Chapter Thirty-Eight

Willa

" A nd hit the end beat," my choreographer says as I finish snapping my hip at the end of dance practice.

We've been back in Nashville for a few weeks, and while I've made appearances at Blake's games, and people have been talking shit like they tend to do on the Internet, I've been getting ready for the Thanksgiving game. It happens tomorrow. "I think we're about as good as we can be." I cough lightly as I take a deep breath.

"I think you are too, but I also think you should probably get that cough looked at." Suzanne, my choreographer says, her voice echoing in the reversal space.

"I'll be fine—it's just the change in weather. The game last week in Miami was warm, and it's barely above freezing here. I should be good tomorrow."

My choreographer raises her eyebrows but gives me a hug. "I can't wait for everyone to see this."

"Me neither." I gather up my bad, slip on my sweatshirt, and head out to the SUV waiting for me. I'll be staying at Blake's tonight, even though he won't be there. For home games, the guys all stay in a hotel right next to the stadium. Instead, my mom, his mom and CeCe will be getting things together for the meal tomorrow.

I sneeze twice as soon as I shut the door, and a shiver runs over my body. I cannot be getting sick, but I am more tired than normal—probably because I've been traveling so much lately.

When the car pulls up in Blake's long driveway I get out, along with Kevin.

"Are you excited for the performance?" he asks, as he walks me to the door.

"I think I'm more excited about the dinner with the family. I can't remember the last time I was able to do that. Are you going to join us, or have you worked it out so that you can be off?" I never know for sure.

He glances around, because we're out in the open. "I'll be here, so I'll grab a plate."

We enter, and the ladies are laughing and talking amongst themselves. "Hey!" I wave at them. All but CeCe have a glass of wine in their hands. "How's it going?"

"We're almost done," Mom says as she comes over to give me a hug.

"You didn't save anything for me?" I pretend to be upset. I can't cook, and I'm not a huge fan of doing it.

CeCe finishes putting a piece of tin foil over the container in front of her. "You already have so much going on. We wanted to make sure you didn't have to worry about any of this."

This is why I love these women and this family. "I appreciate it more than you know. I'm gonna run and take a shower. What do you say we order out, and I'll treat everyone? Order what you want. Mom, you know what I like. Just get me something you know I'll enjoy."

Pam grins. "I will never say no to delivery and being treated by such a sweet girl."

I reach over and give her a hug. With a tilt of my head, I whisper into her ear, "Thank you so much for allowing me to be a part of your family. It's one of the best gifts I've ever been given."

"Thank you for putting a true smile on my son's face. There have been times the past few years where I've wondered if he was ever going to find the happiness that we all want for him. To see his eyes shine, and a real smile on his face? It's one of the most gratifying things I've ever witnessed."

Her words cause my eyes to become misty, but I do my best to blink the moisture away. I wave to everyone else, and excuse myself to Blake's room. My throat is scratchy, but I chalk it up to practicing today. When I get out of the shower, I realize I didn't bring a change of clothing with me, so I go over to Blake's dresser and glance through the drawers.

It takes me a few goes, opening and closing, before I find T-shirts and sweatpants. Going through them, I find some that seem to a bit newer and tighter-fighting. When I'm changed, I take a picture in the mirror over the dresser and send it him.

W: Missing you tonight, but wearing your clothes, so girl math means you're next to me, right?

B: You're killin' me. I wish I were there with you. I hate this stupid rule where we have to stay at the hotel the night before the game.

W: It's so no one can be late. I'm sure you're probably one of the reasons for the rule.

B: How dare you? I am a perfect employee and teammate. There have only been a few times that I did things I wasn't supposed to when I was much, much younger.

W: You know I'm just playing.

I walk over to his bed and lie down, placing my head on his pillow.

W: It'll be so weird to sleep here without you tonight. It feels odd to be in your room without you being here with me.

B: Don't get too used to it. I plan to be with you when you're in that room. I'm fucking jealous of my bed and my pillow. How stupid is that? They get to touch you, but I don't. It doesn't seem fair, ya know?

I do know, but he has a job to do, just like I do.

W: I'll see you tomorrow. Play a good game, and get me a touchdown?

B: When I do, I'll do the heart hands, and you'll know they're just for you.

A smile spreads across my face as I think about him and how he can make anything flirty.

W: Love you. Sleep good.

B: Love you, too, Wills.

I drop my phone to the side, trying to figure out how I got here, what I did to deserve this, and I hope like hell I won't somehow fuck it up.

Heading downstairs, I smell food that I would know anywhere—sweet and sour chicken, and I know it'll come with steamed rice and noodles. It's not normally what I would eat the night before a performance like this, but I'm craving comfort, and this is a million percent comfort.

I drop into the chair next to CeCe where they moved to the kitchen table, and hold my hand out for chopsticks. "This smells amazing."

CeCe side-eyes me. "I have some clothes you can wear so that you aren't swimming in Blake's if you'd like."

"No." I grin, snuggling in deeper. "I think I like what I'm wearing."

"I get it." She leans over, tapping my shoulder with hers.

"Everything is ready for tomorrow," Mom says as she takes a bite of her chicken. "We worked hard today, and it was so much fun. I'm only sorry you weren't here."

Again, I'm thankful for the Whitfields, and how they've welcomed us into their family. CeCe and Pam didn't have to do that for my mom. "I am too, but hopefully next year."

Pam gives me a grin. "Honey, I hope you'll be here then too, and if I have anything to do with what my son does, you will be."

My cheeks heat, and I try not to, but I give into that little bit of hope that this is it for me. I've found my person, and with that, maybe the path to the rest of my life.