Page 46

“I do.”
“Kayaks?”
“Yes.”
This is about as excited as I’ve ever seen her. I park just outside the garage, and when Raeann opens her door, Athena is on high alert, getting to her feet in the back of the car and watching Raeann with renewed interest.
When Raeann opens the door for Athena, she shoots out of the car, running down toward the lake, barking her head off until the geese are a honking chaos of wings and legs.
Raeann takes off after her. “No, Athena!”
I use what little strength I have left from the game and follow.
Athena has a one-track mind. She follows the geese into the water until her legs are covered, but then she peers back like she’s smiling when she’s rid the whole yard of them.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Raeann says.
“Don’t be. She likes it here.”
Athena hops out of the water, shakes, and then takes a big dump a few feet away from the shore.
Raeann holds her head in her hands. “Oh my God.”
“I’ve got towels in the garage and poop bags.”
“At least let me pick up her poop.”
“You dry her off. I’ll pick up the poop.”
This time, Athena goes willingly to Raeann, and she dries her off. I pick up her business and toss it in the outside garbage can, and then we head in the back door, passing the pool on the way. Athena eyes it up, but Raeann gives her a curt no that has her trotting happily next to her again.
“Wow, this is nice,” Raeann says, peering around. We walk into the family room that leads to the kitchen and a more formal dining room. There are two suites downstairs and a few more bedrooms upstairs. My sisters and mother came in and decorated the place when I first bought it, and it’s been the same ever since. “I think you could fit about fifty of my apartments in here.”
“I know it’s a lot for just me, but I’ve always wanted to live on the water, and believe it or not, this is the smallest house here.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Nope.”
Athena takes off, sniffing around the house. I turn the lights on as we come in, illuminating the different rooms and even turning on the outside lights to show off the exterior. It’s one of my favorite parts of the property.
“What do you usually do after a game?”
“Eat. Sometimes I go out with some of my teammates, but mostly I come back here, get comfortable, and do absolutely nothing until the next day.” Raeann stays close to the big exterior doors, staring out at the water wistfully. “Do you want to sit out there?”
I point to the seating area in front of a fireplace, which happens to have the best view of the lake. She follows my direction and nods.
“Go ahead. I’ll bring out some food.”
Raeann whistles for Athena, and they both head out toward the massive couch. Backdropped by the setting sun, I’m not sure I’ve seen anything so gorgeous. So right.
Quickly, I take out my cell phone and snap a picture of the two of them.
In the fridge, I find some cheese, crackers, fruits, and veggies, and make a sort of eclectic charcuterie board that’s not anywhere near fancy but gets the job done. I’d hoped Raeann would end up here after the game, so I should have thought ahead, but my brain was focused on her. Here. Mine. Now. Almost like I’m a Neanderthal.
I take out the tray and set it on the tile that rims the fireplace, then turn on the gas to light it.
Athena sits up in a spot she’s claimed in my outdoor furniture, stares at the fire for a few seconds, then lies down again.