Chapter 9 #2
“But my lease is almost up…” She glances at me and hoists her bag higher on her shoulder.
“The rent is being raised, and it’s already astronomical.
My apartment is as small as my college dorm was…
” She smiles when I chuckle. “And I just haven’t found my people, you know?
I have friends, but we’re all a little disconnected.
” We pause to let a couple get around us.
“I don’t know…lately I’ve been thinking about trying to make it somewhere else.
Somewhere easier…and more personal. I still love New York, I really do.
It just seems like the nonstop-hustle mentality is a necessity to really flourish there, and at some point, I’d like to have time to just enjoy life more. Does that make sense?”
“More than you know,” I tell her.
She studies me with that discerning eye that’s always made me feel like she could see right through me. “You’re loving playing professionally, aren’t you?”
“Yes. I do…but it’s exhausting. We travel so much, and I’ve done the thing, you know? I did what I set out to do, and I’ve had a great run. I want to win this year, but even if we don’t, I think I’m ready.”
“To be done?” she asks, in shock.
“To be done,” I echo. “Obviously, that stays between us. I haven’t—”
She locks her lips and pretends to throw the key over her shoulder. “What’s said in Nantucket, stays in Nantucket.”
We keep walking. Every so often one of us glances over, catches the other looking, and we just smile—quiet, knowing, like we’re sharing the same secret: This day shouldn’t be happening, but it is, and it’s perfect.
“Hey, do you have time to go for a bike ride?” she asks as we pass a bike shop.
“I’d love to.”
As we’re walking in, my phone rings, and I check it.
“It’s Dax. I better take this.” I wave my phone and she nods. “Hey,” I say, answering the phone.
“Hey, you here?” he asks. “I’m sorry I wasn’t at the ferry to meet you. This day has been crazy.”
“It’s all good. You’ll never guess who I ran into…I’m with her right now actually.”
“You little stud,” he teases, sounding brighter already. “Who?”
“Lola Donavan.” I glance at her when I say it. She’s people-watching but smiling, so I know she heard me.
“No fucking way,” Dax yells.
I wince and hold the phone out from my ear, and Lola laughs her low, throaty laugh.
“Tell her to come to the rehearsal dinner tonight! And the wedding tomorrow!”
“He says you should come to the rehearsal dinner…and the wedding.”
She scoffs. “I’m sure his bride-to-be wouldn’t appreciate me crashing their wedding.”
I repeat what she said and then tell him I’m putting him on speakerphone.
“Lola, hey!” he says. “I can’t believe you’re here. It’s meant to be. I’d be hurt if you didn’t come. I’ve missed your face.”
Lola softens, and she stares at me. “I’ve missed you too. I don’t know, though.”
“Skye will be so happy to meet you. I’ve told her about you, you know. How you saved our boy and the hockey team. Couldn’t have won the championship without you.”
“Right.” Lola laughs.
“It’s true,” he says.
Lola and I grin at each other. My chest feels like it’s about to take flight.
“You should come,” I whisper.
“I’m supposed to have dinner with my parents tonight,” she says into the phone, “but I’m sure they’d understand if I left them tomorrow to come to the wedding. If you’re sure.”
“I’m positive!” he says. “I’m stoked! Tully will tell you the details.”
“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow. Thanks, Dax,” she says.
I push the button on the speaker.
“Okay, it’s just me now,” I tell him.
“Holy fuck. What are the chances she’d be here this weekend?” Dax says. “You better lock that down, dude. Don’t miss your chance.”
“Okay, okay. Anything you need from me before tonight?”
“Just show up, and make sure you bring that fine woman on your arm tomorrow night. That will make my marriage complete.”
I snort. “You’re ridiculous.”
“But you love me,” he says.
“Yes, yes, I do.”
I hang up and look at her. She looks shy all of a sudden.
“I’m glad you’re coming,” I say. “I had a feeling Dax would want you there.”
“I didn’t expect that. I sort of thought he might be mad at me too, after—” She leaves it hanging, but I know she means after she bailed.
She didn’t just leave me, she left all of us.
“I’ll probably head to my parents’ if I’m going to be gone tomorrow night,” she says.
“Okay…rain check on a bike ride another time.”
She looks at me with an odd expression. “That sounds nice.”
Somehow we’ve ended up back in front of my hotel.
“Oh, this is where I’m staying…and where the wedding is. It’s at five o’clock. I think there will be signs everywhere, leading the way.”
“I’ll find it,” she says.
I stuff my hands in my pockets and nod. I’m disappointed our time is cut short today, but excited at the thought of seeing her tomorrow. “See you soon. Have a good night.”
“You too.” She lifts her hand and turns to walk in the other direction. I watch her until she turns and then go inside.
I can’t resist texting the girls.
Guess who’s in Nantucket?
Ava
You are, right?
Goldie
Hopefully Dax and Skye!
Erin
Shut the front door. If you tell me Lola is there, I’m planning your wedding right now.
Well, I wouldn’t exactly start planning NOW, but she IS here. AND she’s single.
Erin changes the name of the group thread from “The Group Chat He’s Outnumbered In” to “The Gay Agenda Ft. Who’s Your Daddy?”
Goldie
OMG, Tulls! It’s happening! This is the best news I’ve had all week. Ew, Erin. Just ew. Yayyyy, Tully!
Erin
When the twins start shouty-capitalizing, things are about to go DOWN.
Ava
I can’t believe she’s there! Have you talked to her?
Spent some time with her today, and she’s coming to the wedding tomorrow.
Erin
Our little daddy is doing so good.
Okay, now I’m grossed out, but also…NOT so little daddy.
Goldie
My eyes are bleeding. This has gotten out of hand.
Ava
Wrong, just wrong.
Goldie names the conversation “Twin Energy Times Two.”
Erin
Don’t listen to them, Tulls. You get that ego all built up. You’ve got work to do. Play it cool, but flirt your not-so-little daddy the fuck off.
Okay, even I’m troubled by that one. But noted. Thanks. I feel…maybe hopeful.
Goldie
You’ve got this!
Ava
Let us know how it goes.
Erin
Unless you’re having tantric sex all night long, and then we can wait until the next morning.
Erin names the conversation “Operation Get Him Laid.”