Page 31 of Scoring Destiny

I wish I’d given it a little more thought.

Maybe things would have gone differently that night.

“I’m sorry,” I say softly. “I didn’t know about any of that. I knew she was getting married in Europe but no details. We’ve never crossed paths.”

“Consider yourself lucky.”

“I’m glad I was able to distract you that night.”

His eyes find mine and he searches my face before saying, “One date, Maya. One evening of good food and conversation, with no pressure.”

“To what end?” I ask softly.

“Unfinished business?”

I hesitate. I’m not sure what’s unfinished between us but maybe that’s just me being extra careful. “I’ll think about it.”

“Fair enough.”

The conversation ends there because the others catch up to us but now I’m confused.

“You and Cash were looking pretty cozy,” Allora murmurs to me. “Serena told me you guys had a thing.”

“A one-night thing,” I whisper. “Did you know he used to be married to Shandy Harless?”

Her eyes widen. “No! Oh, shit. And she just married Jake Ferris.”

“Yup. His ex-best friend.”

“Yikes. So maybe cut him some slack?”

“I was kind of thinking the same thing.”

“Sometimes men need a little extra time to figure out what they need—and want.”

“For sure. I just don’t know if I want to go out with him again.”

She cocks her head curiously. “I think you want to.”

“I do and I don’t. I feel like he’s not ready to be serious, and I’m not interested in being anyone’s casual lay. One night is one thing. This would be something else.”

“He’d be lucky to have you.”

I smile. “Thank you for that. I think maybe I’m a little too independent for my own good, you know? It was just supposed to be one night. It never occurred to me he might want to see me again.”

“Why on earth not?” she asks. “You’re beautiful and successful.”

“I guess it’s me. I don’t want anyone to let me down so it’s easier to just walk away.”

“I understand that. But sometimes we have to take a leap of faith if it’s something important.”

“How do you know which things are important under these circumstances?”

She smiles. “I can’t give you any details. It’s a feeling. A pull. The kind of need that consumes you the more you deprive yourself.”

“Did you feel that way with Landon?”

“The first time I tried to kiss him, he turned me down. If I’d given up on him at that point, because of one miscommunication, where would we be now?”