Scary, thrilling, but freaking awesome. She was officially expanding her business, taking steps to maintain a respectable income. Haley strolled down the stairs, refusing to stare at the screen all day for follows and likes. They would come. Or they wouldn’t. Either way, she was out there.
Reaching the bottom step, she turned and faced the great room. Buttery tan leather sofa, natural wool fiber rug, wood-stump glass coffee table, iron and reclaimed wood accents. Next, throw blankets and wall hangings and candles to warm it up. Not bad. Hopefully her viewers would appreciate it.
Her phone buzzed again. Like a fool, she juggled it out of her pocket, nearly dropping it. Not Finn. Why wouldn’t he call?
Dumbass. Of course he wouldn’t. Ball was in her possession.
She knew she couldn’t call him yet. For them both, she needed to stand on her own two feet first. For him, he had to believe he was on his own. He had a tough career decision, and she wanted him to make the choice for him, not stay here because of her.
Gnawing on her cheek, she opened the text from Claire.Girls night?
A flutter of panic pounded at her ribs.
Nope. Done. She closed her eyes and pushed away the fear. The past was exactly that, behind her.
Yes. Please. I have this beautiful new room and haven’t gotten to show it off. Want to have it here?She held her breath, hoping.
I’m in!
Within the hour, Haley’s home was overrun with carefree laughter. Trace brought wine, Pippa brought pizza, Freya brought a massive salad, and Sophie brought Trivial Pursuit.
When had she ever gotten to play board games? And no one exchanged sex tips. Not that they weren’t open and goofy about that sort of thing, but they were very possessive, lovingly so.
Except Trace. While the others moved to the next square in the game, Trace grabbed the next bottle of wine for refills. Something was up with her. Her smile was genuine, but subdued.
“Hey, you okay?”
Nodding, Trace smiled. “I’m great. Really.”
“Great might be an overstatement. You’re fine, not great.”
Trace nudged her in the side, then leaned back against the kitchen counter. “And this is why I haven’t had a good girlfriend since you. And why I’m never giving you up again. I have a great phony smile; everyone falls for it.”
“I’ve worn it myself too many times to count. What gives?”
Trace wrapped her hands around her middle, but her expression was strong, her lips twitching at the corners as she considered giving in to a genuine smile. “I confess, I am a little lonely in this crowd. Love these women, but, well you’ve all fallen head over heels for guys that adore you. I’d hoped for that with Finn, but it wasn’t meant to be. Now don’t start again. As I said before, what he and I had was fine, but I want more thanfine. I want to be all fluttery, sap-happy, emotionally tied and miserable like you people.”
Snorting, Haley felt a tug pulling at the corner of her mouth. “I think that sums it up.”
“What if Finn takes one of these coaching jobs? Or even ends up some sportscaster?”
Haley snagged the bottle from Trace and topped off her glass. “You know I’m never giving everything up for someone else again. Been there, done that. But I’ve also never fought for anyone, nor had anyone fight so hard for me. I have a plan.”
“Oh my. She has a plan. Scary thing when Haley has a plan.”
“Oh shove off. What about you? You going to be okay?”
“Of course. I love you and fully support you. But let me be a little self-pitying as I find my way.”
Haley set down her glass and hugged her friend. Not that phony air kiss or pat on the back or condescending crap, but a real hug that set off the waterworks.
Freya hollered from across the great room, sitting cross-legged on the floor as she landed their piece on a square. “Haley, get your ass back in here. It’s a sports question for a piece of the pie, and Pippa and I are utter failures at these.”
Pulling away, Haley grabbed the bottle and set it on the coffee table while Trace leaned against the counter and watched.
Sophie cleared her throat and read the card. She watched the room as faces contorted at the detailed factoid it would take a serious fan to know.
Haley grinned. “Nobody knows this one? Come on guys. It was Finn’s rookie year? He gave Jerry Rice a run for his money.”
