Endgame (The Atlanta Boys)

20. Dakota

20

DAKOTA

“You’ve got an eye for that.”

I’m startled by the sudden feminine voice behind me. My body is uncomfortably crouched against the first baseline fence while I focus on putting my style into this shot. Precision and detail are my motivators. I stand quickly, trying not to show my hesitation, and turn to face an unfamiliar blonde-haired bombshell. She’s stunning, reminding me of someone from New York Fashion Week, but edgier. She’s layered in golden blonde hair and the brightest set of baby blue eyes, and she’s covered in tattoos.

I’m silently wishing I could pull off her girl-next-door-meets-rock-band-lead-singer style.

“So sorry if I scared you. I couldn’t help but notice the shots you’ve been taking, and I’ve got to say, your accuracy is incredible.”

A compliment was not what I was expecting from someone so beautiful. My experience with beautiful people, if I should even call them that, is arrogance. As of late, that has yet to show itself here at Makers. Everyone who works here has been nothing short of kind. I went into this job fully expecting to get the new girl treatment, and rightfully so, but my expectations died out the second I was invited to lunch with some of the merch ladies. They made me feel welcomed and accepted.

It feels strange to admit it, but I love it here.

I decide to turn towards her with the goal of friendship in mind. “Totally fine. Speaking of having an eye, want to see the most ridiculous shot I got of Kingston’s ass?”

I’m caught off guard to see her laughter immediately coming to the surface like it’s such an easy thing for her to feel, something I’m noticing is easy for almost everyone here. I pull up the photo, lifting my camera towards her to give her better access. It’s obvious he’s fixing his belt or something in that general area, but he seems to have run out of options on where to place his glove, needing two hands to get the job done.

King’s massive glove is shoved between his butt cheeks, clenching like a lifeline for support.

That’s a big ole booty, holding a big ole glove.

Why did he choose his butt cheeks to hold the glove? That’s still a mystery to me, but the laughs the unnamed beauty and I have make it worth it.

“Unbelievable. He couldn’t reign in the wild if he tried.”

She’s not wrong. If I’ve learned anything about Kingston since working here the past several weeks, it’s that he’s the life of the party. His goofiness requires very little effort. It’s his unhinged behavior that brings brighter days.

His energy is compelling.

Waving her hand at me in a late greeting, she introduces herself. “I’m Tenley, by the way. Probably should have started with that.”

Tenley laughs, and I also take that as a sign to introduce myself to her. “Dakota. But you can call me Kodi. Not gonna lie, it’s nice to meet another woman around here. It’s like a swarm of testosterone up in this place.”

She laughs before nodding her head in agreement.

“For real. Have you met Navy yet? She works here too. She actually might be here somewhere. Let me text her and see.” Tenley’s eyes are curiously searching the park, hoping to find Navy, not knowing I understand more about that woman than she probably knows about herself.

My hand reaches for hers as she picks up her phone. “Oh, not even necessary. Navy and I go way back. We’ve been best friends since college. She’s actually part of the reason I got the job.”

Tenley lets out a humorous gasp, “Oh my God, no way! Ah, this is going to be so great. I’m in dire need of a girls’ night!”

I realize I’m smiling as Tenley hugs me tightly. I’m not used to feeling like I have so many potential friendships around me. I also can’t help but think she has the ability to read my mind. Whether I like to admit it or not, I need that too.

A girl’s night, that is.