Page 144 of Between the Blue

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“Actually, yeah. There is something.”

My brows raise. She steps closer to me. I stand up straight.

“I’m going to be a little out of reach for a while.”

I hold out my hand to her. Not sure why, but she takes it.

“Okay,” I say.

I don’t ask why. She’ll tell me.

Or at least I think she will.

She’s quiet for a few seconds.

“Is everything alright?” I ask her.

She nods quickly. “Yeah. Yeah, of course.”

I tilt my head at her.

“I’m just going to be tied up with some new things. I’ve decided to take some business classes. Just at the junior college. Since I want to take over the family business, you know.” She shrugs. “I’m not getting any younger. Figured it was time I listened to you about school.”

I look at her, trying to read her. She never wanted to go to college. But people’s minds can change. She smiles at me tightly. I suppose the reaction makes sense.

“But, yeah,” she continues. “I’m just going to be a little busier. I already have been, actually. Researching it all and getting registered. I should have told you.”

She should have. But it’s okay. She’s telling me now.

“I think that’s great, Jules.”

Her shoulders relax a little.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah,” I nod. “I’m happy for you.”

Her lips pull up at one corner. Her hazel eyes shift between mine.

I put my hands on her hips. Pull her closer. She loops her arms around my neck. Puts her head on my chest. Lets out a sigh. I’m not really sure why. But it doesn’t matter now.

I run a hand over her hair. “You won’t be too busy to come to my first game next Friday though, will you?”

She leans her head back. Rests her chin against my heart. “Of course not.”

I press a kiss to her forehead.

“I’ll be there,” she tells me.

And she was.

Wore my jersey and everything. Even had a little blue blow in her hair.

If only I had known then.

That would be the last game of mine she ever went to.

thirty-nine

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