Page 57 of Made Better Together

GRACE: Okay, I got my list, thanks, everyone!

RORI: You’re the best, Grace.

15

CONNOR

When Milo and I meet in his office early Monday, I give the broad strokes of my conversation with Eden.

Milo cuts to the chase. “This is ideal timing. We can create the relationship now, and once the college season is done in a few months, she’ll have several NWSL teams after her, and maybe international opportunities. Not to mention endorsements. Her NIL deals are as good as a college soccer player gets.”

“Yes, she’s amazing. What should I⁠—”

“You set up the meeting, and I’ll take care of the rest when we sit down with her. If she decides to sign with us, I’ll be the lead, but we can use it as an opportunity for you to learn more.”

I wish I didn’t need that, but to give Eden the help she needs, it’ll be best that Milo’s her point person.

Three days later, the meeting is on. Only as I arrive at Hot Beans, a coffee shop Eden suggested, a text comes through.

MILO: Running a couple of minutes late, but close.

Not complaining, because it gives me a chance to see Eden alone first.

CONNOR: No worries.

I head into Hot Beans and spot her at a corner table. She’s got her nose buried in a textbook and doesn’t see me yet.

After closing the distance, I gently rub her shoulder from behind so I don’t startle her.

Her head whips around at the contact. A split second later, her face breaks out into a grin.

“Hi!” She stands and opens her arms to give me a hug. I immediately return it.

She’s warm and so soft. She tucks her cute ponytail against me as her cheek rests against my chest. The sweet floral scent I detected during our Pisano’s hug wafts up again.

I wish we could stay like this.

Instead, the door chimes, and I remember Milo could be coming through it any second, so I slowly break away.

“It’s really good to see you. Again.”

She takes her seat as I grab the one on her right. “It’s only been six days. That’s a record.”

I chuckle. “So it is. I’m glad we could make this come together so quickly. Let’s reschedule our date too, though.”

Oh shit, guess I just laid my cards on the table with the “date” word. But she nods, smiling, clearly agreeing. Perfect. I’m not interested in any games anyway.

I look down at her textbook, still open. “What’s that for?”

“Art History. We have a mandatory cultural studies requirement, and it’s the elective I chose.”

What a coincidence… “You know I minored in Art History?”

“What, really?”

“Yeah, I mean it wasn’t practical enough to be my major, but I find it fascinating.”

“It is. Unfortunately, I don’t expect to have any original thoughts on the topic.”