Breaking free of the bindings she’d put around herself felt exhilarating. Her mom had sure hit the target. She was a role model for her girls, and if she taught them to repress themselves and play it safe, she'd never forgive herself. “So, I’m going to need help. I’m looking for a website designer, some seamstresses, and I’m looking for boutique owners who’d like to sign contracts with me. I’d like to sell my line in stores, but I’ll need a one-year contract in order to give my lingerie a chance to catch on with the different seasonal crowds that come through.” She paused because this one was harder. “And I’m going to apply for a small business loan.”
“Yes.” Stella’s fist shot into the air, Phinny clapped, and from the podium, Glori said, “We’re here for you every step of the way. Count on it.”
“I’m a website designer,” someone called. “Here. Pass her my card.”
“I own a boutique in the Owl Hoot Resort’s shopping plaza, and I will absolutely sign a contract with you,” another woman said.
Knox reached for her hand. “My bridal shop’s in the same place, and I’m positive my clients will go nuts for your robes.”
Hailey stood there, awash in gratitude for the support of these amazing women. She was still scared. She was taking the biggest risk of her life, but she believed in herself and her talent, and she wanted to teach the girls how to live their dreams.
I can do this.
I’mgoingto do this.
* * *
Cole stood on his deck, grilling meat, the thump of bass and buzz of conversation from his apartment surrounding him.
He was trying, man. He was really fucking trying to keep his focus on the game and on the season. But it got harder every day. He kept up his pep talks, encouraged his teammates, put in his training, but his joints ached, his muscles hurt, and most days, he could barely get out of bed.
Missing Hailey hollowed him out. It was a grief that kept digging, scraping, and chipping away at his sanity.
But he’d done what was best for them, and now, he had to live with it. Stabbing the steaks, he set them on a platter and brought them into the kitchen. “Grub’s ready.”
A bunch of guys came in, all of them talking at once.
“I’m starving.”
“That looks great.”
One of his players clapped him on the shoulder. “Great fuckin’ game, man.”
Another pulled utensils out of a drawer and said, “You’re on fire.”
Then, they took their loaded plates and headed back into the living room.
His team’s streak of wins had dug them out of the hole and put them in the running for the play-offs, so he’d thrown a get-together the night before All-Star week.
He wasn’t playing since he’d opted out when he thought he was going to sign those adoption papers.
The loss sliced so deep, he went as light-headed as if he’d actually lost blood.
Every day, he tortured himself by scrolling through Hailey’s social media. Even if it killed him, he’d spend the rest of his life watching those two sweet, feisty, happy little girls grow up.
Without me.
Hailey was the best adoptive mom those kids could ever hope to have.
“Cole, man?” someone called. “Your dad’s here.”
Coming out of the kitchen, he found his dad wearing a kilt, boots, and a tuxedo jacket. The guys surrounded him as he told a story that made everyone laugh. It had always been like that, and he’d been proud of his dad.
All his life, he’d seen his dad as the most popular actor in the world. Revered in the press and swarmed by fans, Trevor had always been the center of attention. Even at home, he was surrounded by staff, and he was on good terms with all of them.
Only now did Cole understand how totally and completely alone his father was. Over the years, he’d had girlfriends, but nothing had lasted. He had friends, of course, but they were all busy leading fast-paced lives.
Just like me.