Page 60 of Irreplaceable

“We both knew this move was coming from the moment LA announced their intent. This thing with Harper merely sped it along.”

“You really like this woman, don’t you?”

I nodded. “I do. She’s different. I think you’d like her too. If you gave her a chance.”

If only Harper would give me another chance.

Val, Nico, and I chatted a while longer until the movers had finished. Nico would be moving to LA and continuing to work with me. He seemed excited about the adventure, and I was grateful.

Later that night, alone in my hotel room, I texted Harper. I’d been texting her daily since I’d left. She wouldn’t answer my calls. She didn’t mention my gifts. But occasionally, she’d respond to my texts, especially if they were questions about LA or something not related to our relationship. I’d had to get creative just to get her to talk to me.

I also found that she was more likely to respond if I messaged her in Italian. I knew she enjoyed practicing the language, so I used that to my advantage. Just like on the field, I’d use whatever means necessary.

Me: Your friend Alexis is a real estate agent, right?

It didn’t take longfor her to respond, and I wondered what she was doing. I’d continued to stalk her Instagram feed, and I was pleased that she’d posted a few times more recently. An image of the interior of an historic building with lots of beautiful ironwork. And another of some food—a nice-looking salad. I couldn’t stop thinking about the fact that there were only two plates on the table. Had she gone on a date?

Uccellina: She is.

Me: Can you give me her information?

She sentme the contact information for Alexis Black-Hawthorne, and I saved it to my phone.

Me: Thank you. Having a good day?

Uccellina: Can’t complain.

Me: Is the baby behaving for you?

Uccellina: So far, so good.

Me: I’m glad.

Me: I’ll be back in LA tomorrow, and I’d love to see you.

Three dots dancedon the screen, and I gripped my phone tighter, trying to be patient while I waited for her response.

Uccellina: I can’t. I have plans.

Seriously?Was she really going to continue to shut me out? I’d sent her gifts, flowers, cards. I texted daily. I was trying to do everything I could think of.

Any other woman would’ve been thrilled with all the things that I’d done. Hell, I’d never had to work this hard. And yet…Harper wasn’t just any other woman. She was the mother of my child.

I needed a new strategy.

Ever since she’d told me about the baby, I’d pulled back. I’d let her call the shots. But I was done with that. I succeeded on the field because I played on the offensive. Why should this be any different? It was time to up my game.

* * *

“Thanks for showing me the house,”I said to Alexis as we stopped to talk on the lawn.

I’d arrived in LA a few days before, and I’d been running nonstop. The move had been seamless thanks to Nico’s help, but there were contracts to sign, physicals and training, and just so much to do. Harper had been on my mind, and while we’d texted a few times, I still hadn’t gotten to see her. But I had a plan.

“It’s a nice property,” Alexis said. “Good for entertaining, but also private. Gated community. Great school district.”

Alexis had been pretty quiet, apart from extolling the features of the house. Though I’d felt her assessing me. Debating my merit. Wondering if I was good enough for her friend.

I assumed she knew about the baby, about us, so I asked, “Would Harper like it?”