“He’s a fine man,” Dan continues. “It’s thanks to him we’ve gotten as far as we have this season. Did you see the touchdown he got us last month?”
I shake my head and glance out of the window. “No, can’t say I did.”
Liar, Chloe. Of course, you know how he scored the touchdown. Your eyes were glued to the television for God’s sake.
“You going to the game this weekend, Chloe?”
“I’m… not sure,” I reply honestly. The plan is to meet with Tom fromSleek Sports Magazinetomorrow to plan the photo shoot for the following day.
“I’m here for work, and I plan to be back home by the weekend.”
Dan catches my attention in the mirror again. “That’s a shame. I have a feeling it’s going to be a great game, one we’ll remember in years to come.”
“I hope so, for this town’s sake,” I whisper under my breath.
“What was that?”
“Oh, nothing,” I say quickly. “I just said I hope you’re right.”
He nods and turns his attention back to the road. The rest of the drive to the lodge is in silence, and I’m thankful for that.
I have to get my mind together.
I need a plan.
What am I going to do when I see Domenic?
What will I say?
Will he even remember me? I mean, I did give my virginity to the man, so the least he can do is remember me.
God, Chloe, you’re not the only girl he’s slept with.
I’m shaking my head, trying to rid myself of these thoughts when the car comes to a stop. I look out the window and stare at the Vixen Lodge sign. Dan hops out, comes around, and opens my door. I thank him as I step out. After he takes my bag out of the trunk and hands it to me, I thank Dan again, handing him a generous tip before saying goodbye.
I walk through the sliding doors of the lodge and make my way to the lobby. I’m waiting in line when the words, “Oh my God, Chloe? Is that you?” come from behind me.
Did I mention this was a small town?
Turning around, shock hits me when I see Sophia standing behind me.
Really?Out of everyone I am going to see today, it has to be Sophia.
“Oh my God, it is you,” she squeals and hugs me, causing me to drop the handle of my luggage. I hug her back, loving her familiar scent—Sophia feels like home.
She pulls back and holds me at arm’s length. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming, Chlo?”
Feeling guilty that I let our friendship fall apart, I lean in and hug her again. “I’ve missed you, Soph,” I admit, tears pricking my eyes.
“Oh, Chloe, I have missed you, too.” I feel her hand run down my hair. She looks good. Still the same Sophia that I left all those years ago. Perfect hair, perfect figure, and looks like she’s just stepped out of a magazine shoot.
“You know I love you, Chloe, but what’s going on with your hair?” She teases, giving me a cheeky grin. I’d taken off my beanie when I entered the hotel, so I can just imagine what it looks like.
“Is it that bad?” I ask, patting it down.
“Girl, you have seriously gotta get your highlights done. What are you doing now? I’m sure Megan can fit you in.”
Oh no, not Megan, not the gossip queen of Vixen Falls.