She tilted her head and gazed out at the city. “Probably evening events, but that may just be because the schedule is easier for me to manage.”
“What, you’re not a morning person?”
She cringed. “God, no. Sometimes I wish I was, especially in the summer when it’s sunny and bright. It can be a bummer to feel like I missed so much of the day.”
I almost never had that problem. Over a decade of early training sessions meant I couldn’t sleep in if I tried. “I could start giving you wake-up calls every morning before my run,” I joked. “How does five o’clock sound?”
Her laughter warmed me better than the tea. “Like a good way to get me to block your number.”
“Come on. Think of all those early hours you could take advantage of. The sun would be thrilled to see you.”
“Somehow, I think the sun will manage.”
I knew firsthand what the sun would be missing by not experiencing her in person. “In that case, I’m flattered you met me this early. The coffee must be worth it.”
“It’s worth it without the coffee,” she said. Her expression grew more serious. “It gives me a chance to apologize for everything with Evan yesterday.”
I shook my head before she finished the sentence, my smile gone. “Don’t. It’s not your job to fix our relationship. And it definitely isn’t your fault it’s broken.” That responsibility didn’t belong anywhere near her shoulders.
“No, I know,” she said, glancing at the cup in her hands. Her gloved thumbs ran along the rim of the lid. “I just felt bad leaving like that. I didn’t want you to think I agreed with what he said.”
I knew she didn’t.Imight have agreed with it, but that was my own shit to figure out. She was the last person I wanted carrying it. “Trust me, you being here for me the way you have is more than enough.” Way more. It was everything.
I never would have reached out to someone to talk about the stuff with Mom if Aubrey hadn’t reached out first. All the anger and confusion and pain still clinging to my ribs, to my lungs and heart, would have taken me all the way over and eaten me from the inside out like a toxic mold. I didn’t know where I would have ended up, but it wouldn’t have been back in Philly. I doubted I would even be me anymore.
A smile touched her cheeks. “Okay, good. Because I also want to be there for you at the tournament.” She set down her drink and presented me her cupped hands, her eyes alight. “One ticket, please.”
My mouth twitched. She’d learned those puppy dog eyes from Evan. “No,” I said lightly.
“What, you don’t want me there?”
I held back a scoff. “Of course I do, but you don’t have to buy a ticket. You can come as my guest.”
“But Iwantto pay for it. I want to contribute to you getting your gym.” Her bottom lip jutted out. “Please?”
More laughter stirred in my chest. I ignored it and tried to look stern. Then she blinked her long lashes at me, her big hazel eyes brighter than ever against her purple hat, and I crumbled. “Fine. I’ll bring you one tomorrow.”
Her grin overtook her face as she bounced her knees in a seated victory dance that was equal parts ridiculous and utterly cute. As much as I’d rather not take her money, a softness filled my chest at how happy she was to support me. That I could make her this happy by letting her.
“You’ll be the first person to officially buy one,” I said. Dad wouldn’t know how many tickets he needed for at least a few days, so she may as well embrace it fully.
“Yes,” she quietly exclaimed.
I shook my head, amused.
“Oh, come on, this is an honor. And if it helps, I can find a way for you to do something for me in exchange. That way, you’d be contributing to my business too.”
I slid her my gaze. “I’m listening.”
“Come to dinner with me this week. I was planning on checking out one of the other restaurants doing the catering competition to get a feel for what I’m up against.”
I suppressed the thrill that shot through me and pretended to consider. “Iamexperienced with opponent research.” Watching hours of film before a fight to try to get a read on the other guy had been as much a part of my training as bag work.
“See, and I’m brand new at it. You could be the difference between me winning and losing.”
“Now that, I highly doubt. But I’d be honored to join you.”
“Good.” She smirked like she’d just landed a triple word score. “Then we’re both honored.”
