Page 46 of Nutmeg + Mistletoe
Places where thousands of children still grow up surrounded by poverty and limited opportunity.
That’s why this school exists.
It was founded by a husband-and-wife team with a clear vision: to give these kids the tools they need to thrive, no matter their zip code. A STEM-focused curriculum, leadership programs, partnerships with businesses and communityleaders—it’s hope in brick and mortar. And today the Strikers are here to support that mission.
Out on the field, players are kicking around the ball with kids of all ages, laughter ringing through the air. On one side, a couple of the guys have set up chairs and—believe it or not—a small pop-up barber station. A few of the players are lining kids up for fresh fades and braids.
Near the entrance, more players are signing jerseys, autographing photos, taking selfies with wide-eyed little fans.
I have to hand it to Marlow,she nailed this partnership.
Everything about today feels intentional, warm, connected. No one’s phoning it in. The team looks genuinely happy to be here, and the kids look like they’re floating.
It’s a good day.
In moments like this, it’s easy to forget just how complicated things really are under the surface.
And wouldn’t you know it—complicatedjust walked onto the field.
Grant Mills. One of Atlanta’s most eligible bachelors, or so I’ve learned from some light internet stalking.
In the flesh.
He’s barely made it five steps before he’s surrounded by reporters, their cameras flashing, microphones shoved in his face—probably peppering him with questions about his “golden child” and her rapid rise within the club.
Marlow started this position with more than a few haters stacked against her. But I’ve watched her take the hits in stride.When she fumbles, she owns it. When she’s doubted, she keeps moving. She’s earned every bit of the respect she’s starting to command.
But Lord...this damn daddy of hers?
He’s out here dressed in black slacks and a sharp black and red Strikers polo. Not as casual as the rest of us—definitely not slumming it with the players in jerseys and shorts. But casual enough for a man who probably clears twenty million a day.
Yes. I Googled that, too. Don’t judge me.
Without thinking, I slip my phone out of my back pocket, flipping the camera to check my makeup. Pure instinct.
I’ve always been one of those women who can make a “dressed down” look...lookgood. And today I’m rocking the hell out of it.
Even though I told Grant to stay hidden—hell, even though I toldmyselfnot to let my imagination wander where it shouldn’t when it comes to him—here I am…wondering…Does he like this look? On me?
It was silly to think he could avoid me forever. That he’d stay hidden. So no. I’m not entirely surprised that he’s here today. And if I’m being honest, I’m not entirely disappointed to see him. The man is fine.
Running into him the other day—finally confirming that the strange, nagging feeling was right, that itwashim on the sidewalk—was the most incredible, most excruciating thing I’ve ever felt. The man who touched my heart so completely in just one night is so close and still completely out of reach.
I’d rehearsed what I’d say to him, if I ever saw him again.
Some ridiculous, foolishly hopeful part of me had spun out an entire fantasy. Words I’d say if I ever stood in front of him again. Words that might somehow convince him to give us a shot. To show him I’m not like most women my age. That life’s carved a few extra layers into me. Seasoned me differently.
That I see him—reallysee him. Not the money. Not the headlines. Not the empire he's built with sheer grit and charm. I seehim. The man beneath it all. The one who hides his soul behind swagger and seduction. The one who tells the truth when it matters most, because the idea of being a fraud terrifies him. The man I haven’t stopped thinking about. The one I haven’t been able to shake since the moment he first looked at me like I wasn’t just someone passing through—but someone worth remembering.
I’d planned to tell him I don’t need flash. I don’t need the extras. I don’t need to be entertained. I just wanted to try and see what a life would be like with just him. And see where it could go.
But the moment I found out about Marlow—that she washis daughter—everything changed.
Every hopeful idea. Every foolish plan died right there in Marlow’s office.
Because I take my job seriously.
Because I respect her too much.
