She rolls her eyes. “I really liked him, but he dropped me like a hot potato when I told him I had no interest in playing professional basketball.”
“He’s one of those?”
“Yeah, and I didn’t see it. He seemed so genuine.”
“That’s what I thought about Joe.”
“I never liked him.”
“Neither did Nana or Robbie, but they didn’t say much because I did. I think I ignored all the red flags because I loved him and didn’t want to see the bad in him. Perhaps that was what you did. You liked him and didn’t want to see the bad in him.”
“I felt so stupid when I realized he was only with me because he thought he landed a future professional ball player.”
“You’re not stupid. He’s gross.”
“I guess that’s why I was so rude to Collin today. He reminded me of Mark. Way too charming and knew his effect on women. Mark just broke up with me three days ago.”
“You should probably apologize to him. Collin is a big old teddy bear and is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.”
“I’ll apologize tomorrow. I’m assuming you’re dragging him and Hutch to my game.”
“You know I am if he dragged us to his freezing house of pneumonia.”
“Oh my God, it was so cold!”
“I know. The first time I stepped into the college ice rink thingy, I got sick. That’s why I made you layer up tonight. You don’t need to be hacking up a lung tomorrow while trying to play.”
Her eyes widen at the visual.
“Other than the rink of death, what did you think of Hutch? Really, I mean.”
“He seems to be a good person, but I don’t know him well enough yet.”
“You said you never liked Joe. Was that your first impression of him?”
She nods.
“That’s what I want, your first impression of Hutch.”
“I liked him. He seemed genuine, not fake, like he was trying too hard. And the way he spoke about his fans…it was honest. I respect that. I think you have a keeper there Daisy Mae. I can see you falling hard for him.”
“I think I already did,” I admit as I pull into the hotel parking garage. “It’s hard to resist someone as persistent as he is. I tried so hard to push him away and keep him firmly in the friend zone, but he refused to stay there. He proved himself I guess you could say and he makes me feel so safe. It’s been months since I met him and he’s right there, every day, refusing to give up. He’s hard not to love. I’m afraid to say that to him, though.”
“I get it.” Lucy nods sympathetically. “After what you went through, you have every right to be wary. You’ll know the right time to tell him how you feel. Don’t rush yourself. You deserve the best, Daisy. I think he might be your Mr. Right as Nana would have said, but if you have doubts, then take all the time you need.”
“I think he’s my Mr. Right too, I’m just scared.”
She reaches over and squeezes my hand. “It’s okay. You’ve always got me. Want to come up and watch a movie or something?”
“Yeah. Hutch will be busy after the game. He’ll have interviews and then he said the team would probably go out. Not my scene anymore. A movie will keep me from obsessing about that stupid doll and wondering if I’m safe.”
“Then come on, girlie. Let’s go find a Jason Mamoa film and drool.”
I laugh and get out of my car, locking it.
“Daisy!”
I turn and see Will, one of the football players waving me down as he comes over. What is he doing here?
