Page 89 of The Player Penalty
“Nope,” Julian says. “I needed the extra help.”
“Admit that I’m right, and thank me.”
“Not going to happen.”
“Oh, look, our server is here to take the orders,” Maddie says, interpreting. “Does everyone know what they would like?”
Julian, naked in bed. Absolutely delicious. I order a small steak, baked potato, and a side salad instead.
Later, after dinner is finished and we’re walking back to Julian’s car, he takes my hand.
“I also owe you a personal thanks today,” he says quietly.
“For what? I didn’t do anything.”
“Yes, you did.” We stop, and he spins me so I’m up against his car. “I felt needed today. Liam liked me, you know that? I have a younger brother, and it was like that with him sometimes, too, when we were little.”
The little brother who his father always preferred. Sarah told me the entire story; I’ve never brought it up. The whole thing is a painful memory, and nothing can be gained other than satisfying my curiosity.
“He’s a sweet kid. He took to you so quickly, it even surprised me.”
“He did. I also want to thank you for tonight.”
I laugh. “You paid for it, so it should be the opposite.”
“We went out with a group of friends, and we both belonged. All of us.”
I know what he means. A year ago, every interaction was excruciating. I secretly accused Sarah of false friendship and was convinced Boone Rivers was determined to hurt everyone around him. None of that’s true. She cares about everyone, and he wants to create a place where dreams come true.
Julian’s dreams are coming true, and I think mine are as well, even if they take longer than they should.
“You always have, Julian. It took a little while, and trust me, that happens.”
32-Julian
“Where are my shoes?”
I snort and pull them from under the bed. “I’ll miss you while you’re gone.”
Lily sits to put on her shoes. “You’re gone too, almost halfway across the country.”
“Any chance they can reschedule your trip?”
“Not this time. I’ll be back Monday.” She kisses my cheek and heads to the bathroom. “Do you know where my hairbrush is?”
I point to the dresser. It’s covered with an odd mishmash of items she collected over the past few months. “It will be a busy weekend. We’re recording some driver safety videos early Friday.”
“Plus the actual race,” she points out. “I’ll do my best to follow along on my phone. You’ll have at least one fan cheering you on from an amusement park ride.”
It’s the second race Lily will miss this season, and I already miss her. It’s unrealistic to expect her to show for every single one, sure, because she has her own career and goals. I’d rather see her succeed than force her into cheering me on in a pit box, but damn if it’s better when she’s around.
Lily twists her hair, pulling it into a clip, before inspecting the results. “I was thinking about it.”
“Hit me.”
“Since your tenants officially move out next week, maybe we could have dinner in the big house and invite my dad.”
“If you’ll cook.”
