Page 57 of Play Book

She lifts one shoulder. “I don’t know. The idea of going back to New York is terrifying. I guess I’d do something here if it came up, but so far, it’s all either in New York or Europe, and I don’t want to travel that far yet.”

“You do what feels right,” I say gently. “Don’t push yourself unless you need the money.”

She shakes her head. “No, I’m good in that department. That’s probably the only area of my life I’m not struggling.”

“Be grateful for that. Imagine if you were broke on top of everything else.”

She makes a face. “Ugh.”

“Anyway, so you took the lead on this project and now I have to come up with a class,” I say, laughing.

“I also made the price a little higher than we talked about, but it didn’t seem to deter anybody.”

I eye her. “Who are you and what happened to sweet little Stevie?”

She blinks, as if startled, and then gives me a wry smile. “I guess they took her out along with my uterus. Sweet Stevie is gone forever. This new Stevie is hardcore.”

I want to protest that she’s perfect the way she is, but a customer has come in so that conversation has to wait.

“Are you going to the game tonight?” Stevie asks me once the customer is gone, since there’s nothing for her to buy.

I hesitate.

I’ve tried not to let Canyon’s disappearance upset me, but it’s hard not to be offended that he basically ghosted me. We didn’t have a commitment or anything, and I know he’s got a lot going on, but he could have sent a text. A quick call. Just to check in. Even just to tell me he doesn’t have time.

That’s probably too much to ask for.

He doesn’t owe me anything.

“I’ll probably go but cut out early.”

“Why?” She cocks her head. “Because of Canyon?”

“If he can’t be bothered to send me a text, I’m not going to chase him.”

“You’re not chasing him; you’re just living your life. Don’t let a man dictate your social life. Your friends are all going. You’re a season ticket holder. You shouldn’t have to keep your distance because he turned out to be a dick.”

I want to be offended by the name-calling, but he kind of is.

I’d heard from him once since the text canceling our date, and it had been another brief text simply saying he had a lot going on and would get in touch as soon as he had a chance. That had been a week ago and there had been crickets.

Of course, I have no idea what’s happening with his situation. There have been a lot of rumors going around, but until I hear from him, I’m keeping an open mind.

“Look, we only hooked up a couple times,” I say with a shrug. “He doesn’t owe me anything.”

“Seriously?” She glares at me. “When Damien was treating me that way, you guys jumped all over my shit.”

I open my mouth but then close it, choosing my words carefully. “You and Damien were in a serious, committed relationship. Canyon and I had a couple of dates and slept together a couple of times. That’s it. It’s not the same.”

“You’re right.” Stevie sighs. “I guess I’m a little overprotective of my friends now. After the way I was treated, I might hate all men. Just a bit.”

I smile and give her a quick hug. “I totally get it. And having friends who worry about me is awesome. But really—Canyon isn’t a bad guy here.”

Maybe a little.

But I don’t want my friends’ group talking shit about him and it getting back to him. We have too many mutual friends and our paths will inevitably cross, which would make everything uncomfortable and that’s the last thing I want.

Because I’ve just decided I’m going to the damn game.

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