how I pictured going it alone—doing this whole fix-my-mess-by-myself thing.
But my friends and my sister have been by my side all along.
Especially when Olive settles in next to me and we discuss her options, then mine, reviewing teachers and putting together a new plan. It feels amazing to have this kind of support.
But then, that’s what we’ve always done—support each other.
And it feels so damn good to have her here with me today.
28
Katie
There is someone else who supports me too.
Who’s a big part of this situation.
Who’s the very reason for it.
I ring Harlan, but I don’t expect him to answer. He’s in practice most of the day. Still, I want him to know what’s going on.
When I reach his voicemail, I end the call and click to text.
Better to just tell him everything.
Katie: Hello! Can you say busy day? It’s been one. My mother showed up unexpectedly at my place this morning, and it was kind of eye-opening. She asked me to be her maid of honor at her upcoming wedding. I said no. And I felt great. Amazing. Because I felt nothing for her—no anger, no hurt, no annoyance. I felt lucky to be on the other side. But I also realized, I don’t want to be like her one bit. So, I’m not asking you to change anything, but I don’t want to do this secretly any longer. I told Olive today, and we’re working together to find the best replacement for me to present to Lacey. I know this is all happening sooner than expected, but . . . I didn’t feel right pretending anymore. Especially after yesterday. I am falling for you, and I can’t keep working with the team and you this closely, knowing how I feel. I hope you understand. I’m working at the office with my sister today. Call me or text me or something!
Before I hit send, I review the message, a new dose of anxiety running through me. Have I stepped out of bounds with Harlan? Assumed too much? Am I going all Lone Ranger?
But then, I replay what he said in his kitchen as we made monkey bread: whenever it works for you, I’m by your side.
I need to trust that he meant it. That he’s able to handle this change in plans.
That’s part of his job—to react to split-second shifts on the field. To his quarterback calling audibles. To getting open when other receivers are swarmed.