Page 62 of Play Book

If I say she’s my girlfriend, here in this room in front of everyone, it’s going to change everything.

If I deny it, not only do I look a little foolish since we’re standing here holding hands, I diminish Saylor’s importance to me, both to Ally and all our friends.

And the last thing I want to do is something that will embarrass Saylor.

It hasn’t been long, but she’s important to me.

So I’m going to do something I’ve never done before and say words I haven’t used since high school.

Ironically, it’s not as hard as I thought it would be.

“We’ve only been dating a short time,” I reply casually. “But yes, she’s my girlfriend.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch a look of surprise on Saylor’s face, but I’m more focused on Ally. She seems disgusted, which makes no sense since she doesn’t even know Saylor.

Saylor doesn’t say anything but squeezes my hand in what feels like a private gesture of solidarity.

“Whatever.” Ally ignores her and turns back to me. “Are we going to eat?”

“That’s the plan,” I say, “but I’d like to see you use some manners. When you’re introduced to someone new, you don’t say ‘whatever.’”

She makes a face. “Sorry.” She looks at Saylor, and in the most sarcastic tone possible, says, “It’s so nice to meet you.” Then she turns on her heel and walks over to Autumn, talking animatedly even though I can’t hear what she’s saying.

“Whew,” Saylor whistles under her breath. “You weren’t kidding.”

“I’m sorry she behaved like that. I don’t think Carly taught her any manners at all. You should see her eat—and wipe her face with the back of her hand.”

Saylor grimaces. “Sounds like you’ve got your work cut out for you.”

“Tell me about it.” I gaze in Ally’s direction. Her back is to me now, but she’s still talking to Autumn, and it irks me that she’s so friendly with her when she usually treats me like I’m the devil incarnate.

“It’s going to be okay,” Saylor says softly. “You’ll see. She looked excited to see you until she spotted me, so the tide might be changing. Besides, she’s been through something traumatic. And she’s still just a baby. I mean, in the grand scheme of life. It will take some time, and a lot of love, but she’ll come around.”

I sigh, suddenly unsure of my decision to try to make a home for Ally. “Do you really believe I’m the guy to give her the life she needs? The love she needs? I feel like I’m drowning and pulling her under with me. Would she be better off in foster care with a married couple like Autumn and Henrik? A family who can adopt her?”

“Only you can answer that, but I don’t think so. You’re her uncle. Despite being estranged from your sister, you didn’t hesitate to step in. From where I’m sitting, I believe that underneath the gruff exterior is a really good guy. And the right guy to take care of his niece.”

This woman truly blows me away.

Every time we’re together she says or does something that makes me rethink everything I think I know. About my life, my choices, and myself.

I’m fairly certain no one has ever told me I’m a good guy before.

Not my father, certainly not my sister, not even my friends.

I’m many other things.

Hard-working. Talented. Smart. Good-looking.

But a really good guy?

Nah. That’s not me.

Except this gorgeous, smart, successful woman thinks so.

And hearing her say it makes me want to believe it.

“Are we going out to eat?” Connor asks, coming over to us and breaking the momentary spell I’m under.

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