15. Francesca

15

FRANCESCA

I'm living in total bliss and as much as I hate to admit it, I've fallen for this rugged, rough-around-the-edges hockey player named Theodore Thompson. He's sweet. He treats me like royalty and our chemistry is like a force of nature— nothing can stop it. I've never felt this way about anyone. Not even Jesse, which makes my heart hurt a bit. To be more attracted and possibly in love with someone I've only known a handful of months compared to the man I was engaged to marry really puts things into perspective. Even if it hadn't been for Whitney, I'm not sure Jesse and I could've made a marriage work.

Theo is so thoughtful. Last week the team had an out-of-town game in Minnesota. I woke up feeling crumby with terrible cramps. Thankfully that doesn't happen often— maybe once a year or so, but it's debilitating. Since the players weren't in the arena for a few days, I was able to take a guilt-free day off and rest on my couch. I snuggled into my soft pillows with a heating pad on my lower back. I sipped hot tea with lemon.

When Theo called to check in with me after the game, he was concerned immediately and said I sounded a bit under the weather. I didn't want to make a big deal about it, but when I told him what was wrong, he was so sweet. The next morning a beautiful bouquet of roses showed up at the apartment with a note that said he missed me and hoped I felt better soon.

The weeks continue to go by quickly. I spend my days treating the players and my evenings and weekends with my man.

Our relationship grows stronger and he either spends the night at my apartment or I'm at his. We cook together, we watch movies, and sometimes we sit quietly on the couch and talk about our day.

A feeling of guilt comes over me every time I think that I'm not being honest with him. I should tell him about Jesse. The whole story. It's hard to let go of the feeling that one wrong note— one word to the wrong person and I'm back in the spotlight. I'm enjoying this time too much to risk it.

When I confide in Lucia, she thinks I should tell him everything, but she also understands my concern. She assures me the tabloids have been void of me and they're more interested in the new power couple— Jesse and Whitney.

One evening, when Theo is at a game, my cell phone rings. It's Richard Anderson, head coach from the Red Ravens, the baseball team where I used to work in Florida.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Fran. It's Coach Anderson."

"I know who it is." I laugh. "I still have you in my phone."

"Well, it's good you haven't forgotten about the Red Ravens. We sure do miss you here."

I swallow a lump in my throat. "I miss everyone there too."

"The reason for my call… I've been talking to management. Well, we were just informed that Jesse is moving to Dallas to be with the team there."

"What?"

"Yeah, a little surprising, but we've been in talks with Dallas for a while now." Coach Anderson clears his throat. "We just got a new owner here… we'd like to have you back. We miss you. We miss the work you did here."

"Have me back? In Miami?"

"Yep." Coach lets out his boisterous laugh which makes me smile. "It's all been given the green light on this end. Same position, same pay… I'm working them for a little extra bonus for you, but anyway, yes. That is if you're still interested in the Red Ravens."

"Of course, I am." I pace around my apartment. "I'd love nothing more than to come back home." My stomach turns somersaults.

I can barely hold in my excitement at the thought of returning home to my family, but where does that leave my relationship with Theo? I swallow hard when I think of being without him.

"We were hoping that'd by your response."

"So, what next?"

"I've already been in touch with my brother." He lets out a laugh. "Bob is willing to let you come back but says you're doing great work with team. We'll get something worked out. Sound good?"

I'm practically in tears. "Yes!"

"We'll be in touch."

Coach ends the call. I toss my cell phone onto the couch cushion and do a small victory dance around in my living room.