I’m just meeting up with Chase for lunch when my phone rings.
I don’t recognize the number, but I answer it anyway. “Hello?”
“Is this Devaney Diamond?”
“Uh, yes, it is,” I say, wishing I hadn’t answered. I’m guessing it’s a telemarketing call.
“This is Larissa Tuttle. I’m calling to see if you would be interested in a journalism internship with our network.”
“Um, maybe. What network?”
When she answers, I am stunned for a moment, but I quickly regain my composure enough to say, “Yes, I would be interested in that. What would it entail?”
When she tells me, I grab Chase’s hand, giving it a happy squeeze. I close my eyes and bite my lip, trying not to just scream out in happiness. This could be the start of fulfilling my dream of being a sideline reporter.
I listen to what she has to say, and when I hang up, Chase says, “That sounded like good news.”
I leap into his arms and hug him. “I just got offered an internship at a sports network!”
“This summer?”
“Yes, but they also want me to report on our football team’s spring practice here as well as sideline reporting during the annual spring game.”
Chase twirls me around. “That’s amazing! I’m so happy for you. Your dreams are coming true.”
When he sets me down, he kisses me.
“I feel like celebrating. What do you say we skip our afternoon classes today?”
“I would normally not skip, but we absolutely should. What do you want to do?”
I grin. “You’re going to think this is silly. But let’s go get some lunch, take it back to the condo, and then could I ask you some practice questions?”
“If asking questions involves champagne and you being naked when you ask those questions,” he says with a smirk.
“Chase! This is serious.”
“I know. And if you can be serious while you’re naked, you certainly will be able to do it when you’re not.”
I nod my head a couple of times, considering it. “I can actually see the value in that.”
As is tradition in Chase’s family when something good happens, he insists that we get a bucket of fried chicken and all the fixings. I normally don’t eat much fried food, but, boy, does it taste good.
We’re just finishing up our meal, and we have each had a couple of flutes of champagne when my phone rings again.
I look at the screen. “It’s my dad. I should probably answer it.” I hit the button and say, “Hey, Dad.”
“Congratulations on the internship!”
And that gives me pause.
“Dad, you aren’t the reason I got this, are you?” I ask, suddenly not as excited. I wanted to be able to get something like this on my own.
“No. I didn’t. The network called and asked if I’d be at the spring game and if I’d be willing to be interviewed. By you.”
I’m instantly relieved. “Oh, that will be so cool! I’m so excited!”
“It’s very cool. I’m sure they mentioned sending you some paperwork.”
“Yeah, she did.”
“When you get it, forward it to me. We’ll want to have my attorney review anything before you sign.”
“Okay. Thanks, Dad,” I say as we end the call.
“I bet your dad is thrilled for you,” Chase says.
I smile broadly. “He is. And I’ll get to interview him at the spring game.”
“Speaking of interviews,” Chase says, his hands moving to unbutton the blouse I’m wearing, “we should get them started.”
I pull on his waistband. “I only think it’s fair for you to be undressed as well. You know, eventually, I might be allowed locker-room access, and I need to get used to seeing football players half-dressed.”
“Good point,” he says, kissing me, then pulling off his shirt just as my phone rings again.
I let out a sigh. “It’s my mom this time.”
He pulls me onto his lap, but I answer anyway.
“Hey, Mom.”
“Devaney, first off, your father just called me to tell me the good news. Congratulations, sweetheart. You must be so excited.”
“I am for sure.”
“But,” she says, “I was going to call you anyway today for another reason. I know you have spring break coming up. Did you make any plans?”
“Not really. Probably something we need to get done soon.”
“I was hoping you might be able to come to LA with me, Jennifer, and Jadyn. We’re going wedding dress shopping. Van and I have decided to have a big wedding this summer.”
“But you’re already married.”
“I guess, technically, it’s a vow renewal. Our year anniversary is coming up, and since we just went the courthouse to get married, we decided to do it up big. And of course, you’ll need a dress. That is, if you’ll be my maid of honor.”
“Mom, I’d love to be your maid of honor. Hey, what about Haley? Can she come with us?”
“I asked, but Jadyn says she has an important appointment with a specialist about her leg and can’t miss it. We’ll stay at your dad and Jennifer’s place in LA, and she’s already set up appointments with designers.”
“Let me talk to Chase, and then I’ll call you back.”
“Because I really want you to come with us, I’ll sweeten the deal. Tell Chase he’s invited to go with his dad, your dad, and Damon to stay in the Archibald family home on Key Biscayne. It’s right on the water, and your dad is hiring a chef to keep everyone fed with healthy food. Oh, and there’s a full gym, so the boys can still work out.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll tell him.”
When I hang up, Chase says, “What do you need to talk to me about?”
“My mom and Van want to have a big summer wedding. She wants me to go dress shopping with her, Jennifer, and your mom over break.”
Chase smiles at me. “It’s not like we’ve really planned anything yet. You have to go do that with your mom. It’s important.”
“I know,” I sigh. “But I was looking forward to the beach with you.”
“A few months after that, we’ll be in the Ozarks. Plus, break is right in the middle of spring practices. So, I wouldn’t have been able to do the whole spring break party thing. I need to keep up with my workouts.”
“What would you do then? Stay here?”
“No, I’d probably go home. Work out with my dad. See Damon. I think his break is around the same time as ours.”
“It’s actually the same week,” I say with a smile. “And you’re invited to go to Miami with our dads and Damon.”
Chase smiles broadly. “That would work. I know your dad still works out on vacation.”
“So, is that a yes?”
“It is.”
I send my mom a quick text.
Me: Count us both in on the trips. Looking forward to it, Mom! I’m sure we’ll find you something amazing!
Mom: Thank you!
Chase takes my phone and sets it on the coffee table and grins at me.
“What’s the grin for?” I ask. “Because you get to go to the beach with the guys?”
“Actually, no. I was just thinking that if you’re going wedding dress shopping, maybe you should look for yourself.”
I roll my eyes. “It’s my mom’s day.”
He shrugs his broad shoulders. “Just a thought,” he says, then pushes my shirt off my shoulders and undoes my bra. “Let’s get back to your practice interview.”
