Page 21

Gabby

I open one eye and then the other. As the unfamiliar room comes into view, I sit up, my brain racing.

I glance around, memories of the last few days coming back in a whoosh when I realize where I am.

I turn to my left and my heart beats a little fast when I find the bed empty.

The clock on the nightstand lets me know it’s near noon and I shake my head.

I don’t remember the last time I ever slept so late.

I guess the last few days have caught up with me and my body needed recovery.

I reach for my phone and there’s a message from Roman.

I grin when I read it. Apparently, he didn’t want to wake me before practice, so he snuck out.

He also left me his credit card, and some cash if I wasn’t comfortable using it.

Dressed only in one of his T-shirts, I throw the covers off, I press my feet to the floor, and even though I slept well, I push to my feet, my body still tired.

Pins and needles prick one foot as I try to walk, and I wince, stopping to shake some blood back into my foot.

I stroll through the apartment, and in the kitchen there’s a mug on the counter, and pods of coffee waiting for me.

I stick one into the machine and as it drips, my gaze goes to the credit card, cash and spare key.

I hug myself and move about his apartment, which is extremely quiet.

I don’t hate it. But I do feel a sense of loss, and urgency, because I’m not used to having time on my hands.

I go back to the bedroom and grab my phone.

I quickly shoot my parents a message, and they instantly respond.

I’m afraid to ask them if Cass is bothering them, so I don’t.

I know they can handle themselves, and it’s not like they can give him an address.

They only know I’m in Boston, but not where I’m living.

We text back and forth for a few minutes and when I’m done, I check my other messages and ignore the ones from Cass.

Why doesn’t he just move on already? Oh, probably because the visual of this looks bad on him and his father, and it might not be so easy to find another woman as compliant and easy to manipulate as me.

God, when did I start letting others call the shots for me?

The coffee beeps and I hurry back to the kitchen.

I note the low milk supplies after adding a bit to my cup, and open my phone to make a list of groceries, and consider what I can cook for us tonight.

I spent a lot of nights in New York simply grabbing a salad or cooking for one.

Cass was always busy doing something and I kind of like having someone to cook for.

If I can’t design and sew right now, this is something I can do with my hands.

Speaking of hands…God, Roman’s demonstration was nothing short of spectacular, and I really am in good hands with the man, in and out of the bedroom.

I sip my coffee slowly and wander around again.

A chuckle bubbles in my throat because this is so odd for me.

I’m always racing around in the morning.

Hurrying to get ready, out the door, get the models dressed, do clothing repairs.

While I do love that world and fought hard to get into it, I actually feel more relaxed than I have in a long time. Compliments of the good sex, no doubt.

I scan my phone again, checking for contacts.

With my finger over the number, I hesitate, my stomach cramping.

If Cass told everyone I was off taking care of family, with the hopes that I would one day run back to him, what am I supposed to say?

Everyone in that world was at the wedding I ran from.

If I call, the first thing they’re going to do is reach out to Cass, or Luc.

I toss my phone onto the sofa. I’m going to have to give it time, but I can’t sit around forever.

Maybe there’s something in town. Maybe they’re hiring at The Nook.

While I appreciate him wanting to use his connections, I think I’d like to check it out for myself.

With that thought in mind, I step into the shower, and clean myself up.

After I dress in a cute polka dot dress with black heels, exactly what I’d worn to the luncheon with my mother and the other women in the bridal party, I check myself in the mirror.

It’s a bit much for a job search and grocery shopping, but it’s all I have so that’s that.

I don’t have a winter coat here; I wore it during my travels from New York to Vegas.

The concierge missed that when gathering my things, so I pull open the hall closet and slip into one of Roman’s coats.

It’s massive, but it’s the best I can do.

I walk back to the kitchen and gather up the card, cash and key.

I’ll just keep track of everything I spend so I can pay him back.

Once I’m ready, I head into the hall, lock up and take the elevator to the lobby.

Outside I find a different man standing there, and I momentarily freeze.

God, is he going to think I’m one of Roman’s bunnies, sneaking out in last night’s clothes—and Roman’s coat.

Jeez, maybe he’ll detain me, accuse me of stealing.

I’m about seconds from retreating when he steps into the building, a big smile on his face.

He claps his hands together. “You must be Gabby Evans.”

“I…am.” I wrap my arms around my body as I take in the gray hair around his temples. He doesn’t look much older than my father.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Miss Gabby.” He gives me a playful wink that makes me feel like I’m somehow special. “Roman told me to keep an eye out for you.”

I have no idea why my heart is thumping happily about that. Maybe it’s because I’m not about to be arrested. It’s not because all these little things Roman is doing hits in an emotional way. Nope, not that. Not going there.

“Oh, okay.” I relax as he waves his hand toward the door.

“I’m Steven and I’m here if you need anything.” There’s something very warm and fatherly about this man. “Let me just get a car for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Where is it you’d like to go this afternoon?”

“I need to do some grocery shopping and maybe a couple of stores for clothing. But I think I’d like to go to The Nook first? Do you know it?”

He laughs and rubs his stomach. “Know it and love it. Roman keeps me in cinnamon rolls, especially during the season when he doesn’t eat them. I think he lives vicariously through me.”

I laugh at that. “Roman does love his cinnamon rolls.”

“Ah, we all do. It’s a good thing The Nook is your first stop. They sell out fast.”

I step outside and a cool breeze rushes down the street.

I stay close to the building, not wanting to get my shoes ruined with the snow on the ground.

Hugging myself, I glance up and down the unfamiliar street, and fight down the unease.

The Uber arrives and I briefly pause. Who is paying for this?

Wait, is this even an Uber? I look for a sign, but it seems more like a car service to me.

“It’s all taken care of, Miss Gabby. You have the driver for the entire day.” He hands me a card. “No matter where you are today, if you’re lost or feeling overwhelmed, just call me. You’re not alone in this city.”

Is everyone in Boston this nice? Then again, Roman is kind of a big deal, and these men do work in this building. “Thank you, Steven. That’s very kind of you.”

He gives me a nod and opens the back door to the car and I give him a little wave as he closes it and the driver pulls away.

I stare out the window, trying to take it all in as we head down the street.

It’s a big city, but not as busy or congested as New York.

The driver takes numerous turns and it’s a good thing I don’t have to find my way back home, because that’s not ever going to happen.

Home.

Geez, I don’t even have a home anymore.

But today is onward and upward, and I’m not going to feel sorry for myself. How can I? I have amazing parents and…Roman. I shake my head. Who would have thought that boy from my high school years, the jock who was always nice to me, would be there for me when life threw me a curveball.

I sink into my seat, and continue to take in the sights as I hum softly to the music.

Roman didn’t say when the practice would be over, and that makes me wonder about his games.

Would it be possible to go watch one? Would he even want me there?

I’m sure the bunnies are all over him and those cute dimples afterward.

Ah, but he wants to keep having sex with you, Gabby.

Rebound with benefits.

What is even happening in my life? I have no idea, but I’m just going to go with the flow.

The car slows and I sit up straighter, looking for the café, and my phone pings when I see the sign over the door.

I snatch my phone from my pocket as the driver eases close to the curb.

My heart beats a little faster when I read the message from Roman.

Roman: We just finished up. You home?

Me: No actually. I’m sitting in a car outside The Nook. Thanks for arranging a car.

Roman: I’ll meet you there.

Me: You don’t have to go out of your way.

Roman: It’s not. Tuck and Tanner are headed there for lunch. I’ll grab a lift with them. See you soon. I have something I want to run by you.

Me: See you soon.

I resist the urge to ask him what he wants to run by me.

Whatever it is, I have a feeling it’s best discussed in person and not over text.

I put my phone back in my pocket and have a ridiculous smile on my face knowing Roman is meeting up with me.

It’s probably because I’m feeling so alone in this big city.

I catch the driver’s eyes in the mirror and quickly wipe away my grin.

“Thanks so much for the lift,” I say. I hate for him to be waiting around. “I might be a while.”

“Take your time. I’ll be here waiting when you’re finished.”

“You can go do other things.” It feels weird to have him just waiting around. “I can call you when I’m done.”

He hands me a card. “I won’t be far, Miss Gabby.”

I read the card and find his name. “Thank you, Ben.” I reach for my handle but stop when he exits the car, comes around my side and opens my door for me. I give him a smile, and he says, “Enjoy the cinnamon buns.”

I chuckle. Clearly I’ll have to have one, or maybe even two if they’re so popular.

As I approach the door my stomach squeezes.

I’m going to meet a couple of Roman’s teammates.

What are they going to think of all this?

I’ve read enough, seen enough to know the trouble a few of the guys had gotten into over the years.

Yes, I follow the Bucks because Roman was on the team, and we go way back.

But there have been many conniving women in their lives and I really hope they don’t think I’m one of them.

Although I have no idea how much Roman has told them.

Inside the quaint café, I find a table for four, and slide in so I can keep an eye on the door.

The place is busy, and no one is paying me any attention as I take in the décor and the young girl serving coffee and meals.

She catches my eye and lets me know she’ll be right over.

Maybe it’s Avery. I scan the place, looking for Gina, although I have no idea what she looks like.

Another woman comes from the back, and serves food. I catch her name, Maria, when she walks by. The younger girl comes over with a pot of coffee in her hand. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please.” I flip my cup over and she fills it. “Are you staying for lunch?”

“Yes, and I’d also like to pack up some cinnamon rolls to go. Can I get a dozen with some extra bags.”

She chuckles. “If Roman stops in and there’s no cinnamon rolls, he’ll lose his mind.”

I laugh at that. Ah, so he does sneak a few during the season.

She rolls her eyes. “Sorry, the Roman I’m talking about is Roman Marinelli from the Boston Bucks. They often come here after a practice. But don’t worry, I always put a couple away for him.”

Oh, so she clearly knows his schedule and does special favors. Isn’t that lovely of her. Clearly they must be a thing. Not that it’s my business and I have no right to feel this odd wave of jealousy. I was supposed to be a married woman today.

“Are you a fan?”

“What?” I ask, and shake my head. Damn, way to look like I was swooning just from hearing Roman’s name.

“Of the Bucks.” She angles her head, assessing me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in here before.”

“I am a fan, and actually, I’m waiting for Roman.”

“Oh, nice,” she says, and if they did have a thing, I’m guessing it’s over. There isn’t a hint of jealousy in her eyes. “I’ll be right back with a menu.”

She disappears for a second and I add milk to my coffee and find myself eyeing the door, anxious to see Roman. I am nervous about his friends. Sure, it went well in Vegas at the party. No one knew I’d be going back to Boston with him, though.

Avery comes back with the menu and slides it in front of me. “I set aside the cinnamon rolls for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Do you want me to wait and take your order after Roman arrives?”

“Yeah, that would be great thanks.”

She laughs and points to the chowder with her pencil. “Or you can just order this for him.” She taps her pencil. “It’s what he always gets.”

She knows him well, that’s for sure. “That does look good. He has some friends with him, so I’ll wait until everyone orders.”

“Sounds good.”

She disappears and I pull my phone out. I haven’t wanted to check social media.

I can’t imagine what’s being spread about the wedding that didn’t happen.

Taking a breath, I start scrolling, and then I check Cass’s profile.

I stiffen a little, my hand a bit shaky when I reach for my coffee.

According to Cass, I had an emergency and the wedding needed to be postponed.

No one on social media is saying anything bad about me.

In fact, they’re all sending their love and care, and dammit, I think I’d rather a smear campaign, because this really makes it seem like we’re not over.

How will Roman’s friends feel about that if they do research on me?

I don’t want to give anyone the wrong idea about us.

He’s just a guy helping a friend until she gets on her feet.

Sure, I might be on my back in his bed while he’s helping but that’s no one’s business but our own.

Still, I can’t help but feel a bit worried.

I know the WAGs are a close, protective group, and I’m an outsider they’d be wise to be suspicious of.

Did I make the right decision in coming here?