Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 96850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 484(@200wpm)___ 387(@250wpm)___ 323(@300wpm)
“He’s going to wait for me,” Eve said, smiling as she took a seat in a leather wingback chair at the edge of the living room. “This is just between us.”
“Wow.” Veda sank down onto the couch. “Sounds serious. Did something happen with the construction at the club? Everything looked to be running smoothly when I stopped by last night. We’re still on target to have the addition completed in a week.”
“I know. Thanks to you. Veda . . .” Eve let out a long breath. “If you hadn’t walked into the club that day, I don’t know if I’d be where I am right now. You set something in motion I can’t really explain. You were my childcare, a sounding board, a crown straightener. You encouraged me. Backed me up. You’ve been all these things for me . . .” Eve paused to gather herself. “But you’re so much more than that. So much more. You’re a fucking firework, just about to go off.”
It was the first time since meeting Veda that the girl was speechless. She stared at Eve with a mixture of shock and suppressed emotion, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
“That’s why I’m selling you the Gilded Garden, Veda.”
The girl jolted into a half-standing position, then plonked back down, dumbstruck. “You’re what? But . . . I can’t do that!”
“You can. For one dollar down.” Eve wet her lips. “My debts might be paid now, but I still can’t give you the club for free. It’s my father’s legacy and that man valued a good deal over just about everything, and nothing worthwhile comes for free, but I’m selling it to you for a song. You’ll pay me back in notes over the next ten years.” Eve took the envelope stuffed with paperwork and keys out of her windbreaker and tossed it on the coffee table. “And I have a feeling you’re going to pay me back a lot sooner than that. Especially since a certain catcher for the Yankees donated five figures to your GoFundMe.”
Veda shuddered through a breath, regarding the envelope with a sheen of tears in her eyes. “Eve,” she whispered. “I can’t. I can’t do this. I’m not you. I’m not capable of running a . . . the whole place. Someday, sure. But not yet. I’m not ready—”
“Veda. Look at me.” Eve paused for emphasis. “Yes, the fuck you are.”
A watery laugh burst out of her young friend, her hands shaking as she reached for the envelope, picking it up and looking down in awe as a set of keys tumbled out into her lap. “Are you sure?”
“Positive. And if you need me, I’m only a phone call away.” Eve stood. “I’ll consider it my chance to return the favor.”
Veda sniffed through a laugh. “I think you already have.”
“Come here. We’re going to seal this with a hug, whether it makes us uncomfortable or—” Veda launched herself straight into Eve, full force, knocking her backward several steps. “Believe in yourself, okay?” she breathed into Veda’s hair. “You got this.”
“Is it weird to say I think I love you?”
Eve let out a watery laugh. “No. I think I love you too—”
“Should I run out and get us some breakfast?” came Elton’s voice from upstairs, followed by a prolonged, bearlike yawn. “I’m ready and willing to drive us to Krispy Kreme for nostalgia’s sake . . .”
Elton—clad in nothing but a pair of blue boxers—trailed off when the living room came into view and he saw Veda standing there, hugging Eve.
Veda stepped back, a very distinct blush painting her cheeks. “Funny story . . .”
* * *
Seven Years Later
Madden stood in the driveway of his Wisconsin home, heart in his mouth.
Equipment bag at his feet, he watched Eve frost cookies in her black silk robe at their kitchen counter. Skylar came into view with a baby on her hip, saying something to make Eve laugh and she dropped the piping bag, not bothering to pick it up, letting her arms dangle in her relaxed state. Behind the women, in the living room, Robbie wore the ugliest Christmas sweater Madden had ever seen, stoking the fire in the fireplace and smiling over his shoulder at the giggling women in the kitchen.
Madden tipped his head back, tracing the line of purple lights strung along the eaves until the image started to blur. He’d only gone to the field to do an off-season workout with the Brewers’ team trainer. Hadn’t even been on the road. But then, the purple lights punched him in the chest every time he pulled into the driveway, didn’t they?
They brought back memories of that first night he’d spent with his wife. Eating crackers and marmalade, no inkling of the test that awaited them.
Or how soundly they would pass it.
They’d passed every single one since then too. Together.