Chapter 30
Lucy
Idon’t think I’ll ever be warm again, but it’s worth the perpetual frostbite nipping at my fingers and toes to have witnessed TJ playing in person.
The River Foxes Stadium is a venue unlike any other.
Thousands upon thousands of fans willingly sitting on ice-cold, hard bleachers for a three-hour game?
Are they crazy? Maybe. No one can argue with their commitment.
Even when the River Foxes had the game under control early in the fourth quarter, no one left before the clock read zero.
I could have taken a break in the box and warmed up, but I didn’t want to take my disguise off. It’s difficult to explain why you’re fully scarved with sunglasses on when indoors, and I didn’t want to have to try.
I’m sitting in my car in the underground parking structure of Lawrence Poe’s condo complex now.
Freezing, but happy. It felt good to be there for TJ today, and if I’m being honest, I’m even more excited to see him tonight.
Even if there are other people around. TJ has assured me that his friends are safe and that their families are good people.
At some point, I’m going to have to trust him if I want to make this—whatever this is—between us work.
My nerves are on edge because the last time I spoke to him, the last time I saw him, he basically turned me into a puddle of love mush with his words.
I would very much like to continue that moment immediately and then again and again, but I don’t know how to do that.
Or how to broach the subject with him. He’s TJ Wilson—he could have his pick of any woman.
I’ve told him on several occasions that I wasn’t interested in a romantic relationship.
We might have friend-zoned each other. Which was real stupid of both of us, if you ask me.
I square my shoulders. I’m going to walk into this party with confidence. I’m going to try my best to be how I was the night at the gala, even without the mask.
My phone buzzes on the console, and I pick it up to find a new text message in my group with Cassie, Philly, and Bex.
Bex
Merry Christmas to my favorites! Lu, saw you on TV looking like a true fan!
I mean, I only knew it was you because I know you, but still. There you were!
She sends a photo that she took of her TV screen. She’s outlined my bundled-up body in yellow, as if I’d have any issues picking out the abominable snowman in the box.
Philly
Aww, I missed this. Bex, since when do you watch football?
Bex
Richie had it on. I was mostly watching for Anton and Rose content. Love those two.
I huff out a laugh and then tap out a message.
Lucy
I’m about to see Rose and Anton. Should I ask for an autograph?
I’m being facetious, but Bex’s response comes in too quickly for her to be kidding.
Bex
Would you? Please!?
I shake my head.
Lucy
No! That would be weird. They’re TJ’s friends. I’m not going to fan girl.
Bex
I thought we were friends, Lu!
Cassie
Glad you’re getting out there, Lucy! Hope the game was fun. Where are you now?
Lucy
Afterparty at one of TJ’s teammate’s condos.
Philly
Does this mean you’re more than friends with that hunk of burning love?
I splutter out a laugh to my dashboard because it’s hilarious that sweet little Philly would be talking about anything being a hunk of burning love. She’s like an innocent lady from the 1800s, all steeped in propriety and morality.
Lucy
We’re just friends …
Bex
I sense a but. Please tell me there’s a but coming. Gimme the but.
Cassie
Quit saying but.
Bex
Not until Lucy confirms there’s a but!
Why is TJ’s very nice rear end the only thing I can think about right now? I shake my head. I will not be typing anything peach-related to my friends.
Lucy
But …
Bex
I KNEW IT!
Philly
Screaming, CRYING, tell us EVERYTHING!
Cassie
You guys are so dramatic.
Also, super happy for you, Lucy.
Lucy
Nothing’s happened yet. I’m just saying that I’m open to the idea of something happening.
Philly
I need details ASAP. Like, as soon as something happens.
Lucy
What if nothing does happen, though? I could be reading this all wrong.
Bex
You’re not.
I snort.
Lucy
How do you know?
Bex
Because any man would be a fool not to want something with you. You’re smart and fun and gorgeous, and you’ve got this big, big heart just waiting to love and be loved.
Philly
Bex, that’s so beautiful!
Bex
Tell me you’re not crying, Phil.
Philly
I could tell you that, but it wouldn’t be true.
Cassie
We’re happy for you, Lu. Go get your man!
Lucy
Love you all!
I click out of our message and am about to stow my phone in my purse and finally leave my warm vehicle when my phone rings. It’s Cassie.
“Hey, Cass. Everything okay?” I’m immediately on edge. We rarely talk on the phone. Plus, we were just texting, so this feels significant.
“Everything’s fine,” Cassie assures me. “Sorry, I don’t want to keep you from your party, but I wanted you to know, as your agent, that there are articles circulating about you.”
“Wait.” I frown. “About Ava Reese? Or about Lucy Dupree?”
“About Lucy Dupree.”
My skin prickles uncomfortably, and not from the cold. Dread pools in my stomach. “How do you know? What have you seen?”
“I have alerts set up for all my clients’ names, so I get notified when any news is published about y’all.
” Cassie says it like it’s no big deal, but it’s another reminder that she’s the best at her job, and I’m so dang grateful to have her as my agent.
“For you, I get alerted for both your pen name and your real name. In this case, Lucy Dupree pinged. It’s super minor—nothing to make a big deal of—but I know how much you value your privacy, and I want you to have all the information so you can decide how you want to go public with TJ … if that’s what you decide to do.”
I blow out a long breath. “I’m overwhelmed,” I admit.
“Hey, it’s okay, Lu. As I said, this isn’t a big deal; it’s just a whiff of news. I’m going to send you the article so you can see for yourself, and then you can decide how you want to go forward, okay? I’m here for whatever you need.”
I nod, and when I realize Cassie can’t see me because we’re on a stupid phone call, I say, “Thanks, Cass. You’re the best.”
“Everything’s going to be okay, Lu. Better than okay. Don’t let this change your feelings where TJ is concerned. I can tell you like him.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Only because he’s gotten you out of your room more in the past three weeks than anyone’s been able to do in the past nine months.”
I consider this. TJ has made me feel both alive and taken care of.
I’ve felt safe with him and his grandparents in a way I haven’t felt in a long time.
I’ve cherished the time I’ve gotten to spend with them.
I love being in a bubble with TJ and his people.
I only hope we can keep it that way for a while longer.
“Thanks for telling me about this, Cass. I’ll talk to you soon, okay?”
“Okay. Love you, Lu. Have fun tonight.”
“I will.”
We hang up, and a second later, a link comes through.
It’s an article about the celebrity sightings at this afternoon’s football games.
There’s an entire section on Rose and her relationship with Anton, along with a photo of her in the booth.
It must have been taken around the time Bex took the photo of her TV screen, because I’m standing behind Rose.
In the follow-up photo, Rose has pulled me forward, her arm draped around my shoulder.
It was right after TJ scored his first touchdown of the day.
We were celebrating together. The caption below the photo reads: Mystery woman joins River Foxes families in the box. Does TJ Wilson have a new girlfriend?
I let some air escape between my teeth. That’s nothing too terrible or incriminating. I study the photos of me, and I don’t think anyone would be able to pick out identifying characteristics linking me to TJ or to the River Foxes at all.
I frown when I realize that my name isn’t mentioned, and yet Cassie still got an alert.
I skim the rest of the article and scroll down to the comments, and that’s when I see it.
It’s from a username called PopCultureFinatic007, and it reads: Unhinged hypothesis, but does anyone else think the woman in the photo with Rose Kasper looks an awful lot like Lucy Dupree?
We haven’t seen her in months. Could she be cozying up with some pro footballers in Wisconsin?
It sounds far-fetched, but honestly, I can kinda see it. Thoughts??!
I reread the comment a couple times. It’s been liked by a dozen other readers, and there are a couple replies. A few concur, and a few say PopCultureFinatic007 is reaching.
I give myself a second to digest this. It’s like Cassie said. Nothing earthshattering. A good reminder nonetheless of how TJ’s life is scrutinized down to the inch, and that’s how my life was and would be again if I stepped back into the public eye.
I shove my phone into my bag. Rose told me to pack a swimsuit, but as I step out into the frigid outdoors, there’s no way I’m going to want to put that on.
I make it to the side entrance of the condo complex, and the door opens. Loretta and Martin are standing in the entryway with matching grins on their faces. TJ is behind them, and he waves.
“Hello, dearie. You made it.” Loretta opens her arms, and I step into a hug, feeling some of the stress and ick from the article melt away.
“I did.” I lean out of the hug and smile at her, but then I frown when I realize she and Martin have their winter jackets on. “Are you leaving?”
Martin nods. “Gotta get this one home at a decent hour. Can’t trust her after dark.”
Loretta harumphs. “You like me most after dark, you big tease.”
My cheeks flush.
TJ palms his face. “O-kay. That’s enough of that, you two.”
Loretta grins. “Anywho, we wanted to make sure we saw you. I hear you’re going back to California for a bit.”
“That’s the plan. I’ll see my family ahead of their New Year’s Eve commitments. I should be back here by Thursday.”
“TJ has an away game,” Loretta says. “You can watch with us at our place if you’re interested. No pressure, but you’re always welcome.”
“That’s so nice.” My heart pinches. I want to be part of that. I want to be around these people who are so kind and fun and caring. “I’ll get in touch when I’m back in town, and we can sort out the details.”
“Excellent.” Loretta pats my arm as she walks by me, Martin trailing after her. “Bye, Lucy,” he says, and then he leans in. “Take care of that boy’s heart for us, will ya?” His voice is low, for my ears only.
Before I can respond, TJ steps forward. “I’m going to walk them out to the car. Wait here for me? I’ll bring you into the party as soon as I see them on their way.”
I nod and watch as the trio ventures out into the cold, wondering if it’s possible that I could fit into their life in the way my heart longs to.