Chapter 38
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
Tonight is the gala to help fundraise for the youth summer rugby program, and also the night Ezra and I are attending our first big event as an official couple.
The past week and half has been a dream. Ezra’s all but moved into my apartment, and though it seems fast, it feels right.
Like it was inevitable.
There’s not a doubt in my mind that he’s the one for me, and he is proving that he’s exactly where he wants to be. He’s been learning my routines and has started leaning into them, too.
When I journal at night, he reads.
When I’m doing my skincare routine, he’s sitting in the bathroom and we talk about our days, our goals—anything and everything.
We both attend Tuesday Yoga, where I teach, and we started a new pottery class.
Things at work haven’t changed, other than a few side eyed looks we get from some of the players.
Dr. Kipp hasn’t said a word about my relationship with Ezra, so I don’t know if Melanie has told him yet.
Mr. Solomon has been as cordial as he always is, and Coach James has been his usual grumpy self.
Ezra says he’s not pushing him harder than normal, which is good.
Part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop, for something to give, and my life to blow up. Rebecca told me in our session on Thursday that it’s common to feel that way, especially with how I was raised. She told me to embrace the joy, and to not worry about the things I can’t control.
Easier said than done, but I’m trying my best.
I also got to have my movie night with Blakely last night. We watched The Swan Princess, and she said she never wants to turn into a bird.
Dakota and I are sitting at my kitchen counter, listening to 2000s pop music while we do our makeup. We went to the salon and got fresh blowouts after we got our nails done today, so our hair is taken care of.
She’s been telling me about a regular at the bar she’s been flirting with lately, her cheeks flushing so red I can see it through her foundation.
“Are you going to ask for her number so you can take her on a date?” I ask as I crimp the eyelash curler over my lashes.
“No,” she sighs. “It’s just fun to flirt, you know? I don’t have time for dating right now.”
“You realize I know Parker, right? He’d be more than happy to spend more time with the kids so you can go on a date.”
“I know he would. He’s been encouraging me to actually.
I mean, now that he’s found Danny, he’s more adamant than ever that I need to get back out there, but I feel guilty.
Blakely and Ace have gone through so much already.
Parker was lucky he found the one, right after our divorce.
Not everyone can say the same. Besides, I’m considering going back to school for a business degree.
I think I might want to go into restaurant management. ”
“That’s great! I think you’d be amazing at that. You’ve already implemented so many helpful ideas at the bar.”
“Yeah well, anyways. I’m not interested in a bunch of rando’s meeting my kids and then bailing. They deserve better.”
“You don’t have to introduce them to the kids until you feel ready. Your kids want a happy, fulfilled mom, Ko. And more importantly, you deserve to be happy and fulfilled.”
“Thanks, S. Ugh, I don’t want to talk about my lack of a love life. How are things with your sex-on-legs rugby player?”
“He has a name you know,” I roll my eyes at her, and playfully dust her nose with my bronzer brush. “They’re going really well.”
“I would hope so since he’s always over here. I’m surprised he’s not here watching you get ready.”
“I told him I wanted to focus on catching up with you, so he’s at his place and he’ll meet us there.”
“You don’t have to hide your relationship for my sake. I want you to be happy, and clearly, Ezra makes you very happy.”
“I’m not hiding it, promise. I see him every day, but I feel like you and I have barely seen each other since I moved here.”
“I know, it’s crazy isn’t it? But we’ll be seeing each other a lot more now that Ace is doing the rugby program. Thank you again for that, by the way. I owe you big time.”
“You don’t owe me a thing. I’d do anything for those babies, you know this.”
“I know. And I love you for it.”
“I love you, too. Now, let’s get dressed! I’m sure all eyes will be on you in that black dress, and I can’t wait to fend off all the rugby players, and watch them trip on their own tongues.”
Dakota has always been absolutely stunning.
When we first met, I was envious of her perfect skin with just the slightest rosy hue to her cheeks, and thick, brown hair.
Since we worked in a coffee shop, she typically wore it up in a high ponytail, or down in a braid.
She was usually found in simple t-shirts and jeans, and she didn’t have anything pierced.
A few years ago when she left the religion she was raised in, she started expressing herself through her hair and style, and she’s gotten even more beautiful.
It’s probably because she’s happier now that she can be herself, and she holds herself with a confidence that wasn’t there when we first became friends.
Her now short pink hair frames her face, drawing attention to the matching shade of pink lipstick she’s wearing.
She’s switched out her typical silver septum ring for one with black gems that match the color of her dress.
Her ears are pierced with multiple rings and studded gems, and the dress she’s chosen for tonight fits her like a glove.
The simple black garment has spaghetti straps holding up the fitted bodice, giving the morning glory tattoo on her right upper arm space to shine.
The slit on the left side goes all the way up her thigh with ruching at her hip, giving a peek at the ornamental tattoo she has.
Paired with some black strappy heels, she’s a knockout.
As we walk into the gala, arms linked together, Dakota looks around wide-eyed at all the rugby players and fancy business people in their formal attire.
“I’m going to stick out like a sore thumb,” she mumbles. When she came out of my room in her dress, she told me she felt out of sorts in something so fancy.
“No you’re not.”
“Everyone keeps looking at me.”
“That’s because you’re fucking hot, Ko.”
That makes her snort. “If anything, they’re looking at you. God, I would kill to have boobs like yours.”
“We all want what we can’t have, because I’d give anything to have boobs like yours.”
“Trade?”
“Sure, you find a doctor who will do it, and I’ll take the day off.”
We burst into a fit of giggles, drawing even more attention our way. Kendall approaches with Silas and Corbin flanking him, his eyes scanning up and down Dakota’s figure. She doesn’t notice, though, because her attention is drawn across the room.
Kendall opens his mouth, likely to make a flirty remark to Dakota, but I put a finger up. “Don’t even think about it, Kendall.”
“C’mon, Miss. Brady, I was just going to introduce myself to your lovely friend here.” He holds his hand out to Dakota. “I’m Kendall Fowler, star hooker and team love guru. And you are…”
“Dakota. Bartender, Sutton’s best friend, not interested.”
“Damn, Sutton, your friend is feisty. I like that. Sure I can’t convince you to give me a chance?”
Dakota gives him an assessing look, folding her arms across her chest. “I’m sure, but there’s plenty of other women here tonight who would be willing. Good luck, big fella.”
“Don’t need luck when you’ve got a killer smile, and thighs like these. Where’s Z?” Kendall directs the last question at me, and I shrug.
“I don’t know. I thought he was coming with you.”
“Nope. I’ve been at my brother’s all day, so I haven’t seen him.” He turns back to Dakota and says, “I’ll be around when those two decide to sneak off because they can’t keep their hands off each other. I’d be more than happy to keep you from getting bored.”
“Thanks, but I’m a big girl, I can handle myself.”
“Oh, I’m sure you can. See you two around.”
“Bye, Kendall.”
Kendall and Corbin turn to make their rounds, but Silas hesitates, glancing at Dakota briefly before he follows them.
“Who were the other two?”
“Silas Webster and Corbin Mackey. Silas is the one that came to yoga class with Ezra the first time.”
“Are they always that quiet?”
“Yes and no. Corbin doesn’t seem to enjoy big, group interactions, and his scowl is generally permanently on his face. I think Silas is a lot like me and will only open up once he’s comfortable around someone.”
“That makes sense. Hey, do you know the name of the woman in the pink, bedazzled gown?” She points to a woman with long, dark brown hair, talking to Mr. Solomon across the room.
“I don’t, why?”
At that moment a strong hand circles my waist from behind.
“That’s Mr. Solomon’s sister, Vanessa. She’s the chair for Kids Connection,” Ezra says, sidling up beside me. “Hey Dakota. Hi, baby.” He says, placing a demure kiss on the back of my neck.
“Hi Ezra, you look handsome,” Dakota says, offering her fist for a fist bump.
“I better, because my girl looks devastatingly good, and it would be a shame if I couldn’t match that energy.”
My cheeks flush under his praise. I’m wearing a simple navy dress with off-shoulder sleeves and a slit up the side. I will admit, the way my boobs sit in the bodice is hot, and I may have been thinking about Ezra’s reaction when I chose this dress way before we ever got together.
When I look up at him though, he’s not looking at my chest, but at my lips. I can tell by the way he licks his own that he wants to kiss me, and god I want to kiss him, too.