Page 128 of Spotlight
“I forgot they aren’t five.” Sabrina’s cheeks pink a little.
I stand at the door and thank everyone as they go. When the last person is gone, I let out a long breath. We did it. The rush of adrenaline washes over me and even with the sadness creeping in, I take a second to feel happy and grateful.
“I feel like I ran a marathon,” London says as I shut the door and lock it.
“Same.” Sabrina walks behind the front counter and fishes a bottle of champagne from her purse.
“You just carry around booze now?” I ask with a smile.
“I had a hunch tonight would be a smashing success, and we’d want to celebrate.” She pops the top and London grabs paper cups for us.
“To Olivia,” Sabrina says after we each have our drink.
“To Olivia.” London taps her cup against mine. Sabrina does the same.
We walk over to a table with chairs that was used for one of the games tonight and have a seat.
“Thank you, guys, for helping tonight.” Gigi is watching Greer, and I thought it was going to be no big deal without her, but I underestimated the work. I don’t know what I would have done without them.
“You’re welcome,” London says.
Sabrina smiles. “You can repay me by telling me how you’re really feeling. No bullshit.”
“Well, now this feels like bribery booze,” I say but take another sip anyway.
London laughs quietly, then says, “If it’s any consolation, Brogan is really bummed out, too. He’s been moping around ever since he found out.”
Sabrina nods in agreement. “Archer too. He’s happy for him, of course, but I think they’ve really enjoyed having him close again.”
“I feel sad for me but proud of him. This is his dream, and he’s worked so hard for it.” I think of the late nights he’s spent at the stadium, the aches and pains he rarely complains about, and the way he has done all that and still made time for me and Greer. I mean, amidst all this he somehow found time to tell his teammates about tonight.
“You could still visit on weekends and during the off-season,” London says. “During the busiest part of football season, I barely see Brogan and we live together.”
“Does Greer know?” Sabrina asks.
“No.” I shake my head. “I don’t want to tell her until everything is settled, but I won’t be able to keep it from her for long. New York wants him there next week.”
She’ll be sad, just like me, but we’ll get through it. I knew inviting him into our lives was risky, but I still believe the good he brought in was worth it. I hope I was right.
“He asked me if I’d consider going with him.” I glance down at the cup in my hands.
“He did?” Sabrina squeaks her surprise. I can tell she wasn’t expecting that.
“Are you going to go?” London asks.
“We’ve been dating for such a short time. I can’t uproot Greer’s life. Her family, friends, school… everything is here. And the bookstore.” I glance around at this place that has been home as much as anywhere I’ve ever lived. “I can’t imagine leaving this behind.”
A solemn quiet falls around us.
London is the first to break it. “New York isn’t that great anyway.”
Sabrina and I laugh and the ache in my chest loosens.
“It’s late. I think I’m going to leave the rest of the cleanup for the morning.” I stand and then they follow me.
I hug each of them and walk them to the door. Once they’re gone, I head to the back office to grab my stuff and turn off the lights.
The note wall draws me to it tonight. I pick a random spot and read a few of them.
