Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 392(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 261(@300wpm)
Nola tells Autumn about her chart, and how she had to write everyone down in a journal so she could keep us all straight.
“Yeah, Peyton tried explaining it to me. I just nodded along,” Autumn says as she leans over to look at my sister, who shakes her head.
“I love telling people my sister married my aunt and uncle’s son—that really gets people going.” I can’t help but laugh at my joke. “Their faces are priceless.”
Peyton slaps my shoulder and I pretend it hurts. “You’re a brat. Where’s Ben?”
“He had to work. He’s got a big project.” It’s the same lie I’ve told for the past six weeks.
“A project that couldn’t wait until Monday?”
I shrug, signaling the end of that conversation. Peyton hands Oliver back to me and tells us she will see us later. As soon as she’s on the field with her headset on, everything in the stadium shifts.
It’s time for football.
We stand for the anthem, which my uncle nails. Everyone cheers for him, and some chant his name when he finishes. Noah is there to give his dad a hug, which brings a new wave of emotions from me. I pull my phone out and text Ben: Did you see Noah and Liam hug?
He’s not going to respond. He hasn’t since I left for Christmas. Blue bubble after blue bubble with no response, yet I still text him.
Text after text.
We won the coin toss.
Touchdown
Oh my gosh, so cute! Julius gave his son the football from his touchdown.
OMG we are tied. I can’t take it
I’m not sure Aunt Josie is going to make it through this game in one piece.
Ouch, did you see that hit on Noah?
I really wish you were here. Everyone misses you.
Did you know Eden has a surfing event in Aussie tomorrow . . . or is it tonight? I wonder if it’ll be on ESPN or something.
I think when Liam retires, he’s going to take up coaching. He yells at Noah – A LOT!!
Bianca has a dirty mouth. I swear the officials can hear everything she says. One looked over his shoulder and I think she shrugged at him.
Touchdown!
We’re going to win this game. I wish you were here to see this. Are you at least watching it on TV?
We won, Ben. Noah is a Super Bowl champion.
I put my phone away and celebrate with my family. Noah makes his way to my sister and picks her up. He twirls her around and when he sets her down, he kisses her long and hard. A pang of jealousy hits me. Their love affair is one of a kind; destined to be together from the moment they met. At times, I feel like Ben and I have the same kind relationship, but in reality, I’m alone and no longer with the love of my life. I glance down at my engagement ring and wonder when I’m going to take it off.
Noah and Peyton make their way to the stands. Our parents and grandparents are there to meet them. When my sister makes her way toward me, I start to cry. This moment, and many others, almost didn’t happen. I pull her into my arms and squeeze tightly.
“I’m so damn proud of you, P.”
“We did it. We fucking did it!”
My sister isn’t one to cuss, so for her to drop the f-bomb, I know she’s excited. She’s worked hard to prove herself in the league. A league filled with men. This victory is more than just a win, it’s putting women front and center of a male dominated profession.
4
BEN
After the housekeeper leaves, I sit down on the couch and look around. The tile floors shine, and sunlight shines through the windows making parts of it sparkle. The coffee table gleams and reflects my silhouette. She left the windows open, and the sheer curtains blow in the breeze. The voices of people outside unloading their car are audible. Without looking out the window I know traffic is bad by the sounds of horns honking. It’s a gorgeous day and people are outside, likely skipping work and school. At another time in my life, Elle and I would’ve been doing the same, either sitting on the beach or at her parents’ house where there is more privacy. Instead, I’m sitting here, in a house too big for one person—and honestly two—hating how clean it is. When there is clutter and trash everywhere, the house doesn’t echo. Now, if I talk to myself or walk down the hall, I feel like someone answers or follows me. I’m growing a strong hatred for this house, but I can’t leave. I don’t want to.
Because she’s still here, even though she left.
I’m happy she’s gone—until I start to think about her. Once the thoughts roll into my mind, depression takes over. I’m glad my new employer allows us to work from home. If I hadn’t taken this job months ago, I’d be face-to-face with Elle right now, in some meeting. It’s nice that most of my work is remote and I can meet with clients via teleconference if needed. I don’t know what I would do if I had to see someone in person. Right now, I live in my sweats, and put on a sport coat or a nice shirt when I have a meeting. My slacks and jeans don’t fit—I’ve lost too much weight. I should go shopping, but Instacart and DoorDash won’t deliver from Macy’s and Nordstroms, and I’m afraid to use Elle’s personal shopper. The last thing I need or want is a bill or for Elle to call or show up. Her texting me all the time is hard enough.