Page 77 of Win Big

“Yeah, it was really nothing. Wyatt has a weird sense of humor. So Dad was part of this plan, although he wasn’t thrilled about it.”

“He didn’t say anything.”

I know we’re both thinking the same thing. I pull in a long breath. “Well, maybe he just wanted to keep it on the down low.”

“He knows I’d never reveal confidential information about the team.”

I don’t know what to say. “Did you talk to him again about going to the doctor?”

“Yes. I blamed you. I said you’re worried too.”

“Great. And . . . ?”

“Now he’s being passive aggressive. He says he’ll go, but he hasn’t done anything about making an appointment.”

“You make it. Go with him.”

“Ugh. I hate treating him like a child.”

I bite my lip. I guess being so much younger than him, she probably knew something like this could happen in their marriage. But that doesn’t make it any easier. What happens when the person who’s your partner becomes someone you have to treat like a child? I rub the sharp ache in my chest. “Do you want me to do it?”

“No.” Her voice is soft but firm. “That’s not your job as his daughter. I’m here. I’ll deal with it.”

“Okay. But I’m here to help. With anything.”

“I know. I love you. Um... as for Wyatt... you two looked like you were having a lot of fun.”

“Wyatt’s an expert at fun. I’m just along for the ride.”

“You could use more fun in your life. You’re a young woman, not an old lady.”

“I have lots of fun!”

“Uh-huh. You work long hours. You don’t date much. You go to the odd yoga class and spend your spare time knitting. You might as well take up bingo.”

I choke on a laugh. “Mom! I have friends. I’m planning to see them tonight in fact.”

“I’m just saying. Fun isn’t a bad thing.”

“Fun can get you in trouble.”

“Oh, Evvie.” The sadness in her voice undoes me.

“It’s okay, Mom. My life is great. Anyway, now you know what’s going on. I better get back to work.”

“Okay, sweetie. Talk to you soon. Love you.”

I send a message to Taylor and Lacey suggesting dinner, to which they eagerly agree. We make a plan to meet at Food for Thought Bar and Grill for Appie Hour (yes, that’s spelled correctly; they have five-dollar appetizers from four till seven on Mondays).

In the meantime, I have this charity watchdog group snooping around. Not literally, but they’ve emailed me a fewtimes with requests for information and they’re making me nervous as hell.

“What is happening?”Lacey demands once we’re all seated at the wooden table in Food for Thought. Her eyes bug out. “What were you doing with Wyatt at the basketball game?”

I’ve already decided I’ll tell her and Taylor the truth, because they’re my best friends and I trust them, but... “I have to swear you to secrecy.”

They exchange wide-eyed looks, then nod solemnly.

The waiter arrives to take our drink order, drawing out the suspense. I can see Lacey’s impatience and I have to grin.

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