Page 130 of The Love Playbook

PS: I’m falling for her. Hard.

Play #6: Take care of her when she’s sick.

I will admit, this one was a fucking challenge, and desperate times call for desperate measures, so when she stopped by our apartment the other day, I took a sip of her drink when she wasn’t looking. I’ve had a scratchy throat and stuffy nose all week, but still nothing. Not even a sniffle or a headache for days afterward. She has a suspiciously strong immune system. Will update later.

A-ha! I finally crushed play #6. Call me the Love Playbook master, because I fucking helped her care for her sick mother. That has to count for double the points or something.

My chest tightens with each entry I read, each equally ridiculous yet thoughtful, but it’s not the plays themselves that get me. It’s the notes beneath them, the moments he’s recorded with all the energy and excitement of a child, because it’s so utterlyChris.

Finally, I reach the last page, the final entry written in big, bold letters:Be yourself, and hope she sees you’re made to be together.

Unable to take anymore, I snap the notebook closed while I try to wrap my mind around a man who has so carefully crafted his approach yet hasn’t said a word about it. A man who gave up when he realized I might never put him first.

A sob rips through my chest, and I cover my mouth with the back of my hands to stifle the sound.

“Are you okay?”

I jump at the intrusion, my gaze darting to the door where Brynn’s silhouette hovers in the entryway to his room, her eyes taking in the book in my hands. “You found it?” she whispers.

My eyes round. “You knew about this?”

“Are you mad?” she asks, a nervous edge to her tone.

“Because you kept it from me?”

She nods. “For the record, he thought if you fell in love, you might change your mind about your parents, but he also wanted you. He’s wanted you for a while.”

I swallow, digesting this new piece of information. “I think he’s done with me.”

“Are you sure?” she asks, sinking down onto the bed beside me.

I lay my head on Brynn’s shoulder with a sigh. “It’s complicated, but I was in the wrong, and when we fought, he saidI can’t do thisas in me?us.”

“I just can’t see him giving up that easily.” I can hear the frown In Brynn’s voice. “You need to talk to him,” she continues. “I’m sure it’s not as dire as you think.”

“You mean after he stops avoiding me?” Kinda like I avoided him after the bridal fitting.

“You don’t know he’s avoiding you,” Brynn says, but I can tell by her tone that even she doesn’t believe it. Still, she’s trying hard to lift my spirits, and as I sit there gripping the Love Playbook, it feels nice to hope?to pretend she might be right.

“I hope you’re right,” I say, because right now I have a Chris-sized hole inside my heart.

Chapter 34

CHRIS

Isit in Garry’s living room, remembering the last time I was here. It was Lettie’s birthday, and we’d sat in this very living room having cake and coffee when Garry dropped the bomb about his engagement to my mom. It’s no surprise to me now why Lettie had gotten so upset. She’s been playing defense for her mother for years, and on top of that, her father has given her zero reasons to trust his intentions. At the time I thought she was just being selfish, but now I know her reaction was a means of self-preservation. She couldn’t handle what the news would do to her mother. So, now, here I am playing offense on her behalf because I want a win so damn bad, I can taste it.

I lean forward in my chair, elbows propped up on my knees as I stare at my future father-in-law with his arm wrapped around my mother, having just spilled my guts to them. The ball isin their hands now. Days of research went into this, hours of putting together the information and a proposal they couldn’t refuse. Between touring the facility and speaking with doctors and therapists, all while attending classes and football practice, I’m fucking spent. Now all I can do is pray they’re receptive to my proposal. It’s a big ask, but one I hope will result in big rewards.

Garry exhales, roughly running a hand over his stubble-covered jaw. “It’s a lot of money, even with her insurance.”

I nod. “It is but remember this will replace your agreement with Charlotte, and Tiffany will be putting her house up for sale. Whatever proceeds she has will go toward the cost. Regardless, I want both of you on the same page or not at all. You may not be married yet, but in light of everything that’s happened in the last week, this is a decision you need to make together.”

Garry glances down at my mother, and their eyes lock. “What do you think, Barb?”

“I think . . . I want this for Charlotte,” she says, and I want to give my mom a hug, fucking squeeze her for seeing this is what Charlotte needs more than anybody.

Garry nods, then turns to me with a sigh. “Well, I guess if this doesn’t work, nothing will.”