Page 39 of Play Maker

“That’s not necessary, but I appreciate the offer. I told them I could find my own date. The problem is I’m having trouble executing. If I show up with someone Rob doesn’t approve of, I may end up having to choose between being there for Mom or avoiding Shad, and you know I’ll always choose Mom.”

“What does Hope have to say about all this?”

“She was there for the conversation, Eva.”

The silence on the other end stretched out longer than I was comfortable with. “I know I’m not good with people, but she’s never suggested I should be any other way but myself. In fact, I’m not sure she’d have said anything at all if not for Rob and their guest list.”

Eva blew out a raspberry on her end. “Not good enough. Their guest list shouldn’t be more important than her daughter. I know you feel like you have to always choose her because it’s only been the two of you forever, but honey, she’s not choosing you now. I’m really disappointed in her.”

I flopped back on the bed, glad she understood the root of my hurt feelings. “You’re right, but—”

“No buts, Blue. You have two choices. Well, three, but I know you won’t pick option three. One, go alone and face Rob’s wrath. You’re not required to spend time with people, period. Two, produce a date by…when’s the first event?”

I laughed dryly. “Three weeks.”

“Okay, produce a date in the next three weeks. I suggest one of the lovely men you find yourself living with. Any one of them would go as your date in a second. Hell, take RJ as your date. You guys would make a beautiful couple. If Rob is willing to pimp you out to Shad’s friends, he’s not expecting you to show up with your soul mate anyway.”

I frowned. She was right. I’d gone straight to a date with romantic interests, but pairing me off with one of Shad’s friends would be purely for image purposes. Of course, I’d heard Rob’s disdain for professional athletes thanks to Mom’s previous relationship with Archer, so I wasn’t sure taking one of my football playing roommates would hit even that low bar.

Still, the idea was worth testing while I tried to find a ‘suitable’ date.

Clearly, I should have gotten out of my head and called Eva earlier. “Thank you. I might do that.”

“You know, you’re the easiest to convince out of all of them. Everyone else lets their emotions call the shots, but you’re refreshingly reasonable.”

I grimaced, not entirely thrilled with the description. If only she knew about my recent swan dive into the emotional waters. “Making a logical decision isn’t hard when there are only two choices.”

Eva stayed silent, waiting.

I couldn’t help myself, and I knewsheknew I’d ask. “What was option three?”

“Don’t go at all. You’d be making a vivid point, but you’d probably hurt Hope’s feelings.”

“No,” I spoke without a second’s hesitation, and Eva laughed.

“See? I knew you wouldn’t take option three. You may be utterly reasonable, but there’s a deep well of compassion inside you.”

My heart warmed as her explanation replaced my earlier hurt.

It felt good to have someone believe in me so completely. I’d thought I had that with my mom, but recent events had made me reevaluate my perceptions. We’d never had any major disagreements because she’d postponed her dream in order to raise me, and I’d spent my life trying to make her decision worth it. Even with the sudden distance in our relationship, I wasn’t willing to abandon my mother on her wedding day.

I squeezed my eyes shut for a second to regain control of my burning tear ducts. Crying would get me nowhere. Another subject change was in order.

“Enough about my problems. What are you doing out there on the beach?” I asked.

“According to my parents, getting the perfect golden-brown tan to highlight my blonde hair.”

I didn’t miss the bitter undertone for once. Adam must be rubbing off on me. “What are you actually doing?”

“Meditating, or trying to. I think I’m terrible at it. There’s a cheer facility here that runs workshops over the summer, and I’ve been helping out in exchange for use of the floor. Some of the kids here are really good. I’ve learned a lot.”

Her answer didn’t surprise me in the least. Eva was dedicated to her squad, which was nationally ranked. I’d looked it up. She wouldn’t miss her summer commitments without finding an alternative way to improve.

“You’re going to be an even bigger asset to your team when you come back.”

She laughed. “Thanks, girl. Seriously though, is Mac okay?”

I couldn’t put her off again. She really cared about him, and it was cruel to keep the information from her because I was afraid I’d reveal too much. “Yes. He’s working through his feelings, but he’s getting better.”

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