Page 23 of Play Like a Girl

“Now.”

“Now? Have you lost your mind?”

“No I haven’t. But I need some time off right now. Other than Max’s wedding, I haven’t taken time off since I started working here.”

“And how much time have I taken off?”

I took in a calming breath before continuing. Raising my voice won’t get me anywhere.

“I know you work hard and I respect that. But I love Penny and I want to have a life with her. I need time to build that life.”

“So you’re just going to shirk your responsibilities and run off?”

“I’m not shirking anything. I just need some time off right now. And going forward, I’ll need to work out something so Penny and I can see each other regularly when she’s on the road. I’m not asking for anything you don’t give to every other employee who works here.”

He didn’t answer, didn’t flinch or move a muscle. The man could clean up at poker.

We just stared at each other for what felt like forever before he spoke.

“I’m not sure if that will work.”

I nodded.

“Okay.”

“Okay?”

“Then I’ll have to tender my resignation.” His poker face slipped and he looked shocked then pissed, but before he could speak, I continued. “We can discuss this more when I get back. Right now, I have to go talk to Dale Montgomery then hopefully catch a flight to Florida.”

10

Penny

I steppedout of my post-game shower feeling lighter than I have in months. After talking to Dale last night, I slept like a baby. I’d thought about calling Kenny this morning, but figured I’d wait until after my game. I’m hoping we’ll be talking for a long time and didn’t want to have to cut things short to head to the field.

“Could you French braid my hair?” I asked Nadia when I sat down in front of my locker.

“Sure.”

I can do it myself, but it’ll take longer and won’t look as good.

We both got dressed, then I sat on the floor in front of her chair.

“I’m happy you’re calling him,” she said as she brushed the knots out of my hair.

“Me too,” I chuckled. “I don’t know what I was thinking.”

“You weren’t.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“Just stating the facts, ma’am.” She held out her hand and I handed her an elastic. “You’re good,” she said and she secured then tugged at the braid.

I stood and turned to face her.

“I’m sorry I’ve been such a head case lately. It’s just been so frustrating. Not to mention confusing.”

She wrapped her arms around my shoulders and squeezed me tight.

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