Page 138 of Just One Season
“You told me once.” Kellen’s grin fades. “Lucy, I really need to know what you meant by I was wrong about losing you. Please, tell me what you’re thinking.”
What am I thinking? I’m going to England. What’s the point of entertaining this fantasy?
But he asked me to stay. He wants me to stay. Relief and joy cascade through me and blend together into brief happiness.
Brief because I can’t imagine saying no to the Winchester FC job. I couldn’t live with myself if I sacrificed my dream for a man. I want to be selfish in this next stage of my life. Confident and focused and strong enough to go after what I want.
What do I really want?
I’ve grown to love Fort Collins.
And MBM. I can’t let his name become Max.
Kellen wants me to stay.
But there are so many reasons to go.
Kellen runs his hand down his face, where there’s a five o’clock shadow.
All the love I’ve been suppressing for this man escapes from the cage I’ve tried to contain it in.
Because now everything feels different.
But is it?
I want to reach my hand out. I want to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him. I could do it right now.
“Lucy?” Lina says from behind Kellen. She’d left the room with the others and now stands inside the entrance. “I know you’re busy, but can I steal you for just one minute? It’s very important. And relevant.” Lina points to Kellen. “Kellen Bassey, you stand right there and wait. This will only take a second.”
Lina waves me to right outside the now-empty room. I let out a huge breath.
“Did you know he was going to do that?” I ask, my voice shaky.
“No, of course not.” Lina puts her hands on my shoulders. “Are you okay? Do you need rescuing?”
“Absolutely not,” I say without hesitation. I’m itching to go back in there before I wake up and realize it’s all a dream.
“I didn’t tell you this before, especially after you told me about the Winchester FC job offer, but I feel like now it might beuseful information.” She slides her hands off my shoulders and glances back through the doorway to Kellen. He’s standing with his hands in his joggers, facing the podium.
He turns and our eyes meet.
Devastation makes my stomach twist. I can’t give up everything for this man, even if I’m in love with him. Look what happened with Ron. With my mom and dad. With Raleigh’s two marriages. With basically every marriage and long-term relationship I’ve seen up close.
“Fiona isn’t coming back to the Blizzard.”
“What?” I swing my head back to Lina sharply.
“She called me earlier this week to confirm it, but she’s been considering for a while. Said she can’t bear to leave her baby. He’s had a few health issues, although he’s fine now.”
Lina tells me the short story of Fiona asking for an extension of her mat leave, then another extension, then finally telling Lina she doesn’t want to come back at all.
“I didn’t want you to feel pressured but now might be the right time to tell you that if you want it, there’s a job here for you with the Blizzard in Fort Collins. We’ve all loved having you on the team. You’ve been a great asset, and a wonderful person to work with.” Lina reaches out and squeezes my hand. “Everyone loves you, Lucy.”
“You’re offering me Fiona’s job?” My mind races to catch up.
Holy shit.
This could change everything.
