“I suffered a serious injury last season that gave me reason to think about the rest of my life and what I wanted that to look like, and well, it’s about health and family. I’m newly married and now own a bookstore. Formerly known as A Likely Story, we’re renaming it the Darling Bookstore. Check us out on Instagram.”
Several people cheer.
He pauses, and the crowd waits eagerly for his next words. He smiles, a wry expression softening his face. “It’s been a long road to get here,” he begins, “to find the person I need, and once you find them, it’s not hard to figure out the rest.”
“He’s talking about you!” Andrew says with an awed look.
“Arghh” comes out of me. It’s not a word. I don’t know what it is. I’m trying to process if he means what he’s saying.
Graham continues. “I’m so proud to have been part of the Pythons team, and I’m thankful for all the wonderful memories we made together. It has been an honor to be able to contribute to such an incredible team.”
The reporters begin to call out questions, eager for more information.
“What motivated you to leave such a successful football team?” asks one reporter.
“I just want to be around my family. Enjoy them,” Graham says and then stares at the screen. It almost feels as if he’s talking directly to me. “I’m crazy in love with my wife, in case you haven’t figured that out. I loved her before I even knew her.”
A tear slides down my face, and I brush it away. Does he mean it? Is this for show? My mind races in a hundred directions. If this is true, has he given up football to make me happy? I’m not sure that’s okay. I want him to be happy. I want him to make the right choice for him.
“What’s been the most challenging part of owning a bookstore? Do you and your wife work well together?” asks a woman.
Graham laughs wryly. “You think football is wild. Bookstore life is different every day. Also, a shout-out to my friend Hank and his python, Veronica. You’re welcome in the store anytime, but leave her at home, yeah?” He winks into the camera.
“How have your teammates reacted to your decision?” shouts someone.
“They respect me and understand why this is what I need.”
“We’re fine!” Jasper calls. “I support our guy a hundred percent.”
Everyone laughs as Graham smirks. “Guess you all want to hear from Jasper now, am I right?”
More whistles reverberate from the crowd as Graham moves aside to hand over the mic.
I ease Londyn to the floor and get up to head to the bathroom.
Jane follows. “Well? That was a pretty awesome thing, right? He won’t be playing football anymore.”
I nod.
“I mean, he changed the bookstore name to Darling. He’s creating a legacy for you.”
“Yeah. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I gotta pee.” I ease the door closed, but not before I see her disappointed face.
I tug out my phone and sit on top of the toilet and send Graham a text. Hey. Saw the news. I hope you’re happy, that you did this for you.
He doesn’t reply, which isn’t surprising, since he’s still at the press conference.
I stay there for several minutes, waiting to see if he replies. When he doesn’t, I go back out into the den, tell my family good night, and head to bed. Magic jumps up when I pull the covers down and slide inside.
Grabbing the extra pillow, I wrap my arms around it tight and somehow drift off to sleep.
Chapter 33
EMMY
A few days later, I announce I’m going to the bookstore, not to work but to hang out while Jane and Andrew do their thing. She makes me swear that I won’t do anything strenuous. I can walk up the stairs and relax in my office or sit in one of the lounging areas and read a book. It’s a relief to get out of the apartment.
Graham has called, but we haven’t spoken. I just need time to process if what Graham said is actually true.
I can’t resist helping a customer when I notice a man on the third floor. An older man, maybe in his seventies, he shifts from one foot to the next as he stares uncertainly at the books on the shelves and blows out a long breath. It’s a cry for help.
“Hi, I’m Emmy,” I say as I get up from the comfy leather lounger I was sitting in. I straighten my loose linen pants and matching peasant blouse. “I work here. Can I help you find anything?” I smirk. “It will actually make my day if I could find you a book.”
The man smiles engagingly as he speaks in a slow southern drawl. “I don’t want to bother you, but I’d appreciate it. I’m Carl.”