Page 53 of The Game Changer
“Only if you never call itthe dirtyagain,” I say with a laugh. “And don’t say boss man, like that. Charlie calls him that. Besides, I don’t want anyone knowing. We’re keeping it secret.”
“Ooh, a clandestine romance. I like it.” Juniper claps her hands together. “But not forever, right? Like, you’re gonna tell everyone soon. I mean, it’s not much of a romance if nobody knows about it.”
“I know. But I’m worried if people find out, they’re going to think I only got the job because of our relationship. And Charlie’s never had to deal with me dating. Who knows what he’ll think. He’s met Luca, but will he think he’s too old for me, or will he be upset?”
Juni scoffs. “Okay, first of all, if anyone tries to say you slept your way into the job, they can take a long walk off a short plank. You didn’t even know him before thatday. As for Charlie, he’d have to face reality someday. You’re too hot to stay single forever. Besides, I thought you said he and Luca got along at that skills day or whatever.”
“They did. But hanging out with a guy at a skills day and him dating your mom are two separate things. Besides, he’s still not over losing my dad. What if he gets close to Luca, and then things don’t work out?”
Her expression turns sympathetic. “Okay, let’s not end your relationship before it even starts. Maybe you need to talk to Charlie. He’s a pretty mature kid.”
I sigh. “I know. I should. It’s just, I never expected it to even get this far. We kissed a couple of times before the conference but decided not to let anything more happen until my contract was over. Then I saw him in Vancouver, and we were away from home and work and…” I trail off, my meaning clear.
“Oh, Isla,” Juni murmurs. But the moment is interrupted by Mila, who sets down two glasses of water.
“Hey gals, sorry it took me so long to bring over your water. Your lunches will be out any minute.”
“Thanks.” I smile warmly at her, then look back to Juniper when Mila walks away. “It’s okay, Juni. Everything will work out.”
I hope…
Several hours later, we’re back in Cedar Creek. After picking Charlie up from his friend’s house, the three of us head home for pizza and a movie. Once Charliedisappears into his room with Gus, Juni corners me in the kitchen. I should’ve known this conversation wasn’t over.
“Hear me out. What if you didn’t keep it a secret?” She raises her hand as I open my mouth to protest. “No, wait. There’s no rules keeping you two apart. You didn’t sleep with him to get the job. Those are the facts. So does it really matter what anyone else thinks?”
“Yes!” I interrupt her, folding my arms across my chest as I lean against the counter. “What happens when my contract ends and I have to interview for a new job? What if my future employer thinks I’m a slut, or worse, thinks they’re entitled to sex from me.” I shudder.
“Then they’re a fucking creep and you walk out of the interview and call the cops. C’mon, Isla. Be reasonable.” Juni’s firm, no-nonsense tone, combined with the pragmatic response, does bring me down a notch. “It would suck if people judged you for what you do in your personal life. And I get it, trust me, we women face that more often than not. You’ve experienced it firsthand. But what kind of life are you living if half of it is in the shadows?”
I arch my brow at her, fighting a smirk. “When did you become so poetical? Also, if we want to talk about hiding the truth from people, maybe you should turn that mirror around on yourself.”
Juniper goes bright red, as I expected her to. “We aren’t talking about me. And there’s nothing to discuss, anyway.”
“Well, there’s nothing more to discuss about me and Luca, either,”I fire back.
“What about Luca? Is he bringing some players to practice again? That was so cool.” Charlie’s voice startles both of us, Juni’s eyes going wide as mine close and I count to five.Please God, don’t let him have overheard anything.
“I’m not sure, kid. Aunt Juni and I were just talking about something I’m dealing with at work. That’s all. So what did you and Miles get up to after school?” I ask, deftly changing the subject. I know I have to talk to Charlie about what’s going on soon, but I am definitely not ready for that conversation yet.
His question does serve as further proof that my worries over him getting attached to Luca are valid. If Luca and I were to be together and they connected, and then Luca leaves?
My kid has suffered enough loss. I’m terrified of putting him through that again.
25
LUCA
“Fine,I admit, this was worth the money,” Dom grumbles from beside me as we sip whiskey and watch the entire team and staff enjoy the holiday party we surprised them with.
“I’m glad you approve,” I reply sarcastically, smirking into my glass.
He fought me on the open bar, and on the gifts I wanted to provide for everyone employed by the Thunder, but I pushed back. Every single person in here has worked their asses off to make my crazy plan a reality. Spring training will be here before we know it, and then the season. We might not be the big leagues, but it feels big all the same. The excitement for the Cedar Creek Thunder is growing every day, with more people following our social media accounts, advance ticket sales being far more successful than I anticipated, and community interest is climbing. I’ve been recognized several times when I’ve been out running errands, andwhile awkward at first, I fucking love that people seem happy with what I’m trying to achieve.
Gone are the days of a run-down stadium with less than half the seats filled at each game. Well, the stadium part is true. The seats being full? Time will tell.
And it’s all thanks to one woman. The woman I’m trying to not be too obvious about searching the crowd for. I haven’t seen Isla yet today, haven’t had a moment alone with her in almost a week, and it’s driving me fucking insane.
“If you think you’re being subtle, you’re not.”
