Page 139 of The Fake Out Flex

"Ahhh." Hannah grins knowingly. "I think I know what you're referring to. I think it's a great idea. She makes the best bracelets."

"Yeah, she does."

Before I can say anything else, Hannah rubs her hands together excitedly. "I love this for Evie, and to answer your question, yes, I can get the flowers shipped in. When do you need them?"

"My schedule depends on what happens in the next few games, so I was thinking anywhere from a few weeks to a month or so. Does that give you enough time?"

"It does. That's perfect. I'll place the order with my supplier first thing tomorrow."

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

Hannah returns to the table with her soda, while I go use the restroom. When I return, Culver and Hannah are pitching story ideas to Evie.

"Ma was telling me about this friendship bench that's popped up in Starlight Cove," Culver suggests.

Beside him, Hannah nods. "That's a great idea. Or Beth mentioned that some Comfort Bay residents have started a free library. I think it's on Peach Street. Someone's placed a box there for people to swap books."

"Guys, thank you," Evie cuts in, resting her burger onto her plate. "I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I think the writing is on the wall. Good news simply doesn't sell."

"So what are you going to do, then?" I ask as I slide into the booth and she scooches in next to me.

"I have a couple of options."

I grab her hand under the table. "Care to fill us in?"

She visibly tenses. "Uh, no. It's way too early. Wouldn't want to jinx it."

Her hazel eyes are awash with sadness…and an emotion I can't quite pinpoint. Evie's being unusually guarded—maybe I'm rubbing off on her, too?—but I don't push, despite my curiosity. I'm sure she'll tell us whenever she's ready.

The conversation moves on, but in my head, all I'm picturing is the moment I bring Evie into the locker room filled with one thousand yellow roses and reveal my big idea to her.

I hope everything works out for her at the network, I really do. But if it doesn't, or if she decides she wants to pursue something else, there's one other thing I know she's passionate about and loves. It could be the perfect second career for her.

I think back to those nights when I'd sneak into her bedroom and we'd hang out, talk, eat, watch games, and she'd make her bracelets, and I grin to myself.

Yeah, I think I've come up with a really awesome idea.

19

Evie

Even with Margo's thick Australian accent coming through the car speakers, I'm instantly transported back in time as I turn onto the street where I grew up. All sorts of childhood memories come flooding back to me.

Countless summer days spent with my sisters, riding our bikes around the neighborhood and through the local park.

Eating ice cream with Levi after a day spent on the beach.

Watching the game with Dad on our big-screen TV, him whooping and hollering and swearing like a sailor.

And as I drive past the Rademacher's house, all I can think about is Fraser and those late nights we shared.

Now that I know the truth, I'm not upset things turned out the way they did. He did what he had to do to protect his family.

I personalized it. Made it about me. Took it as a sign of rejection when him not coming over to say goodbye or acknowledging my bracelet was because he had a pregnant teenage sister to console and a training camp he got shuttled off to without warning.

It all makes sense now.

It must have been so hard for him—for all of his family—but things have turned out well. Dawn is doing great, Oakey is the coolest six-year-old ever, and Fraser's living his major league dream.

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