Page 75 of Bound and Blitzed

“Avery’s gonna lose his mind when he sees you in this gown, girl,” Raia says, gesturing for me to pose.

I turn my frame slightly, bending one knee, and smile over my shoulder.

Carla grins. “You’re hot, Valentina Maria Lopez Garcia!”

“Y’all have too many names,” Raia grumbles, tapping on her phone. “Picture sent!”

Not even thirty seconds passes before a text comes through my phone.

Avery

You look sexy as fuck, my wife. I miss you.

Send me more photos.

Smiling, I gesture for Carla and Raia to come closer for a group selfie. I snap the photo and send it to Avery.

Valentina

(Image)

Avery

Are you having fun?

I glance around the beautifully decorated venue. Top-tier athletes, television personalities, marketing executives, team owners, and advocacy groups from Chicago mill about. It’s going to be a hugely successful event; I can feel it.

Excitement skirts through me. While a part of me wishes Avery was here, another part enjoys being swept up in the moment. I’m loving having this time with my family and clicking with them. The night holds a sense of promise, of anticipation, that I haven’t felt in a long time.

Last night, I was toasting cocktails with my brother and sister, making resolutions and outlining goals for the year ahead. I felt, down to my bones, that this next year is going to be magical. Full of growth, brimming with new possibilities, and seeped in so much love.

Today, I revel in that certainty.

Valentina

Yes. The venue is gorgeous. I’m having the best time with Ale and Carla.

Avery

Good. I’m happy for you.

Valentina

Thanks. Good luck at your game. See you soon.

I note the three dots dancing across the bottom of my phone’s screen as Avery types out a reply. They pause, begin again, stop. And then, a video call from Avery comes through.

Sighing, I lift one finger to Carla to let her know I need a minute. Then, I move to the side of the venue to take the call. The second I slide my thumb across the bar on the screen, it drops.

Avery

My service is choppy. We’re about to head into the locker room.

Valentina

No worries. Good luck today!

Avery

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