Page 75 of Worth the Risk

I take hold of my drink again to occupy myself, as I’m not sure how to talk to her about my boyfriend who happens to be her uncle and godfather. There are some topics that may be a little too uncomfortable to discuss, I’m aware of that.

“In some ways, sure. He’s all or nothing, determined, focused yet laid back. I’m… laid back, focused, and hesitant with many things in life. So maybe we meet in the middle.”

“Are you hesitant about him?” April asks point blank.

A warm smile comes naturally. “I feel different when I’m with him. From the moment that I met him, actually. I’ve always done slow, and he does… fast. But it’s okay, as I feel safe and free. That was something I didn’t think I would ever feel again in a relationship.”

This time April reaches out to touch my shoulder. “He is by far the furthest thing from your douchebag of an ex.”

“I know. I don’t think that really comes into play, it’s more the feelings in general. But I’m not sure I’m coach’s-wife material, I mean the whole in-the-spotlight thing.”

“First-world problems, I guess. But just be yourself. It isn’t about you in those moments. I don’t see my uncle often because he’s married to his career, maybe not even by choice. Being head coach just takes a lot of hours, but for the first time he wants to attempt to be tied to something outside of football. It just so happens to be my friend.”

Our eyes meet, and perhaps this is our turning point. “It really sucked not being able to share things with you.”

“I know the feeling.”

“Can we move forward?” My voice is hopeful.

April seems to contemplate. “I’ve wallowed for weeks. Maybe I needed the time to digest the news about you and my uncle too. I think we can move forward… but if you and my uncle don’t work out, then it might be awkward, so I guess that means… you need to work out.” There’s a humorous undertone. “And I know lingerie is your career, but maybe let’s put a pin in those discussions, or at least don’t add my uncle’s name into the same sentence.”

“I can live with that.” I nod.

“I guess it only took a massage and facial to get us to talk. I was kind of expecting we would at least need the pedicure too before we really talked,” she quips.

“I’m happy we’re ahead of schedule then because I’ve really missed having a best friend in my life,” I admit. “I have so much to share, and I was so worried about you.”

“I could use my friend back too.”

The corners of our mouths curve up and tears form in our eyes before we lean in to hug one another, then tears actually burst out. “I’m so sorry.”

“Me too.”

We squeeze tighter in our hug, careful not to make a mess of our face masks.

The spa attendant comes to interrupt us to take our masks off, and just in time, as I feel my face cracking.

“Oh God, are we going to get weird lines on our faces because we cried with this magical mud on?” April wonders.

The attendant smiles. “Believe it or not, you two are not the first to cry while in the mask. You should be fine. Some even say the tears enhance the experience.”

April and I look at each other and burst out laughing.

* * *

Now back in normal clothes,I arrive at our table overlooking Lake Spark. It’s clear blue skies today.

April looks up from her phone. “They offered us a high tea with little sandwiches and cakes, but I changed it to burgers and fries.”

“Oh, thank God.” I’m relieved that she knows me so well. “I feel like that massage was like running a marathon. Or maybe it was the sauna, but I’m starving.”

“I guess you are all up-to-date on Lake Spark, so did you go to Jolly Joe’s or Catch 22?”

I nod as I sip from my iced tea. “It feels like a second home almost. Just kind of sucks that Hudson is now in football season so won’t be here much.”

“It sounds like you will, though. Moving in?” she asks simply.

I laugh. “No. Well, it’s more like my apartment in the city is a place where I sleep and here it feels like… a home.”

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