Page 24 of Love in Overtime

Has he been talking to Estelle?

“I’m always nice.”

Chase laughs. “Sure, man. Seriously though, what’s going on?”

I clear my throat. “Here’s the thing, I told you Estelle retired, right?”

“Yes. Wait, did the new publicist already quit? That didn’t take long.”

“No,” I snap. “She hasn’t quit and …”

Maybe this was a mistake. I can make it through these charity games, and then Blair and I will continue to work together via Zoom and occasional in person events.

“And?” Chase asks impatiently.

Suddenly the image of catching Blair in my arms replays in my mind. I need to tell someone.

“And I didn’t think anyone would be able to take Estelle’s place, but Blair …”

“Hold on,” Chase interrupts. “Cooper, do you have a thing for your new publicist?”

I don’t answer him. Chase will know what my silence means.

“I don’t believe it,” he continues. “I didn’t think you’d make it even one day in that town. And now you’re interested in your publicist?”

He’s right. And I’m going to a farmers market today. I don’t know who I am anymore.

“What should I do? I really need some advice.”

“Wow,” Chase says. “We’ve known each other a long time, and I’ve never heard you like this.”

I exhale a puff of air. “I’ve never met anyone like her, Chase. She’s smart and funny and gorgeous. She’s a dynamite publicist, and she makes me smile.”

“So why do you need my help?” he asks. “It sounds like you have your answer. Although you and her working together might be an issue ...”

Exactly.

“But if I can offer you any advice, it would be that when you find someone who makes you feel like you do right now, you don’t let them go. I found that with Lucy, and I’ve never been happier in my life.”

Chase ended up falling for his best friend’s sister. They’ve known each other most of their lives, and when he retired, he reconnected with Lucy in his hometown.

“Does she feel the same way about you?” Chase asks.

Ha. Good question.

“I’m not sure,” I say. “We’ve had a few moments when?—”

I’m interrupted by a knock on my door.

“Hold on, Chase.”

When I open the door, I find Blair waiting for me. She’s wearing a white shirt with a flannel tied around her waistand a pair of fitted jeans and sneakers. This woman looks amazing in everything she wears.

“Hi,” she says cheerfully.

“Is that her?” Chase asks. I almost forgot he was still on the phone. “Let me say hi.”

Um, I don’t think so.

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