CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

JACE

The realization I’m never going to see Vivienne again sinks in slowly. My time in Marcedenia was an ending, even though it didn’t feel like one.

The Sharks’ owner, John Fairfax, summons me to his office the morning after I return to South Carolina.

“I’m hearing some fantastic buzz following your interview in Marcedenia,” he tells me. “I’m so pleased you decided to go. And I heard a rumor you’re going on a date with Miss South Carolina. Princesses, beauty queens, it’s not too terrible being a pro quarterback, huh?”

He gives me a wink, which I return with a tight smile.

“Thank you, sir,” I respond.

None of my teammates mention my absence over the past several days, or the reason for it. Not even Cooley. I’m grateful.

I talk to my parents once, to let them know I’m back safely. There were several long pauses in between their questions, making me think there was an extended side conversation going on between them. I never called Anderson back, and I haven’t spoken to any of my other friends. I don’t know what to say. What to divulge, what to retain.

Because what’s worse than knowing I’ll never see Vivienne again? The knowledge that I could. Six words that haunt me. Vivienne is entitled to marry anyone.

It was one thing not to have any options. It’s worse to know that I do.

Do I love her enough? To give up my dream of playing professional football to attend museum openings and fundraisers and whatever else royalty does? To leave my friends and my family and move to an entirely new country?

I know that I do, and that’s terrifying in its own way. I know there’s not another person in the world who I’d be able to say the same about. Who I’d be willing to sacrifice so much for.

But there are other factors to consider besides my own feelings. For one, I just signed a five-year contract a few months ago. For a lot of money. Money that’s security for my family. I know Vivienne’s family is wealthy, but I don’t want to have to rely on her.

She was also adamant we can’t get married when I broached the topic. I know she doesn’t feel the same way about Charles as she does about me, but he’s part of her world. He already knows how to navigate everything I’d be entirely clueless about. Is that more important?

The cycle of thoughts is relentless. I play better than ever on Sunday, relieved to finally have something else to focus on. We win easily. Our post-game interviews last longer than usual as a result. The crowd of reporters belabor every play and begin mentioning our chances of making it to the championship for the first time in franchise history.

I’m running late by the time I get home. I quickly shower and pull on slacks and a button down before rushing outside to the waiting limousine. I slide across the rear seat, and we begin to move immediately. Ten minutes later, the car stops in front of a townhouse. The limo driver opens the door for a stunning blonde in a short black dress. She smiles at me as she slides onto the seat next to me.