Page 23 of Playing for Keeps
I let out a breath. “I do. Or I did. But it doesn’t feel like home. I’ve never liked the city, you know that. I need to be there during the season, but outside of that, I want something that feels like a home. That apartment doesn’t.”
She nods in understanding. I’ve never been shy about how much I love Hope Creek. I always imagined settling down here, maybe with someone. I figured we’d decide together where to live. That hasn’t happened yet, and I guess now feels like the right time to make that move on my own. Hopefully, Ivy can help.
“So... you’re asking Ivy to be your realtor?” Mom asks, and I nod. “Are you thinking of selling the apartment?”
“Yeah. I don’t need that much space, and I’m fine renting something smaller. I’m hardly there anyway.”
She leans in a little. “You know Ivy just started her own business, right? Selling your apartment could be a huge opportunity for her, especially financially. It’s tough starting out.”
I hesitate. “I wasn’t sure if I should ask. I mean, it’s a big listing and I don’t know if she wants to keep going back and forth to Phoenix for showings.”
“Well,” she says, “ask her. Unless you’d rather go with someone who has more experience with high-end properties?”
I shake my head. “No, I’d be happy for her to take it on, if she’s up for it. She didn’t seem all that into Phoenix when we were there on Saturday night.”
Mom’s eyes widen slightly. “Ivy was with you on Saturday? At the charity event?”
I groan inwardly. I’d told my parents about the charity auction, but I’d conveniently left out the part where I asked Ash to bid on me. I never planned on opening up to her about how miserable I feel in Phoenix when I’m not playing. But when we were out rescuing Laney the night her car broke down, she asked about my love life, and everything just came spilling out.
From the outside, my life probably looks perfect. And I get it, I’m lucky. I know that. But the truth is, when the game ends and I shut the door to my apartment at night, it’s just... lonely. I don’t want my parents worrying, thinking I’m unhappy. I’m not. Just tired of the silence.
“It’s a long story,” I say, taking a bite of lasagna and hoping she’ll let it go.
“I’ve got time,” Mom replies with a grin. “Spill.”
I can’t help but laugh. “There’s really nothing to spill. I told Ash I was dreading the event. I didn’t want to end up at dinner with some obsessed fan, so she offered to come bid on me. I agreed and said I’d cover the cost.”
She raises a brow. “So… did Ivy tag along with her?”
“No. Ash cried off and asked Ivy to go in her place.”
“So, Ivy bid on you instead?”
“Yep,” I say, smiling. “Best fifteen grand I’ve ever spent.”
“Fifteen thousand?” Dad says, his eyes wide. “You make too much money.”
“Worth every penny. You should’ve seen the woman who bid twelve. I barely got out alive.”
Mom laughs. “And what exactly does fifteen grand get someone?”
“Dinner with me,” I say with a smirk.
“Well, I must be special. I get dinner with you for free.”
“You do.” I grin. “Plus, the honor of cooking it for me.”
She gives me a look. “Cheeky.” We all laugh, and then she says, “So you’re taking Ivy to dinner?”
I nod. “Yeah. We’re driving down to Phoenix the Saturday after next. She’s staying at my place that night.”
Mom’s smile fades slightly. “Wait, the dinner’s the weekend after next?”
“Yeah. Why?”
She frowns. “Wyatt… it’s Ivy’s birthday that weekend.”
“What?” I blink. “She didn’t say anything. Are you sure?”
