Page 34 of Just a Football Star

She nods. “Dealing with dozens of athletes like Alec? Yeah, I’m sure you were.”

We both laugh. “He’s intense sometimes,” I say and there’s a vibe there between us, like we’re sort of tween-bonding. “But it was kind of the Tates to offer me the position.”

“The Tates can be intimidating, but at their core, they’re really good, down to earth people.”

Yes. She’s right. I’ve seen that in the way Oliver adores Sophie, how protective Sebastian is of his brothers, and the sweetness that I’ve started to see as Alec has begun to release the chip on his shoulder.

“Have you lived in Longdale for a while?” I ask her. “Or are you fairly new, like me?”

With a start, I imagine what it would be like if I could eventually say that I’m settled here—no longer new. That I was a part of Longdale and it was a part of me.

“I’ve lived here my whole life,” Sophie says. “It’s great. If you can let the gossip and quirks slide like water off a duck’s back. That doesn’t mean I won’t go to Capri with Oliver once things are more settled at the resort there. Temporarily.”

“Sounds exciting. I’ve never been to Capri.”

“I’ve never been anywhere!” Sophie laughs. “But being involved with the Tate family will remedy that.” She slides closer to me, a companionable glint in her eye. “They’re an amazing family. Don’t let Sebastian bother you. He’s harmless, even though he doesn’t want anyone to know that.”

“How long have you known Alec?” I cringe as I ask the question. Just because I’m currently sort of living with the guy, in the most benign way imaginable, doesn’t mean I need to find out more about him. I’m happy being single and free.

“Oh, since I was a kid, basically. The brothers started coming here to stay with their aunt Stella every summer forever ago. Longdale’s just small enough that we were acquainted with them early on. And then when Oliver and I started working at the shake shop together, I got to know the rest of the brothers, too.”

“It’s a big family,” I add.

Sophie grabs my arm, her eyes animated. “So many brothers! But they’re all so different. And his parents are complex. I’m just starting to peel the layers back on them and what makes them tick.” She seems to come to herself. “Anyway, I’m sorry I’ve been chatting your ear off. I came here to tidy up the books in the library on the fourth floor, so I’d better let you get back to your work.”

“No, it’s been nice to talk with you. I don’t really know many people here, yet.”

“Is there anything you need? Anything to help you get settled? Besides a room at the resort, right?” She tilts her head to one side. “I can’t imagine having to share a space with Alec.”

“I’m good. Thank you. It’s an odd setup, but only temporary.” Part of me wants to ask her more about Alec. But the other part of me, the one that screams I need to be careful around men, especially ex-athletes, wins out and I stay silent.

She clutches my arm. “Let’s hang out, Oakley!”

With Lizzy so far away, it would probably be good for me to branch out. “I would love that,” I tell her.

She actually pulls me into a hug, and I’m reminded that I’m in Longdale, not San Antonio anymore. Not that people in San Antonio aren’t friendly, because they really are. But I’ve had more hugs from people since I’ve been in Longdale than I had in the year prior.

Sophie leaves the gym but within minutes of my returning to my clients, the door opens again. “Hey, Oakley,” Alec says, the sun streaming through the windows picking up the glints of lighter brown in his hair.

I offer a smile as he heads to the makeshift office he created in the back of the gym.

With all the uncertainty in my life right now, it’s actually kind of nice having Alec right nearby.

We’re heading back to Alec’s place just as the sun begins to set. The sky is awash in violet and pink.

“Incredible,” I say, pausing and pointing to the sunset.

“Longdale skies. There’s nothing like them.”

“Colorado,” I say. “Who knew this place was so beautiful?”

“Like, everyone on the planet,” he chides. “Colorado’s known for its beauty.”

I give him side-eye. “I’m used to Texas beauty, Alec. And you were a Texan! The glorious humidity. The lush vegetation, the cypress trees covered in Spanish moss, the wetlands. I could go on and on. You don’t understand what real beauty is.”

“Oh, I think I have a good idea about real beauty.”

The way he’s looking at me, not the sunset anymore, has my stomach careening in a freefall. Did Brandt ever look at me like that?

---