Chapter 18
“Ives, is that you?” I call from my bedroom when I hear the door open downstairs.
I pause to listen as I’m changing out of my work clothes and into my favorite comfy pants and fuzzy socks.
It was another day from hell. More work.
More misogyny. Yet another coffee spill on one of my favorite blouses.
“Yep, just me,” she calls up to me. “No burglar or murderer in sight. But I am tempted to tell Miller you left the door open again.”
I smile to myself as I walk down the stairs. “Gah, please don’t. He’s bad enough already. I’ll never hear the end of it,” I say when I reach the bottom of the stairs and find her in the kitchen.
“His protective streak is my favorite. For a guy that’s always cracking a joke, he’s very serious about his girls.
” Ivory pulls me into a hug. She’s been traveling for work with Serentia Productions, and we haven’t seen each other since I left the hotel in Atlanta during the All-Star break almost two weeks ago.
“What did you bring? I put in an order for tacos tonight. I hope that’s okay.” When the guys are on the road, we try to get together when she’s in town to watch the game and have a wine night. Tonight, though, I don’t think wine will cut it.
“It’s perfect. I brought wine, but we can switch to margs if you need something heavier?” She reads my mind.
“Think I might. It was a rough day today.”
“Have a seat and tell me all about it. I’ll play bartender.” She puts the wine to the side and reaches into the cabinet beside the stove to pull out the rocks glasses for margaritas.
“Mark has disappeared again, so today was a fun-filled adventure learning of all these things he didn’t tell me about and trying to problem solve.” Sitting down on the barstool I tell her about my day from hell.
She hands me the finished margarita and says, “That man sucks. I’m sorry. He’s the actual worst.”
“He is!” I raise my glass to her in agreement before licking the salty rim and taking my first sip. The sweet and sour taste hits my tongue, and I relax as the tequila hits my system. God, that’s good. I fucking needed that.
“After what you and Tay told me about him and Ricardo in the conference room the other week, I could’ve sworn he’d be gone. It doesn’t sound like Grant was happy.”
“Don’t get me wrong, I love when Mark isn’t there because I don’t have to deal with his bullshit, but I have enough going on with Chase’s deal right now. I don’t need more on my plate.”
“How’s that going by the way?” Ivory leans against the countertop on her elbows.
“Good from what I can tell. He’s already volunteered at the community center here and think they’ve scheduled some hospital visits for while he’s in Chicago next week.” I’m too proud to admit to Ivory that I’ve already memorized his community service schedule.
“Preston said he’s been early every day and is putting in extra work. They had a good heart-to-heart before his first game back last week.”
“They did?” This is news to me. Miller didn’t mention anything and neither did Chase.
I wonder if their conversation had anything to do with what he said during the press conference.
His speech wasn’t the one Mary’s team prepared.
It was better and more genuine. Not only did it match his actions from the work I saw him doing on the field while the team was away, he opened his heart and shared his true self with the press.
“Chase was worried the guys would be mad at him because they were so inviting when he was called up.”
I can’t believe he told Preston and Miller that. This softer version of him is one I’ve yet to fully see and appreciate, but one that has me interested to get to know, especially because it felt as if he was speaking directly to me during the press conference.
“Pssh, please. Miller thought it was the most entertaining thing that’s happened to the team ever.” I say, shoving my thoughts of Chase down until I’m alone and ready to unpack these feelings.
“That’s what Miller told him too. They bought Chase a riding helmet.” She laughs, shaking her head.
“They did not! Oh my god.” I wish I’d known about this prank. It’s so on brand for Miller and Preston to break the ice like this.
“It was so funny. Scoured the internet for it and then had these stickers made to put on it.” Everyone knows Miller is the comedian, but Preston has his moments.
He may appear as the serious one of their twosome, but he knows how to have fun and joke around like everyone else.
I mean hell, he broke Ivory out of her shell and look at her now.
She’s thriving in her personal and professional life.
“They’re the best. You did good, Ives,” I say, referring to her choice of Preston as a partner.
“I know,” she brushes off her shoulder. Their love is inspiring and I’m so thankful it came with Miller as bonus. He’s become my closest confidant and my rock during the hardest of times.
When our food arrives, we move into the living room to watch the game and continue talking until long after the Troubadours win.
It’s the perfect ending to a day that started off so rocky.
As I go to bed, I think of all the things that truly matter.
My friends who mean the world to me, who spend the night laughing over margaritas and talking about our problems. My job, which I love despite the current setbacks.
The game of baseball, which is by far the superior sport.
My life, which I’m blessed more than I’ve given credit for.
And one former bad boy who I can’t get out of my mind. He played well tonight. I almost text him to tell him so, but I rethink it. Instead, I climb into bed to dream about all the ways I wish things could be different with him.
The Troubadours play in New York again tonight and then head back to Nashville for the off day tomorrow.
Things have been so busy lately, Miller and I haven’t had a proper bestie night, and I need it more than he knows.
There are some things only bingeing your favorite movie with your favorite snacks and favorite chosen brother can fix, so I text him to tell him.
ME
Hey.
MILLER
Are you texting because of my epic play last night?
ME
you think every play is an epic play.
MILLER
Because I’m epic.
ME
Speaking of epic, heard you got Chase a helmet
MILLER
LOL sure did. Wanna see it?
ME
I’m a little mad I heard about it from Ivory and not you. Thought you were my bestie.
MILLER
Aww, I’m sorry Gabberella. You’re still my favorite.
ME
Doesn’t feel like it. Feeling a little neglected.
MILLER
I’ll make it up to you.
Movie night at your place tomorrow?
ME
Yes please. Now let me see this helmet.
MILLER
[photo of the helmet with stickers]
ME
You’re such a goof.
MILLER
Almost put “if found return to Gabrielle” but I wasn’t sure if you’d claim him or not.
ME
Why would I claim him?
MILLER
We both know you want to. I don’t know why you’re fighting it so hard.
ME
OMG you sound like Taylor.
MILLER
I knew blondie wasn’t so bad.
ME
Getting involved would not be a good idea.
MILLER
Why not?
ME
I’m in charge of making sure he complies with his plea agreement.
MILLER
So what?
ME
What do you mean, so what? It’s not smart.
MILLER
Says who.
ME
Me! Isn’t that enough.
MILLER
Nope. You chronically overthink everything. We’re not trusting your opinion on this one.
ME
Well that’s rude.
MILLER
We’ll talk about this later. Gotta get a move on.
ME
Fine, see you tomorrow.