Page 9 of Knight

“I haven’t agreed to go out with you on Saturday night.”

“We’ll see.”

MONDAY NIGHT

I dial her number and she picks up. “Hey there.” She sounds sleepy.

“Hey, sugar. I hope I didn’t wake you. How was football with the boys?

“No, I’m up. It was fine. I was a little distracted tonight. I was actually mentally running through my past visits to Colorado. I used to ski there as a kid with my family nearly every year. It’s so completely different than Philadelphia. You must miss it.”

“I do miss it. Nothing beats the Colorado skies. I visit when I can, usually around the holidays. Maybe a few times a year, depending on the year. My father still lives there, as does my oldest friend and his family. My boys all know how to ski. They won’t even consider skiing on the east coast.”

“What about your mother? Does she still live there too?”

“She passed when I was a teen. Breast cancer. She fought hard, but lost the battle in the end.”

“I’m sorry to hear it. That must have been hard.” It was. “Did your father remarry?”

“No, he’s dated a few women, but never remarried. They were very much in love and he’s never found that with anyone else again. He lives alone. I worry about him.”

“You sound like a thoughtful son. I’m sure he appreciates it. What do you miss most about Colorado?”

“I miss the mountains, the peace, the active lifestyle, the skiing, the hiking, the rafting. I miss seeing stars through clear skies. If I had to pick one, I’d say the skiing. Nothing beats the Colorado slopes.”

“I haven’t skied in years.”

“Why not?”

“Scott wasn’t a skier. We went on a few vacations when the kids were younger because I wanted them to learn, but then we kind of abandoned it for warmer weather vacations. I won’t lie. I do love Mexico. Give me a few drinks, a beach chair, and my Kindle, and I’m a very happy woman.”

“Everyone loves Mexico. What’s not to love? I’ll take you skiing sometime. Maybe to Mexico too.”

“I haven’t even agreed to a date. I think you’re gettingwayahead of yourself.”

“We’ll see.”

TUESDAY NIGHT

“Hey there, Jackson.” I can almost see her smiling through the phone by the tone of her voice.

“Hey, sugar. Can we FaceTime? I kind of want to see your face tonight.”

“I’m not dressed.”

“That’s quite a visual. Now I’m hard.” Thankfully she laughs. “I feel your state of dress right now is potentially a reason weshouldFaceTime.”

“Not today.”

I won’t push. “Okay. Hmm. What to talk about tonight? Why don’t you tell me your one, party-ready, fun fact conversation starter.”

“Well, people seem to get a kick out of the fact that I was a Division One softball player.”

“Really? That’s amazing.”

“Yep. First Team All-Conference.”

“Impressive. You’ll have to join our company team. You can be our ringer. No one will see you coming.”

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