Once he leaves, she responds. “Are you sure now is the appropriate time? I mean, I am happy for you, but I’d hate to see you lose the momentum we are building. You’re a brand, Tate, and women want you single.”
“I don’t care. My real concern is football. All this other stuff is great, but I don’t need all the press and appearances. All I need is a contract to play and my girl wherever I am. Plus. I’ve been with Amaya since before I got drafted, you and everyone else have known I’ve been off the market since day one.”
“Well, then I suppose congratulations.” She smiles.
“Thanks, V.”
“When are you going forward with this?’
“Christmas, my family is hosting this year. I want it to be perfect for her.”
“You’ve been planning this for some time, haven’t you?”
“I’ve always known I’d marry her. She’s my big bang.”
Her brow raises with a smirk. “Your what?”
I take a drink of my water as my plate is brought out. “My one. It was love at first sight. She’s so amazing, V. I can’t wait to formally introduce you.”
“Can’t wait. I’m sure she is a real delight.”
I smile at her comment. “I always thought my parents were nuts when they told me about the big bang, but then it happened to me and happened to my best friend. I would have asked Amaya before I got drafted into the NFL, but with her dance career, and me wanting to establish mine, I wanted to wait. And now I’m kicking myself, because I shouldn’t have.”
“So sweet, she’s a lucky girl, Tate.”
**
“Hey, babe. Fuck, I’ve missed the sound of your voice. Did you see the episode of Stray Dogs?”
“You were amazing. If this football gig doesn’t work out, you could always go Hollywood,” she teases.
Her laughter carries over the line wrapping around me.
“I wish you could have been there during the taping. I was so nervous doing it with a live audience.”
“I can’t imagine you getting nervous about anything. So hey, I have to fly out soon.”
Again? So soon. “Didn’t you just get back?”
“Yes, but this is a private appearance…”
“Oh. What kind of private performance?”
“I got you a front row seat. I’m going to text you the address. Hold on.”
“Okay.” I put her on speaker and wait for her text. My eyes light up seeing my address.
A knock sounds at my door. I rush through my apartment and swing the door open without checking to see who it is. I can feel her.
I drop my phone as she tackle hugs me.
“I can’t believe you’re here.”
God, she feels so good in my arms.
“I missed you so much, and I had a little time off, so I called Courtney to have her find out when you’d be around, and ta da, I’m here.”
“I missed you too. This is the best surprise ever. Are you staying until after Christmas?” I ask her, sounding hopeful.