37. 37
M om works the front of the bakery today while Liam is at school and Dad is at a doctor’s appointment. I sit in the back, trying to do all the planning necessary for Ryan Jade’s party. Earlier in the week she stopped by to do a tasting, something I normally only offer for weddings, but considering the size of the party, I was happy to do it for her. My tablet includes all of my notes and various reference pictures I’ll need for the day.
One of the buttercream shapes is new to me so I pull out my phone, trying to find a video that shows the technique so I can practice. I go to click on the video I found, but an unknown number pops up on my phone.
“Hello,” I say, tentatively.
“Anya? It’s Courtney, Charlie Price’s, well I guess King now, best friend?”
“Courtney, yes! Hi. How are you?” I ask.
“I’m good, thanks. I’m actually calling for a favor, or really, offering a favor.”
“A favor for me?” I stand up and begin pacing around my kitchen, a habit I’ve had since the first time a boy called my house to ask me out.
“Parker was at dinner at Charlie’s house this past Friday, we missed you by the way, and he mentioned you had a big job coming up and you’d be looking for help?”
A small smile escapes. The fact he remembered our conversation touches me.
“Oh! Yes, oh my gosh, thank you for calling. I definitely could use some help. It’s for next weekend and I am a bit overwhelmed to say the least.”
“Awesome! Well, I need to finish settling my family into our new house and get my son enrolled in school. Do you think I could start with you on Monday or is that too late?”
“No, that’ll be fine. It gives me time to finalize some designs and choices, and then we can hit the ground running on Monday.”
“Sounds great. Thank you, for this. I’ve always wanted to work in a bakery. I figured this move would be the perfect opportunity,” she says.
“Really, you’re saving me. We’ll discuss your pay and everything when you get here.”
“Works for me. I’ll see you on Monday, bright and early.”
“See you then,” I say, hanging up the call.
I stop pacing for a moment, a warm feeling creeping up. I pull up my texts and find the thread with Parker, tapping into it. It has been so hard not calling and texting him every second of the day, but I know he has a lot to work through with Brittany showing up. I can only imagine how hard that must have been for him and no matter how much I want him, he needs this time. Hopefully, getting the closure he’s needed will only help us. If there’s still going to be an us after all is said and done.
Anya: Hi, Parker. Just got off the phone with Courtney. Thanks for telling her I needed help. Would you like to come over on Sunday, after Dom’s game? I could cook us dinner and we could talk.
I hit send, nerves running rampant through my body. Reaching back to tuck my phone in my pocket, before I can even put it away, it vibrates.
Parker: Thank God. I’ve missed you. I’ll be there.
A small smile lights my face and I move around my day feeling lighter.
Lorelei and I walk in through the entrance designated for guests of the players. I decided to keep my outfit simple today and am wearing a t-shirt with our last name on the back and Dom’s number and some plain jeans and tennis shoes.
“Do you think this outfit is too much? I was a little worried about it, but I wanted to try something different,” Lorelei asks, spinning for me while we wait in line for security.
Her hair is streaked red today, paired with a mini skirt, thigh-high boots, and a strategically ripped up shirt. She looks much more like the other wives in this outfit.
“I think you look great. Your feet are going to die in those boots, though. ”
“No, didn’t Dom tell you? Sasha invited us to sit in her suite today.”
“And?” I ask.
“They have free food, a private bathroom, and an open bar,” Lore says. "And the comfy seats."
“Okay, fine. I hate my brother. I would have worn something else if I had known. I’m a little surprised she even knows my name.”
We place our bags on the conveyor belt as we move through the metal detectors, our conversation on pause.
“I heard through the grapevine she is a huge fan of House of Desire and has been obsessed with this season.”
I roll my eyes as we collect our things. The Desire Suite dates aired two days earlier and my phone has been blowing up with interview requests, all of which I’ve rejected.
“Goodie.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“Do you want to know the only thing people want to talk about? Me falling after getting out of the limo.”
She tries to keep in her laugh as we move to the elevator that will take us directly up to the suite area.
“It’s important to be memorable, sweetie,” she says, patting my arm.
“ Not for falling down, Lore!”
“Well, okay, I’ll give you that. Do you want to hear some gossip I’ve heard from Alec? To distract you?”
“Always.”
“After the hometown episode was aired, people were crazy for Dom and they’ve thrown his name in the running to be a contestant for the next female led season. ”
“Could you imagine Dom on the show? How would that even work? Don’t they film during season?” The thought of my brother being on a dating show makes me nervous for him. I know that professional football is all he’s ever wanted to do and I would hate for him to get distracted from that for a show.
“Yeah, that’s the only problem.”
“The only problem after the fact he wouldn’t want to do something like that,” I tell her.
She loops her arm through mine and we make our way to our seats in Sasha’s box, where she’s chatting with a few other spouses I haven’t met yet. She gasps when she catches sight of us out of the corner of her eye.
“Anastasia! I’m so excited to see you,” she says, pushing through the group around her, flinging herself into my arms. The hug is a little awkward, but I return it as best I can. “Come sit with me.”
She pulls back, grabbing my hand and pulling me away from Lorelei without even acknowledging her and we take two seats in the front row of the suite. Lore waves goodbye and heads to the bar.
“ Please tell me you kissed Parker during the Desire Suite date and then tell me about it in excruciating detail. Also, girl. How embarrassing was it falling on night one?”
Annoyed I’m being asked that question, again , I keep my feelings from my face.
“More than you could even imagine,” I say and then share a few details that, if they got out, would not be detrimental to anyone on the show.
With the anticipation of seeing Parker tonight, it feels like the game takes an eternity. But the time clicks down second after second, until finally we are at the two-minute warning and I can’t wait any longer. I turn toward Sasha and grab her arm for a moment.
“Hey, I’m going to get going. Thanks for inviting me up here.”
She gives me a hug. This time I’m ready and able to return the gesture in a relaxed way.
“Sounds good. Tell Dominic he did a great job.”
I nod, surprised she knows his first name, but she’s already turned back to watch her husband. Lorelei sees me moving and meets me at the top of the stairs.
“Leaving now? There’s only two more minutes.”
“Parker is coming over tonight. To talk.”
Her gray eyes search mine.
“Is everything okay?”
“Hopefully.”
“Good luck.” She steps out of my way and I get out of the stadium as fast as I can.