Page 32 of Anti Player

I roll my eyes playfully at that comment. “You know, hang at the pool and just chill.”

“I have my new job. I can’t exactly tell them I can’t show up to work for two weeks because I want to soak up the Florida sun,” I say and then I place a spoon of oatmeal in my mouth.

“That’s why you should quit the job and go to culinary school. You can chill this summer and start school in the fall with Asher,” Brett says like it isn’t a major life-changing decision.

“I don’t think you need us living with you for that long and if you haven’t noticed, I’m not rich,” I remind my brother. I’m also trying to curb the anxiety bubbling inside me as I think about what all that change would mean.

“Maddie, I have a nice-sized apartment. Once the season begins, I don’t use it half the time because I will be on the road with games. Use this time to get yourself on your feet. The job with the catering company is nice but it isn’t a future. I want you and Asher to feel secure and I’m rich and very giving.” Brett winks to Asher and then shovels more oatmeal in his mouth.

I take time to ponder his suggestion. What he says makes sense. If I’m not going to repeat past mistakes; I need to make different decisions. I’ve been stuck in mediocre jobs for a longtime, which makes me financially insecure. When a situation arises that I can move in with a boyfriend it makes a whole lot of sense to me because, why not pay half the rent? My cycle keeps repeating itself and I need it to end. Maybe taking the plunge of culinary school will make sense, even though it seems scary. It would also mean I would have to depend on my brother financially. I know he has a good heart and his intentions are sincere but I don’t like the idea of being dependent.

Brett watches me carefully. “What about my offer is bothering you? I spoke with Henry last night. He thought it was brilliant and Henry is a mega smart dude.”

I smile. “I would want to pay you back,” I say to my brother.

“That would be ridiculous, Maddie. It would take you a long, long time to make what I do in a year. I don’t want you to pay me back. I just want to see you on solid ground.”

I reach out and squeeze my brother’s hand. “We’re lucky to have you,” I say to him.

“Tell your new boss you’re giving two weeks’ notice,” Brett insists. “We’re going to Florida.”

I take a breath. What he’s saying makes sense. I don’t want to be in my thirties running from one relationship to the next and going from job to job. I want to find stability for Asher because even though he is an easygoing kid, I don’t want to move him around all the time. I need to settle down so he feels grounded and can make friends in one place.

“Okay, Brett, but I think I should just stay behind and work this summer. We really don’t need to go to Florida.”

“You need Florida, Maddie. You’ve never been on vacation and, trust me, it’s so fun. We can stay in a place that has a good pool with waterslides. Asher will love it,” he tells me.

At the mention of waterslides Asher perks up. “Mommy, can we please go?” He spreads his lips showing off his cute baby teeth, which haven’t fallen out yet.

I give Brett a look and take a moment to ponder. I’ve been stepping outside of my comfort zone ever since I left Jersey. This will be one more new adventure.

“Florida, here we come,” I chime, feeling a nervous swirl in my stomach, kind of like I’ve just dove off a diving board into the deep end without knowing if I can swim.

“Yes,” Asher hisses.

Brett and Asher high-five each other.

“Your mom is going to be an amazing chef,” Brett says to Asher.

“She already is,” my son replies.

My heart bursts.

“Come on, buddy. Let’s get you to camp,” I say to Asher. “You still need to go the next couple of weeks so I can make some money.”

“Okay,” my son concedes.

We leave the apartment and I drop Asher off at camp. He isn’t thrilled about being there but I hope he adjusts. I head back to the apartment to shower and get ready for work.

When I head back out to the elevator I bump into Kaleb.

“I was just thinking about you,” he says as he motions for me to step on the elevator first.

“Oh yeah?” My stomach dips as I think of what he could possibly say.

“Yeah.” He nods and his Adam’s apple bobs. Even his throat is sexy. “I have a proposition for you.”

“Kaleb, I need to get to work,” I say when we both arrive at the parking level. “I can’t be late.” I also am terrified what he could be propositioning. I want to believe I have my shit together and I fear one small move from Kaleb and I’ll fall over the ledge into love again.

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