I start to smile before she even says a word. I don’t know what she’s about to say, but I can see her forming the thought.

“I’m not answering if Cole calls,” I tell her preemptively. “If that’s where you’re going mentally, save it.”

She gives me a sigh that’s laced with a growl. “Why do you hate me?”

“Hate you?”

“Yes, hate me. When is the next time either one of us is going to get to go out with a professional baseball player that looks like he stepped off the cover of GQ?”

“I hope for your sake that it happens again soon.”

“Oh, it won’t. The dating spirits chose you, and you don’t even care.”

I laugh. “Stop it.”

“The world just handed you an oyster, and you aren’t even going to crack it open.”

“There’s a pearl joke in there somewhere . . .”

Val grabs an order pad and giggles. “At least call me if he calls you.”

“He’s not calling me, Val.”

“Call me. Promise.”

We look at each other with the comfort that only best friends can exchange.

“I promise,” I say. “I’ll call you if he calls me. I’ll even screenshot the missed call just for you.”

Her shoulders fall. “You’re so mean.”

I laugh and head for the exit. “Talk to you later, Val.”

“Bye, Palmer.”

I push open the door and step into the fresh spring air. The breeze is laced with the scent of pine and rain. I pause to fill my lungs with the loveliness.

Spring is my favorite season. It always has been. It has such a promising vibe, with its colorful blooms and longer days with a brighter sun. But it also signifies something deeper: hope.

It signals a fresh start—a clean house, new flowers, a new chance at life.

“Let’s hope this turns out to be the best season of my life,” I say as I head to my car.

I’m almost to the driver’s-side door when my phone vibrates in my purse. I can feel it against my thigh.

A slight chuckle escapes my lips as I imagine Val jumping to conclusions. She would be sure Cole is texting me.

Me? I doubt it.

The bet is over. He got my number. End of.

That’s fine with me. It’s great, actually. Because after six years with Jared, almost a year with Charlie, and enough time with other men who were complete wastes of energy, I’m done. I’m making choices on a long-term basis and not a you’re cute one.

It’s now or never. And I’m not getting any younger.

I smile.

This is going to be my best season, and no drop-dead-gorgeous, honey-tongued, retired baseball player is going to change that.

Period.

CHAPTER THREE

COLE

Good work today, boys.” Dad claps my shoulder with one hand and Fish’s shoulder with the other. “Never would’ve gotten this fence fixed without you.”

The final rays of the day’s sunshine filter through the tall pine trees. The rays cast a warm amber glow across the backyard.