Page 1 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 4

Episode 87

Sink or Swim

NAOMI

“This is a bad idea,” I mumbled while frantically pacing back and forth across Memphis’ small living room.

“How so?” Memphis asked and plopped his large frame on the couch. His lips twitched as he covered a chuckle behind his hand, clearly enjoying my nervousness.

I gritted my teeth and inhaled sharply through my nose. “Because I’m going to screw it up.”

“Baby, it’s shopping with my family,” he answered with humor in his tone, proving he thought I was being ridiculous.

My entire body trembled with anxiety as I waited to be picked up by a member of the female Taylor clan. And Memphis didn’t understand. How could he? Simply put, Memphis was a guy.

The first time a woman spent time with her soon to be mother-in-law and sisters-in-law alone shouldn’t be picking out her wedding dress. Did women even go with their in-laws to do such a thing? I had planned on going with my mother, but of course, the dinner from hell and Lucifer himself ruined that plan entirely. Then, when Robin Taylor overheard me telling Memphis I would be busy shopping for a dress today, she not only invited herself, she invited her daughters too. Claimed we’d make a girls’ day of it.

So I paced, trying desperately to get the gnawing fear of letting my new family down out of my system. I don’t have a sister to fall back on, nor a best friend to call and hash out every minute detail of what was to happen before these women arrived. I don’t even have any real female friends that aren’t employees of my company or jewelers I work with. It certainly made me realize how out of touch I’d become in my workaholic lifestyle.

Basically, I was on my own.

Sink or swim.

Memphis stood up and caught me mid-pace, tugging me against his body.

“Hey there,” he whispered while cupping my neck. “My mother and sisters already like you. They are excited about being involved in our wedding. You’re going to have a blast with them today. I promise you.”

I slumped against him and rested my cheek on his chest. “You think so?”

He held me close. “Baby, I know so. Now you have got to relax. Besides, you’ll finally meet Sydney. And she’s already a fan of yours.”

“The model. The second oldest. The one you are the closest to. That Syd?” I frowned as the nerves swallowed me whole.

Memphis chuckled and rubbed my back. “Yeah, that Syd. She’s also the most down-to-earth person you’ll ever meet. Plus, she lives in New York. That means, when we set up shop in NYC, she’ll be there to help me get adjusted. I actually have some great news about that…” he hedged, leaving that juicy morsel dangling.

“Oh? I thought you were worried about the big move to New York from Georgia.”

He shook his head. “Naw, not worried. More like concerned I wouldn’t know what to do with myself. But my options maybe opening up. I’ve got a meeting with the head of the sports division at Cornell University next month.”

My eyes bulged and my mouth fell open in shock. My cool-as-a-cucumber man simply smirked at my surprise.

“That’s an Ivy League school…”

“Yep. And they’re looking to fill an assistant defensive coaching position. They want someone young and hungry to help the team win their division. Coach told me he believed having new blood on the coaching team could be their ace in the hole.”

“And they are considering you?”

He nodded. “Actually, he said the job was mine…on one condition.”

“Which is?” My mind ran rampant with ideas. Who did I know in the Ivy League circuit that I could pull some favors with, to ensure my man got the job he wanted.

“I have to finish up my degree this year so I can be ready for spring training. I’m shy some credits, which means I need to sign up for those classes this coming enrollment period in order to secure my bachelor’s degree.”

I pushed at his chest. “That’s it? You take and pass those classes and you’re guaranteed the job?”

“Well, not exactly. Obviously the in-person interview means a lot.”

“But you’re great in person. The interview will be a cinch! And I can reach out, make some calls to some people I know and put in a good word if you’d like me—”

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