Page 45 of The Right Move

“There is,” I tell her, clearing my throat because it’s the first time I’ve really spoken in God knows how long. I slide my arm around Indy’s waist, pulling her into my side, and when I speak, I keep my eyes locked on hers. “But we like to keep the details between us.”

Indy’s brown eyes shine with relief as I finally get one thing right tonight.

“You two are utterly adorable. Indy, I’m looking forward to seeing you at dinner next week. We’re doing something a little different.”

“I can’t wait. It was so wonderful to meet you.” She leans her head on my shoulder.

“Shay.” Ron puts his hand out to shake mine and a bit of that disbelief and distrust has washed away. He’s still skeptical, clearly, but he seems as if he’s questioning the possibility of this being legitimate instead of outright believing it’s a lie.

As they walk away, my chest deflates with a much-needed exhale. “You were incredible, Blue.”

“And you were terrible. We have so much work ahead of us if I’m going to even consider taking you to that wedding.”

“You know you can be yourself while doing this, right? You don’t have to be so poised and perfect. They’ll like you regardless.”

She pops her shoulders. “I’m used to playing the doting girlfriend who always has the right thing to say. That was almost second nature.”

“I can’t believe you’re still here.” Ethan sets another glass of champagne in front of his wife, Annie, as he speaks to me. “This is the longest I’ve ever seen you at a work event.”

“That’s because he’s got a stunning girlfriend to show off.” Annie motions her flute in Indy’s direction.

I find Indy by the bar, holding court, surrounded by a few of the guys from the Raptors. She’s wearing that infectious smile, those kind brown eyes, that confident body-language. And I’m suddenly aware that she works with these men every time she’s on the road.

God, they must love her.

Indy wasn’t lying. She really is a social butterfly and I find myself a bit envious at her ability to be so open.

“It’s not real, Ann.”

“I know, I know,” she brushes off her husband. “But a woman could dream. Imagine Ryan having a real girlfriend. I’d be in heaven having someone at team events instead of the flavors of the week the rest of your teammates rotate through.”

“Sorry to crush your dreams, Annie.” I smile into my whiskey glass, taking a swig. “Speaking of staying out late, you two are out past ten. Parents gone wild.”

“We have an overnight babysitter.”

“And a hotel,” Ethan adds with a suggestive brow wag.

“So, daughter number four in nine months. Got it.”

“Here’s hoping.” Ethan holds up his beer bottle in a cheers.

Annie smacks him in the chest. “Absolutely not.”

“Ry, have you planned team dinner yet?” Ethan asks.

I lean back in my chair, casually sipping my whiskey. Of everyone on my team, Ethan is my closest friend and the guy I feel most myself around.

“What do you mean?”

“Team dinner,” he repeats. “Team captain plans team dinner every other month. And we’re almost a month into the season.”

“Wait. That’s a thing? I thought we went to your house every other month because your mom is an amazing cook.”

Annie and Ethan share a laugh. Ethan’s parents came to the states before he was born, and his mom would cook up a storm of authentic Korean dishes every month for the team to gather around their table and share a meal. She even taught me how to prepare my own kimchi last season. It’s the one outing I genuinely look forward to.

“No, man. That’s part of your duties as the new team captain.”

“Well, fuck. Can’t we keep doing it at your house? I need Mrs. Jeong’s cooking.”

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