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Maybe that means Sam and I need to get serious fast.
CHAPTER 30: JOLENE
“I have some news,” he tells me.
God, he’s handsome when he wears a suit.
He’s handsome all the time, if I’m being honest, but there’s something about him in a suit that’s just extra delicious.
He’s taking my best friend to another event tonight, and I can’t help but wonder why I agreed to any of this. He’s here at Sam’s house waiting for her so they can leave.
He should be waiting for me so we could leave. Instead, it’s all lies, and I’m dressed in a demure and professional black dress rather than in the glittery silver gown I should be wearing as his date. Instead, Sam is wearing it. Sam will be holding his hand when they walk in. Sam will be in his arms while they dance.
And I’ll be capturing every bitter moment.
I’ve barely seen him since he’s been so wrapped up with OTAs, but we’ve texted back and forth every day, and we try to talk before bed if it works into both our schedules.
Sometimes it doesn’t, and those are the nights that feel most lonely.
Honestly it feels like he’s spent more time with Sam than me lately, and I hate the feeling of jealousy that comes along with that. This was something I agreed to even if it wasn’t my idea, and I know that in the long run, it’s for our own good.
Still, it hurts.
The boys are at their dads’ houses this weekend, and as the third week of OTAs comes to a close, the only time I’ve gotten to see him is during my media attendance at practices. It’s not exactly like we’ve had time for stolen moments for the two of us there.
But tonight, I’ll be attending the same event he and Sam are. I’m covering it since it’s an Aces function, a VIP meet and greet with some members of the coaching staff and some players—something to give loyal fans an exciting experience.
Under normal circumstances, I’d be thrilled for an experience like this.
Tonight, however, I’m dreading it.
“What is it?” I ask.
“My parents are here this weekend house hunting. They, uh, found something and their offer was already accepted. They took me by it this morning. It’s only a few minutes from my place.”
“Only a few minutes,” I echo.
“Yeah,” he murmurs.
Sam chooses that moment to emerge in that glittery gown, and I press my lips together, unable to formulate any sort of witty response as it feels like one more big thing stacked against us.
It was one thing to know they were thinking about it. It’s another to know they found a house and they’re actually going through with it.
What will it be like to have Eddie and Missy Nash in town?
Who knows, but the rare storms that haven’t let up all day seem to be some indication that even the heavens think this is a bad plan.
“Did I hear that right?” Sam asks, not bothering to wait for the compliments on how gorgeous she looks. She really does. She looks like a little pixie princess, and I’m over here trying to maintain my professionalism since I’m working the event. “Your parents are moving to town?”
“Yes,” Lincoln says, his tone more clipped with her than it was with me. “Which is why I think we need to take this to the next level.”
My brows draw together, and Sam’s jaw drops a little.
“Meaning what, exactly?” Sam asks.
“Meaning we stage a meet the parents.” He doesn’t shrug or ask it like a question. Instead, it’s a confident answer that leaves me feeling a little sick to my stomach.
“You want me to meet your parents?” she squeaks.
