13. Alice #3
“I think my story isn’t that different from most who leave home and go away to college.
The transition was hard for me. I didn’t have any friends at the time, but I always knew whenever I had practice, I’d be surrounded by my people.
And that’s when I met Kelli. We cheered together at Florida, we’ve lived together since freshman year, and when I mentioned I wanted to do cheerleading workshops to bring people together to form a community, she said she couldn’t wait to help me.
She’s always on my side and in my corner. ”
I glance at Ryder, and his expression is a little sad and thoughtful. What does he think about the Mighty Monarchs? Is he proud of me or does he not even care?
“If someone wanted to attend your events, how would they sign up?” Sasha asks.
“So our fall event is full, but our spring event, which we’ll be announcing soon, is unlimited. Registration is online, and as long as we have parent consent, we’d love to see as many as we can.”
Sasha turns to face the camera. “There you have it. If you think your kiddo would like to join the Mighty Monarchs, feel free to find the link on our social media page or head to the Mighty Monarchs site directly. But before we take a quick break, we do have one more thing to share.” She winks and then smiles so big at me there’s no denying she has veneers.
“Here at Midday Tampa Bay, we love to help out and sponsor those who are doing good things in the community. We appreciate you both coming on today, and we’re here to present you with a five thousand dollar check for Mighty Monarchs. ”
My jaw drops as I jump to my feet, and Ryder follows. From backstage, Brian walks out holding a giant check. I am unable to stop the tears as they fill my eyes and flow over.
“Oh my gosh, I don’t know what to say. This is unexpected and amazing. Thank you isn’t big enough. This money will go far, you have no idea. Thank you so much.” I rush to hug Sasha, and she hugs me back.
“Well, go on over and get your check. You too, Ryder. Y’all are in this together, aren’t you?”
“We are,” he says. I take one side of the check, he takes the other, and we smile at each other. Not fake smiles, but real ones. My vision again goes blurry.
* * *
The drive back to my place is as quiet as it was on the way there, only this time there’s not as much tension. We’re both more relaxed. I know it’s an illusion, as the two of us together are not anything close to being relaxed, but it’s a nice reprieve.
“So, I found out something the other day that I thought you would find interesting,” he says, warily, breaking the silence.
“Oh, yeah? What’s that?” I ask, continuing to look out the window. In front of us is the Tampa skyline, home, a city that I love.
“Lily Kent is also Lily Keegan.”
My head whips to the side to look at him. He’s smirking. Satisfied that he’s shocked me.
“Why do you say this?”
He shifts draping one hand on the steering wheel, and the other is on the seat next to him. “Tyler told us. I guess since she’s moved in with him, the cats are out of the bag. She also told Reid’s wife and a few others.”
My jaw drops. Lily Kent is the epitome of a WAG. For years. To have this secret and no one knew . . . it’s wild. “No. Way. I love her books.”
“I figured. You’ve always been a sucker for romance novels and from what I hear she’s a pretty big one.”
“She’s a huge one.” I lean back in the seat and look out the front window. “Wow. Just wow.”
“I guess it’s not common knowledge. Please don’t spread that around and announce it anywhere. I just thought you’d like to know.”
I remember seeing her at the team barbecue a few weeks ago. I can’t believe I was looking at one of my favorite authors and didn’t even know it.
“I do. Thank you. I won’t tell anyone.”
Anyone except for Kelli.
“So your event is coming up, right?” he asks, turning into my complex. I know he’s referring to my Mighty Monarchs event.
“Yes, it’s on the twenty-second.”
“Do you need any help with it?”
I turn and look at him. I’m surprised he’s asking. I should say no, but that’s me being selfish. I know that the kids would all go crazy if one of the football players showed up too.
“We can always use help. The more the merrier.”
“Okay. Count me in,” he says as he comes to a stop.
The truck is silent. That tension is coming back, but I can’t help myself. I have to know. “Ryder, I don’t understand. Why the change of heart? Why are you all of a sudden talking to me?”
Dark eyes with thick dark lashes scan over my face. The answer is there. He just doesn’t want to tell me, and I see the moment he decides he’s not going to. “I don’t know.”
This makes me angry.
“Well, here’s a better question for you. Why did you stop talking to me?”
He continues to stare at me. He won’t answer me. Not yet, maybe not ever. That anger slips to disappointment as I linger on that burning question. Why? What did I do wrong?
“Right.” I glance in the back at the large check and know it’s time to go. “Thanks for the ride.”
With that, I’m out of the truck. I grab the check from the back seat, slam the back door, and I’m running up the stairs and away from him.
I don’t even bother to look back.
What’s the point?