Page 52 of A Tinsel Tale

“Could be.”

“I hope not,” I admit. “Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t the promotion. I don’t want her attaching herself to his star.”

Bill sighs. “She seems so much happier now. When she first arrived, I was worried. She looked tired and defeated. Now that sparkle is back.”

“I’ve noticed. Coach, I really want to try again with Evie. Hopefully get it right this time. I love her. Always have.”

Coach smiles kindly at me. “I would be the happiest dad alive if that were to happen. I think you two have a good shot at it. You’re good for her, and you know how I feel about you.”

“Even with the distance?”

“Even with the distance. You’re both smart, you can figure that part out. Your biggest obstacle is overcoming your past. Not just forgiving each other, but yourselves as well.”

I lean my head back on the couch cushion and close my eyes. “Do you think I’m good enough for Evie? Honest opinion.”

He chuckles. “I think you are a perfect match. You know, Jamie, you don’t have to be a football star or some celebrity to be good enough. You’re already enough. All you need to be is yourself. That’s all Evie ever wanted. She loved you whether you were the star quarterback or the scruffy-haired goofball failing math.”

“You think so? She’s brilliant and beautiful… I’m a washed-up jock.”

“I remember the bright-eyed confident kid I coached all through high school. Nothing stood in your way. You’re still that guy. You have my blessings and encouragement to go for it.”

My eyes sting. “Thanks Coach,” I say gruffly.

“Don’t mention it, Son. Don’t let your insecurities get the best of you. She lights up whenever you’re around. You could always make her laugh.”

I grin. “Guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”

We hear the door slam then footsteps running down the hallway and up the stairs. We look at each other, concern etched on Coach’s face. “I’ll go check on her,” I say. He nods.

“Stay, Hux,” I command. He lays his head back down and I take the stairs two at a time. I pause outside Evie’s bedroom. I hear her crying through the door and I knock.

27

EVIE

“Evie,” Jamie says through the door. I’m face-planted in my pillow, trying to muffle my sobs. “Can I come in?” he says, voice gentle. I don’t answer. “Please?” he pleads.

“Yes,” I mumble. The door opens and I hear his footfalls as he comes to my bedside. The mattress sinks as he sits down beside me. His warm hand touches my back, rubbing soft circles.

“Babe. Talk to me.”

“I-I-I can’t right now,” I say.

“Okay. I’m right here whenever you’re ready.”

“It ma-ay take a-awhile,” I say voice muffled by my pillow.

“I’ve got all the time in the world. I’m not going anywhere.” He continues stroking me, softly, soothingly, murmuring comforting, honeyed words. He leans against the headboard and stretches out his legs, brushing his fingers through my hair as I cry into my drenched pillow. I think I may never stop but eventually the storm passes and all that’s left is a bad case of the hiccups. I turn my face to the side and look up at him. I know I look like a sniveling mess. His warm eyes, shadowed with a mixture of worry and compassion, confirm it. He collects my tears with his thumb then pats his chest invitingly. “Come on up here, sweetheart.”

I crawl up and bury my face in his chest. He cradles me, kissing my hair then gently brushes it away from my brow.

“He offered me partnership,” I whisper miserably.

“And that’s a bad thing? I thought that was what you always wanted.”

I start to cry again and tap my fist against his chest. “That’s just it. Why now? It’s what I’ve worked so hard for and now I don’t care. What’s wrong with me? I should be over the moon, instead I’m empty. I feel nothing.”

“Give it some time. He caught you off guard. You’re dealing with a lot here. You have time to think about it right?”

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