Page 150 of Payoff Pitch

I look at Ripley and Kam. They both nod in agreement.

I’m not sure whether I feel so entirely loved or feel like the pressure of the world is on my shoulders, but I do know that I don’t want to let them down.

Everyone except Fallon and Kamryn eventually heads out for the day. I love having them here, but a little peace and quiet is welcome. I usually lay down in the afternoons given how hard I work in the mornings. Sometimes, I Zoom with the psychologist, but not today. She’s out of the office.

I’m helped into my room. As it does every day, the desk and laptop area Tanner set up for me stare me right in the face. Hesuggested working on my books during my downtime. When I reminded him that I’m unable to type, he bought me some audio program that allows me to dictate. The words I speak supposedly then appear on the screen.

I can’t bring myself to try it though. I’m not in the right headspace.

Fallon and Kam lay me down in the middle of the bed, and then they both plop down next to me. Kam and Fallon have gotten along extremely well, which is fortunate because both rarely leave my side. Fallon laughs at everything Kam says, and I think Kam is crushing on Fallon.

Fallon lays back with her hands behind her head, closes her eyes, and lets out a little moan. “Hmm. I can’t tell you the last time I laid in bed during an afternoon. It’s kind of nice.”

Kam looks her up and down. “You’re a full-fledged hottie. I’m into blonde women if you’re ever looking to bat for the other team. Or, ya know, test the waters of the kitty pool. I’m an excellent guide.”

Fallon opens her eyes and pinches her eyebrows together. “I thought you were with Cheetah.”

“I’m an equal opportunity pleaser.”

I turn my head to Fallon. “She’s bi.”

She asks me, “Are you bi too?”

Kam scoffs. “Nope. She’s not into cranberry farming. She’s only been having her oil checked by your ex-husband for the past year.”

Fallon deadpans, “I’m aware. Thanks for the reminder, Kamryn.”

“Why do you call me Kamryn? Everyone else calls me Kam.”

“Tanner calls you Kamryn.”

“That’s because he hates me. It’s how he depersonalizes me.”

I roll my eyes. “Thanks, Dr. Phil. He doesn’t hate you. He tolerates you. Kind of like I do.”

She reaches over, about to tickle me, but stops herself. Fallonnods. “Careful. She’s still healing. No twisting or sudden movements.”

Kam sighs. “Then who’s Tanner gonna have sex with? Bails is out of commission, and he doesn’t like me. That just leaves you, Fallon.”

Fallon lets out a laugh and shakes her head at Kam’s antics. “You’re a troublemaker,Kam. Tanner and I haven’t had sex in about six years. I promise it’s not happening now.”

I scrunch my nose. “He must be a hard act to follow.”

She blows out a long breath. “You have no idea.”

Kam shakes her head. “You two have a fucking weird relationship.”

Fallon and I both giggle.

Kam happily announces, “Well, Bailey will find out soon enough, right, Bails?”

I shake my head. “Don’t start. Not now.”

Fallon pinches her eyebrows together. “What does that mean?”

My shoulders fall. I don’t know why Kam had to bring this up right now. “It’s not like anything has or will ever change for Tanner and me. I want to get married and have kids one day, assuming I still can. He’s been very clear that he doesn’t want any of that. At some point, we’ll have to part. I had been thinking about it a lot before the accident. As long as I’m spending time with him, my life is at a standstill. At some point, I need to put on my big girl pants and try to move on from him.”

Fallon twists her lips. “You should have an honest conversation with him. Maybe everything isn’t as set in stone as you think.”