Page 110 of Made Better Together

Milo taps his fingers on the desk. “No, that’s ideal. Everyone follows SoccerQueens, and the social media impact will be higher. Any brands paying attention will love that.”

“I’m game.” SoccerQueens largely focuses on USWNT or NWSL players and events, with NCAA content rarer. The request is flattering.

“By the way, we should have mentioned this at the outset, but Connor’s taking a leave to join the Waves—did your dad mention that to you yet?” Grace asks.

I can’t exactly say Connor told me, so I nod. A harmless white lie.

“I’ll be the second person on your account now, along with Milo. As long as that’s alright with you.”

Other than the fact that she’s another Battle sibling we’re keeping the truth from, I’m glad it’s her. “Definitely. You already know my deals and everything.”

“Exactly. It’ll be perfect,” Milo responds.

“I’ll be able to hire an agent once the NCAA season is over, and get the conversations going with pro teams.” I look at Grace. “Dad always used the same person as your family.”

“Aiden.” I only know of the overlap because he came to the house when Dad was assessing retirement, and they’d joked about him repping so much of the team.

“Yeah, but I wasn’t sure if he works with soccer players or has experience with the NWSL?”

Milo is the one who responds. “He does. I have several management clients who he represents. He would be an excellent choice.”

“Yeah, Johnson and my brothers like working with him. They have nothing but good things to say.”

“Dad too. Okay, perfect, so I’ll connect with him in a couple of months.”

By the time I leave, we’ve updated my financial and professional plans for the next three years.

I’m excited to embrace the future to come, without any more uncertainty.

Next up for my Friday evening—a boatload of homework I never started today, and debating one question about which uncertainty is still very present.

Should I talk to Connor about my suspicions during our date tomorrow?

31

EDEN

Twenty hours later, I park my car in a guest spot in Connor’s garage. It’s noon, our date starting early because the museum closes at four.

Looking around, I don’t see Connor anywhere. We’re supposed to meet here, so he’s probably still making his way down from the condo.

Twisting to grab my overnight bag from the back, I note the two books tucked inside, among my change of clothes and toiletries.

And the question surges to the front of my mind again. Should I bring up the dom-sub topic today? I’m still unsure if it’s the best idea to raise it with Connor this early on.

Or maybe I’m just being chicken.

See how the date goes first, I tell myself. It’s a typical procrastination approach for me, but I do also want to stay in the moment with Connor during the date. Being distracted by this potential conversation is not a promising way to start the outing.

A rap on my window startles me out of my thoughts. It’s Connor. “Hey, you ready?” His voice is muffled, but I can still understand him.

“I am.”

He opens my car door for me. “Do you need any help carrying anything?” He’d suggested I bring the overnight bag “if you’d be comfortable,” and it was kind of sweet.

“No, I’m okay.” His face looks so earnest, it makes me smile. “It’s light.”

“I would’ve come to Tolliver to pick you up.”