Page 28 of Power Play

Hilarious story. That was really all that happened. We met, chatted for a few minutes, then I left. She hunted me down before I left and asked if I wanted to meet up for coffee sometime.

“How nice,” Mom said, but Dad looked like he was waiting for more.

“It really was. It’s important to me that Jason loves animals as much as me.”

I stared at her. We never once talked about animals or how much she loves them. We just happened to meet at an event for cats and dogs. Did she truly believe what she was saying or was she hamming it up for my parents?

“So how long have you been together?” Joey asked.

“Two months.” Carmen beamed.

I widened my eyes hoping that it would reveal to my family just how insane this all was.

“Wow, and you guys are already talking about your future.” Mom tilted her head with a gentle smile. “Sometimes you just know when it’s right.”

Joey laughed next to me, and I kicked his shin.

“What future?” I asked Carmen.

She put her hand on my shoulder. “Oh sweetie, we’ve talked about how I’m willing to move if you get traded this year.”

No. We’ve talked about how she needs to find another job because her coworkers suck.

“That’s such a sacrifice. With how established you are,” Mom gushed.

“You’ve been working there for less than a year,” I pointed out.

Carmen waved me off. “And I’ve moved up so quickly.”

Were we participating in the same conversation?

“Make sure you’re choosing what’s best for you, Carmen. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice everything for your partner,” Dad told her. Finally, someone was talking sense.

“It would be worth it for him.” Carmen took my hand and placed it on the table for my family to see.

How did I correct all of this without coming across like a complete jerk? I didn’t want Mom getting more invested than she already was, and Dad was obviously concerned. He kept throwing glances my way as if waiting for me to explain.

“That’s a ways off. I won’t know about my contract for a few months. A lot can happen between now and then.” Like me moving and changing my phone number.

“You’re right.” Carmen smiled at me. “We could be engaged by then.”

Joey snorted and covered it with a cough.

I closed my eyes and sighed. “Carmen, we talked about this. I’m not ready for a relationship.”

“I know, but that’s months from now.” She batted her lashes.

I pulled my hand away and willed the waiter to come out with our food. The faster this night was over the better.

11

Taylor

Tomorrow. I was down to less than twenty-four hours, and I still didn’t have any serious options. It was time to admit defeat and head home. At least I could continue to search for jobs without paying for each night. I would just lose what was left of my pride instead.

I’d done over a dozen phone interviews on Thursday and Friday but nothing came of them. The time and energy of searching for jobs and applying was all for naught. I did everything I could. That was the only comfort I had in returning home. I hadn’t given up.

My phone rang, and I answered, “Hello?”