His heart wanted to take the chance, wanted to open itself up to the possibilities. Maybe there was one person who cared more about him than about his money, career, job, and skill in the sack.
Was it possible Stacia truly loved him?
*
Stacia tried herbest to ignore the niggling feeling something was wrong. Something had changed between them and she had no idea what it meant. Her father’s words stung and drew blood, as they always did, and it had been great having someone to soothe the hurt.
Since she couldn’t figure out what the deal was, she did what every woman had done since caveman times. She called her best friend, stocked up on ice cream and cookies and got down to business. She dug into a pint container of the chocolate chip cookie dough frozen novelty with the ice cream scoop. She paused with the spoon halfway to her mouth and glanced across the coffee table at Sophie who was staring at her.
“Who are you and what have you done with my friend?”
Stacia shrugged and closed her mouth over the cool treat, letting the vanilla slid down her throat, providing a soothing balm for her soul. Temporary though it may be.
“What’s the deal, Stacia?” Sophie lunged across the table and snatched the pint container out of her hand. Stacia glared and licked the spoon. “Ice cream is usually reserved for the break-ups, or lonely nights between jobs. So, what’s going on with Mr. Baseball?”
Stacia lowered the spoon, resting her forearms on her crossed legs. “My father called today.”
“Oh, sweetie, I’m sorry.” Sophie shoved the container back across the table. “What did he want now?”
She shrugged. “The usual. To express his displeasure with my life choices, my dating, and to ask me to host an event for him tomorrow. He and Vanessa are divorcing.”
Sophie laid a hand on Stacia’s hand. “I’m sorry. But really, it’s about time, isn’t it? She was only a couple of years older than you.”
Stacia wiped her eyes, surprised to see the wetness on her shaking hands. “I know, but now I’m back on deck.” At Sophie’s quizzical look, she laughed. “I’m spending way too much time at the ballpark. It’s a baseball term meaning I’m about to be at-bat. I could have gone my whole life never saying those words! Now I think in baseball terms.”
“I know what it means. I had no clue that you knew.” Sophie leaned back against the chair. “So, how are things going with the baseball guy?”
“Jason.” She laughed again, the sound coming out shakier than expected. “Honestly, he was even great when my father called. He handled the fallout like a pro. Then sent me home.”
“Afraid of the tears?”
Stacia took another bite, savoring the flavor. “You would think. But no. He seemed fine with that. I can’t explain it but it seemed like there was a distance there, like he put up a wall. And I have no idea what to do.”
“What to do? Stacia, this is a job. While it’s unconventional, what did you expect to happen after the season? He would stay, declare his undying love for you, and give up baseball? Or you would give up everything and follow him to the next team, next city, next job?”
“I didn’t think about next steps. I was doing what my best friend had told me—live in the moment and don’t think about the future. Only now,” she paused, licking the spoon and staring out the window. “Only now, I’m in too deep.”
“You love him,” Sophie stated flatly.
Stacia nodded, the knowledge weighing heavily on her.
“Does he love you?”
She shrugged. “I have no idea. Maybe, but I doubt it. This was a short-term thing, with an expiration date. An adults-only deal.”
“So, what are you going to do?” Sophie snagged the ice cream and dug her own spoon into the container.
“No idea. I can’t tell him. He doesn’t want any commitments. I can’t distract him now.” She straightened in her seat. “It’s only another week or so. Then we’re done. Once the season ends, I can let him go.”
Sophie arched an eyebrow. “Really? Can you really just walk away?”
“Maybe I won’t have to.” Stacia grabbed the container, hiding the hope in her heart. “Get your own dessert.” She ignored the deeper question.
Could she let Jason go? Maybe. But how much of her heart and soul would go with him?