Page 11 of Might as Well

I nod because I can’t deny her statement. His actions thus far do imply he’s sweet. “He said he would be in touch and we’d go out once he returns from some away games.”

Cassie claps her hands. “I’m so excited and jealous! I still can’t believe you not only met a professional athlete, but you also married one! Your life is going to change forever, Vi.”

Will it, though? Do I even want it to change that much or in the ways it’ll change?

Cassie continues, unable to read my uncertainty. “I mean, Zane has money. Way more than either of us could ever dream about. He travels and could take you places. If he gets traded, you could experience living in a new place.”

“Cass,” I interrupt. “None of that particularly excites me.”

Money doesn’t matter to me. Cassie met me only a few years ago and doesn’t quite know everything about me. But money is not an issue for me nor something I need a man to have in abundance. My grandma had a life insurance policy with me asthe beneficiary. My grandma did well investing her money, too. She also lived below her means. Needless to say, I learned good money habits from her. I could have flashier things, but I don’t need them. It’s hard to think about even spending too much of that money. It’s all I have left of her. Not to mention, I take care of my brother.

She frowns. “That man doesn’t excite you? You said he was fantastic in bed and that’s with a fuzzy memory.”

I laugh. “That doesn’t mean this will work, or that packing up and moving every time he’s traded sounds appealing. And what about Graham?”

“It’s time for Graham to take care of himself. It’s past time.Waypast time. And you are such a negative Nancy about Zane, Violet. You just wait. Zane Landry will sweep you off your feet.”

We’ll see.

A few nights later, it’s late and I’ve been tossing and turning in my bed for hours it seems. My phone vibrates, the light hurting my eyes a bit. I pick it up to see Zane’s name on the screen. Just when I thought he wouldn’t actually reach out.

“Hello?” I answer hesitantly.

“Hey. I didn’t wake you, did I?”

“No. How are you?”

Zane sighs. “It’s been up and down with our playing. Aside from that, I’m doing fine. You? Any more migraines?”

“Will probably have one soon; things are okay, though. Can you do me a favor?”

“Anything.” He’s way too quick to answer and seems way too serious. Yet my heart gallops anyway. As if he truly means it.

“Can you admit this is weird?”

Zane laughs. “Definitely weird. A photographer caught my ring and my mom called me today to find out what the hell is going on. Not a very pleasant conversation. She thinks I’ve lost my mind and…” His voice trails off. “Anyway, she’s not too happy with me.”

“I bet.”

Things fall silent before Zane picks up the conversation again. “So what do you do for work?”

“I’m self-employed. I design cross-stitch patterns and sell them.”

“How did you get into that?”

I snuggle into the pillow and smile as I think of my grandma. “With my migraines, I needed a flexible job. My grandma loved the craft and taught me how to do it. She always said I had an eye for creating my own patterns. She was right. After she passed, I decided to start a business and it’s done really well.”

Well enough that it most certainly is more than a full-time job and I’ll have to figure out my next step as my home office is running out of room.

“That’s amazing, Violet. My captain’s girlfriend owns a craft store. You would probably get along with her.” He’s quiet for a moment before he adds, “But full disclosure, she’s the girl I told you about in Vegas.”

My brows pinch together and then I remember. “The girl who was fooling around with one of your buddies while seeing you?”

“The one and only.”

“And things are okay between the three of you?” I ask, skeptical.

“Yeah. It took some time, but yeah. It all worked out.”

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