Page 81 of Goal Line

“Is there anything else you want me to do this week to get ready for the wedding?” Morgan asks, and my head snaps up to see who she’s talking to.

“No, I think we’re good,” Lauren says.

“Wait, you’re getting marriednext weekend?” I ask. I knew she and Jameson were getting married this summer, but didn’t realize it was so soon.

“Yeah! You and Luke should come!” Lauren sounds genuinely excited about that possibility, rather than it sounding like a pity invite since I’m clearly the only one at this table not attending.

“Oh, thank you so much,” I say. “But Luke and I will be back home for the weekend. There’s this big Polo match every July, and then his parents host an event that night at their house.”

I’ve been trying not to think about what it will be like to see our parents for the first time since that dinner. Luke’s talked to his mom and dad a few times, and I’ve exchanged a few texts with my dad, but it’s been radio silence from my mom.

“I was there for the team Christmas party this year, and their house issoamazing,” Audrey says with a dreamy sigh.

“Especially at Christmas. They go all out on decorating.” I don’t mention that it’s just as spectacular in the summer when the expansive lawn and gardens give way to the Greek-bath inspired pool. The outdoor space is just as impressive as the indoors, honestly.

“That I’d like to see,” Lauren says. “I love Christmas.”

“We’ll have to make that happen,” I say, then drop my voice lower and add, hopefully, “And we still need to skate together sometime.”

“Maybe after the wedding. I haven’t skated in so long, I’d probably fall and break my arm and ruin my wedding photos.” Lauren laughs it off, but it makes me wonder how long it’s actually been.

“I hear it’s like riding a bike,” I offer. “You never forget how to skate.”

Lauren’s shoulders lift as she snorts out a small laugh. “Trust me, I’ve forgotten.”

Morgan says something to Lauren then, so I glance down at my phone as it buzzes in my hand with another message from Luke.

Luke

Or not?

Eva

Maybe I miss you a little bit.

Luke

Only a little bit? I guess I need to step up my husband game.

Eva

Is that what this is? A game?

Luke

You know that’s not what I meant.

Eva

Do I?

Luke

You SHOULD know that. But I can tell from that cute little furrowed brow and your frown that you don’t.

My head snaps up, my gaze sliding across the crowded space until I find Luke near the door. I know my whole face must light up, because next to me, Morgan’s head turns until she finds the object of my attention, and her low rumble of laughter shakes me out of my stupor.

“He can’t bear to be away from you,” Morgan says as we watch Luke carve his way through the crowd, his broad shoulders easily nudging people aside. Luke’s hat is low over his forehead, like he’s trying to hide under the shadow of the bill, but his gaze never leaves mine. “That’s so cute.”