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Everett nods, squeezes his dad once more, and scampers back over to Jackson.
“That’s tough, man,” I mutter as tears blur my vision.
“It’s getting harder and harder,” Andrew says, waving to Piper. She and Roxy are back outside, Piper holding a fresh pie in her hands. “I really think it might be my last tour,” he adds before getting up and brushing his hands. “The only time I’m truly alive is when I’m right here.” He slaps my back. “Okay, time for dessert. Since you don’t do sugar during the season, I’ll eat your slice.”
“Eh,” I say, getting up after him. “My next game is in ten days. I can have a small bite.”
“I had a nice time today,” Roxy says on the drive back to her flat. Saying goodbye to Andrew wasn’t easy—it never is. I just hope he means it when he says this is his last tour.
“Me too.” I smile, casting her a quick glance. “Thank you for coming.”
“Piper is the sweetest. You really do have a great family.”
“I do. Having grown up without one, I feel blessed to have them in my life today.”
“I know what you mean. I have a very different relationship with my brother.” A sweet laugh leaves her lips. “But still, I couldn’t imagine life without him or my dad.”
And I’m having trouble imagining mine without Roxy. My heart drops to my feet. Even if I understand her position, probably better than anyone, it still sucks. Her words twist the knife in the wound a little more. Because Roxy and I have an expiration date, and it’s coming up soon.
“The boys are so cute. You’re great with them,” she adds.
“I love them.” I smile as I recall their cute faces. “I hope I get to have what Andrew has one day.”
“You’d be an amazing dad,” she says, and my heart swells. I can already see us posing for a Christmas card photo with our kids.
I swallow hard. “Thanks. Do you want children?” I ask, just to torture myself a little more.
“I do. It’s the end goal, isn’t it? Building a family, making memories.”
“Yeah, I know it is for me.” My eyes linger on her just a little too long, and then I remember to keep my eyes on the road.
A silence settles between us. I need to put an end to it, because it leaves me daydreaming about a future with Roxy. A future that will only ever be a fantasy.
I clear my throat. “By the way, the launch for my trainer campaign with Ivory Sportswear is next week, and they sent over a few dress options for you. They have a formalwear line as well and would like you to wear one of their designs.”
“Oh, okay.” Her voice is a little unsure.
“Don’t worry. They look great. I was going to send them over tomorrow, but we can stop by my place now so you can try them on, if you prefer?”
“Yeah, I’d like that. Thank you.”
Her tone is sharp, and I’m not exactly sure why. All I know is the atmosphere shifted the moment I mentioned the dresses. Maybe she’s afraid she won’t like them? She’s pretty passionate about fashion. I’m sure she would have preferred to choose her own outfit. But I thought they were gorgeous, and I know she’ll look spectacular. That said, I would never ask her to wear anything she doesn’t feel comfortable in.
18
Red Carpet Body
Roxy
My heart pounds harder with each step toward Wade’s flat. I don’t want to be difficult, but I hate when people get me clothes. With a body like mine, you need to be extremely selective about what you wear, especially when you’re going to a public event on the arm of a professional athlete.
On the sofa, I sit on my hands to keep myself from biting my nails while he retrieves the package Ivory sent over.
Finally, he comes back with three black garment bags.
“Here they are,” he says. “Ashley brought them in yesterday. I had a look, and I think they’d all look stunning on you. But if you don’t like them, you don’t have to wear them, okay?”
I shake my head. “It’s their party. I have to wear one. It’s expected.”
