Page 121 of Foul Territory
“I do but that doesn’t change anything. We'll still be together whether you’re in North Carolina or Colorado.”
“You still don’t get it. All of my life changing moments belong to you. I can’t have more of them if we aren’t building that life together. Side by side in North Carolina.”
“I don’t want you to regret it. If you don’t get to play for the Cardinals in North Carolina, I don’t want to be the reason you miss out on your dream. I’ll never forgive myself for that.”
“Regret,” I scoff. Picking her up, I place her on my lap so she’s straddling me. I need her to hear what I’m about to say. “You are the dream I’ve been chasing after most of my life. My dream is coming true every day we’re together. The only regret I’ll have is not being by your side while you chase yours.”
“Even if that means not playing baseball?”
I nod. “I have a political science degree from a top university. I can get a job teaching and coaching high school baseball.” I run my hands up her thighs until I get to the curve of her ass.
“And you would be happy doing that?” she asks, tilting her head.
“The happiest I’ve been in my life.”
She nods. “Do you know what this means?” She grins, rubbing her hands up my chest and leaning toward me like she’s going to kiss me.
“What?” I ask, hoping her mind is asdirty as mine.
“I’m getting a library!” she squeals, throwing her hands up in the air and bouncing on my lap, making me laugh.
“Hell yeah you are! Come on, baby.” I stand with her in my arms. “I think getting a library calls for a celebration.” I pat her ass and carry her upstairs.
People may think I’m crazy for passing on a multi-million dollar contract to play baseball. Even crazier would be passing up the opportunity to spend the rest of your days and nights with Sydney Pierce.
25
SYDNEY
Charlie yawns dramatically. “I’m so bored. Are we really going to spend one of our last nights together watching a movie? We’ve already done this a hundred times.”
“We voted,” Wren says.
“I did not vote for this,” Charlie declares.
“We can do facials,” I suggest. “Paint our nails for graduation.”
“Do you remember the time we all put on our sluttiest clothes and went down to The Armory?” Charlie asks.
“I don’t remember ever doing that,” Lauren replies.
“Me either,” I say.
“Exactly!” Charlie stands on the couch cushion. “That’s because we’ve never done it. Tonight is the night, ladies. Come on, Wren. Let’s go get a scrap of fabric to cover ourselves with.”
“I’ll pass,” Wren says, turning her attention back to the movie.
“Oh, no, you don’t. You are moving hundreds of miles away from me. Give me this one night,” she says, tugging on Wren’s arm.
“This is emotional manipulation.” Wren glares at her.
“Is it working?” Charlie asks.
“Yes. Fine,” Wren agrees. “But only for a few hours.”
“Lauren, Sydney, what about you?” Charlie asks, holding on tight to Wren.
“I don’t see how we can say no if Wren is going. Meet back here in ten minutes?” I ask. She nods and pushes Wren towards the door.
