Page 147 of The Right Move

“It’s everything.”

“Do you like it?”

Do I like it? I love it. I especially loved how many times she used the word we when outlining the plan.

“Like isn’t a strong enough word, Blue. This means everything to me, truly. Thank you.”

I don’t miss the proud little smile that slides across her lips from being praised for her brilliant mind instead of being warned to hold herself back. It makes me want to spend every day of the rest of my life reminding her just how incredibly bright she is until I get to watch those insecurities wash away.

The detail and care she put into every single page bleeds into the words as I flip through the pages.

“This is what you went to school for?”

“Yep. My degree is in business with concentrations in finance and administration. I had planned to go into the field after I graduated.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Because I quickly learned that most of the time, I would be working with rich people to make them even richer, and numbers got real boring that way.”

Indy takes a bite of her breakfast, and I can’t help but stare. She’s more intelligent than she allows most people to see. She’s wonderful at putting on a happy mask and making sure everyone around her feels good about themselves. I can imagine that it got exhausting when stroking the egos and pockets of the wealthy.

She’s, as always, an interesting mix of idealism and logic, leaning towards the romantic side. The soft side. The loving side where she lets herself feel everything and care for everyone. I’m sure it was hard for her to find much feeling behind numbers.

But this, finding a way to help kids, you can see the passion she’s put into this business plan.

“So you became a flight attendant instead?”

“Mm-hmm,” she says with a happy hum. “I love my job. I’m with people all day and I get to travel the world. I wanted to see as much of it as I could before I settled down with a family one day.” Eyes darting to mine, she swiftly changes the subject, clearing her throat. “Are you going to your game tonight?”

It’s the first one since my injury and though I was given permission to skip, I promised Leon I’d be there to help him. I want to help him. I want us to win, regardless that I won’t be the one putting up the points.

“I am. Are you?”

“Do you want me there?”

“I want you there.”

I want you everywhere.

“Then I’ll be there.”

This morning’s press conference was the first since my injury and easily the longest of my career. Endless questions that I answered, as always, as diplomatically as possible.

When am I back? Hopefully three to four weeks.

How are you feeling? Great. I’ve made progress in the few short days since it happened.

Do you think the team will be able to pull off a month without you? I have faith in my guys.

If I could be honest, I’d tell the truth—that I feel as if I let an entire organization, an entire city down. But I have to be perfect, on at all times, and that includes media interviews. I can’t let them see me sweat.

I couldn’t be more thankful that I’m not on crutches as I stand on the sidelines. The stares and speculation are enough. I can almost feel the cameras zooming in on me, reporters talking about me in their broadcasts.

I hate it.

“You doing okay, man?” Ethan smacks my shoulder.

“As good as I can be.”

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