Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 52975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52975 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
It’s time to decide where I’m going next semester and also next year if I want to become a full-time student working on my doctorate.
I’m torn. I love the research I’m finally getting to focus on. I worked hard on my bachelor’s and then my master’s, and this is the payoff. A doctorate would open more doors for me, but I’m really enjoying the doors that are open right now.
And Bash. For the first time in my life, my greatest joy isn’t coming from academic or professional accomplishments. I would have liked to date in high school, but it wasn’t in the cards for me. So, instead, I threw myself into my classes, graduating as one of seven valedictorians.
I don’t love Bash because he’s a star hockey player. I loved him long before that. And he sees through my accomplishments to me and loves me for who I am, not what I’ve done.
I’ve seen other women be loved like this. But me? I never expected it to happen. This isn’t a fling. I’m not scratching an itch. What I have with Bash fills a part of me I didn’t even realize was empty before.
“Shane saw the picture of you and Bash that Bash posted on his socials.” Callie looks smug. “I asked Brielle to ask one of the guys he games with. Shane said you cheated on him with Bash and that’s why you guys broke up.”
“Bull. Shit.”
“I know. But the point is, he saw it. He knows.”
I don’t have strong feelings about that. I guess I’m glad he knows I moved on, but I don’t wish bad things for Shane. His indifference and carelessness saved me from a disappointing marriage, so it’s hard to resent him.
Eric shakes his head. “He’s a tool. I’m really glad I don’t have to pretend I’m interested in him telling me about pool maintenance. Why the hell would I care? I don’t have a pool, and I don’t plan to get one.”
I laugh, remembering all the times I had to feign interest in pool chemical balances.
“It’s like me talking to someone in a casual conversation and being like, ‘Hey, do you know about insurance subrogation?’” Eric continues. “I’m just going to drone about it until you fall asleep.”
“I wish you’d told me how you really felt about him,” I say.
“I do, too. I gave Bash so much crap for complaining about him, and...” He shrugs. “He was right.”
“Yeah, but let’s not remind him of that,” I quip. “His ego is big enough.”
“Lainey!”
A woman wraps her arms around my neck from behind. I turn my neck to find Mara, who kisses me on the cheek.
“Wait a minute.” Eric gives me a shocked look. “You have two friends here?”
I roll my eyes at him. “Yes, I do, and they’re nicer to me than my own family.”
Mara stands. “She’s got four friends here, and we’re not sharing her with anyone else. This girl’s a trivia goddess.”
“You seem to be feeling better than the last time I saw you,” I say, smiling.
“Oh yeah. Dex and I had a very slow day after that night.”
We missed our last trivia night because Mara was tied up at work. She recently started a new job in the state’s attorney’s office, and they had a backlog of cases.
“I’m Mara Diaz,” she says, extending a hand to Eric.
“Sorry,” I say. “Mara, this is my brother Eric and my sister-in-law Callie. My niece Avana is here somewhere. She’s with Hallie.”
“It’s great to meet you.” Mara looks at me. “You guys are coming to the Halloween party, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
She gives me a quick hug. “I’m going to stuff my face. I’ll see you later.”
“Be good. I’ll see you soon.” I check my watch. “The pregame show is starting soon. We should get to our seats.”
Bash got us seats on the glass for Avana’s first hockey game. He didn’t get them from the team because the tickets he forwarded to my phone were from a ticketing app and I saw how much he paid for them. Let’s just say he’s a really nice boyfriend, uncle, brother, and brother-in-law.
“Uncle Bashie!” Avana leans forward, a hand on the glass, when the pregame light and video show ends and Bash skates out with the rest of his team.
He gives her a little wave, then shoots me a wink.
Callie leans over and speaks in my ear. “You’re going to have his babies. I know it. I can’t even stand how happy I am for you.”
A thrill of excitement shoots to my stomach. Bash asked me casually the other day if I wanted kids. When I told him I did, he smiled and said he did, too.
I’m still afraid to dream that dream. Just having Bash see me the way I always longed for him to see me, hearing him tell me he loves me, and getting flowers from him is everything.