Page 75 of Play Maker

She shrugged, like she always did when I asked. “Guess it’s time to officially break up with Rob too.”

About half of the guests had left, but those who stayed were all standing around on the dance floor where the action had taken place. Probably waiting for more drama. Mom didn’t disappoint them. She kept her arm locked around my shoulders and raised her voice to be heard over the polite murmuring.

“I’m sorry to inform everyone I will not be getting married to Rob this September—or ever. Thank you for your support. Please stay and enjoy the rest of the food and drinks.”

And that was it. A quick and easy announcement to mark yet another detour in her life. I watched her face carefully for signs of distress, but while her smile was sad, she didn’t seem heartbroken.

“Are you okay?” I asked her softly.

She squeezed me against her and walked us back to my spot by the window where it was slightly quieter. “Yes. I’m angry at myself for letting this go on so long and not seeing the effect it was having on you. More than anything else, I’m furious at Shad. If that little fucker comes anywhere near you again, I’m going to have Mac break his kneecaps instead of just his nose.”

I let out a laugh, then clapped my hand over my mouth. “Sorry. I probably shouldn’t take joy in Shad’s pain.”

She waved my words away. “Yes, you should. He brought these consequences on himself. I’m sorry I was too busy with my own life to see what he was doing to yours. We used to be a lot better at this mother/daughter thing. Maybe we can work on it.”

I leaned my head against her shoulder, feeling lighter than I had in months. “I’d like that. I’m sorry I didn’t talk to you when I was unhappy. Not for ruining the wedding though, that had to happen. Rob is the worst.”

She sighed, her breath moving my hair. “He is, isn’t he? All the times I let myself be quiet so he could take center stage keep circling my mind in a loop. Now that I’m looking, I can see the way I changed myself to please him, and it pisses me off. When did I let myself become a trophy wife? I should have known better, but the shiny new yoga studio was quite the distraction. Maybe I should take a break from dating for a while to focus on myself.”

“Eva says she’ll only accept a marriage between you and Archer, so keep that in mind the next time you agree to a date.”

“On the positive side, all these events worked. I’ve secured the backing of several wealthy businesswomen who want to invest in my yoga studio. Laura quit yesterday and signed on with me full time.” She laughed dryly. “I supposed I should have seen that as a sign.”

With all the honesty flowing between us finally, I took a deep breath and told her the truth I’d been holding onto. “I’m glad the studio is still going forward, Mom, but I don’t know if I’ll be joining you after graduation.”

She grabbed a champagne flute from a confused looking server still wandering around. “I had a feeling you might say that, and while I’d hoped you wanted the studio as much as me, I’m glad.”

My head jerked back. “What?”

Mom gave me a sad smile. “We make a good team, and I think you’ll like Laura now that Rob won’t be around, but baby, running a yoga studio isn’t your dream. Finish school. Try new things. If you end up working with me, I’ll be ecstatic, but I want you to find something you feel passionate about.”

Warmth flooded my cheeks as Adam popped up in my head unbidden.

She sipped her champagne and sent me a sly look. “I might know a certain football player who could use someone with your business savvy to help him balance life as a professional athlete and a musician.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “What do you know about it?”

“I know he showed up here when he could have been pursuing his own interests. I know he risked jail time and his spot on the team to defend my daughter. I know he has his heart in his eyes every time he looks at you.”

“I love him.” The words were infinitely easier to utter to my mom than they were to Adam.

She nodded. “Then go be there for him. I think your ride just arrived. Love you, honey.” Mom grinned and kissed my cheek before striding toward one of her long-time students.

I frowned and scanned the room until I saw what had made her smile. In a little black dress I recognized because I’d sold it to her from my mom’s shop, Eva waltzed past the security guards. No wonder Mom hadn’t called me back—she already had all the information she needed from my sneaky best friend.

Eva ignored the waiter who offered her his tray, grabbed a water bottle from the bar as she passed, and held it up as she approached me.

“How many of these do you need?”

Shock rooted me to the spot. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to pick you up. Are we dealing with tipsy Blue yet or did Mac arrive in time to stop the nervous drinking?”

“I wasn’t drinking tonight.”

Eva smiled and hooked my elbow. “Perfect. Come on, the valets are holding my car.”

I shook my head, trying to slow her pull on my arm. “How did you know to be here?”

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