Chapter 33
CHASE
I miss you.
ME
You just saw me yesterday.
CHASE
So what? I still miss you.
I stare at the text, unsure what to say back.
The times he’s said it before I’ve moved on, but today I find myself asking whether I miss him or not, especially after our conversation a couple days ago.
It’s only been a day since they went back on the road, and I don’t have much experience missing anyone.
Not really. I miss my friends when they’re away for too long, but most of my adult life, my friendships have been long distance, so I’ve gotten used to and gotten over the “missing them” stage.
With Ivory, Preston, and Miller close, we’ve settled into a routine despite their constant travel.
Even Taylor is in Nashville so often I feel like I don’t have the chance to miss her.
With Chase, it’s different. Or at least, it should be different.
Right?
CHASE
Still not sure yet, hm? That’s okay. I can handle it.
ME
Sorry lol.
CHASE
We’ll fix it.
ME
What are you going to do?
CHASE
Make it impossible to not miss me.
ME
How?
CHASE
You’ll see.
ME
Feels impossible to miss you when you’re always talking to me.
CHASE
If I didn’t talk to you all the time, how would I keep you obsessed with me?
ME
I’m not obsessed with you.
CHASE
Lil bit.
ME
Think you’re the obsessed one here.
CHASE
Obviously.
ME
You’re ridiculous.
CHASE
Ridiculously into you.
ME
Cheesy.
CHASE
We are in the cheese state.
ME
Have a good game
CHASE
I’ll do something so you know I’m thinking of you.
ME
Why do you say that every time?
CHASE
So you know I mean it and don’t forget it.
Everything has been great with Chase since our conversation last week after lunch at Ivory and Preston’s.
I’m trying to let him in more, but my health stuff is still a topic I don’t want to introduce into our brand-new relationship yet.
Today, I’m anxious and the only one who can talk me through it is Miller.
ME
Hey.
MILLER
Hey.
ME
What are you doing?
MILLER
Watching your boy lift weights.
What’s up?
ME
In my head about my appointment.
MILLER
Do you want me to call?
ME
No! He’ll wonder if everything’s okay if you do that.
MILLER
He won’t know. I can leave.
ME
No, it’s okay. Just needed you to tell me it’s all going to be okay.
MILLER
Only a few more days and then you’ll be in the clear. Everything will be fine.
ME
I hope you’re right.
MILLER
I’m always right.
ME
[yeah, okay gif]
MILLER
Are you sure you don’t want to tell Ivory and Taylor?
ME
I’m sure. No need to worry them.
MILLER
It’s not worrying them. We’re family.
ME
Can it please just stay between us?
MILLER
Fine.
ME
Thank you. That was a hell of a hit last night.
MILLER
It’s about time you noticed. I’ve been waiting ages.
ME
I always notice. You’re just the one bragging all the time.
MILLER
I don’t brag.
ME
Ehhhhh.
MILLER
You good now?
ME
Yep, all good.
MILLER
Work on that. Not very convincing.
GABBY
Whatever. Go play with some balls or something.
MILLER
Not really into balls.
GABBY
Why are you such a child.
MILLER
It’s part of my charm.
GABBY
MILLER
See you in a few days?
GABBY
I’ll be here.
MILLER
Later tater.
ME
Toodle-oo.
Before I can put my phone down, Miller sends me a picture of him and Chase flexing in the mirror. Okay, maybe I do miss him. A little. It’s been two nights, and I already wish he was back.
“Grant, do you have a moment?” His calendar was open, so I took the opportunity to stop in before I could talk myself out of it. I’ve been thinking a lot about Chase’s and my relationship. I need to know that there’s a future possible for us if I were to take the job as general counsel.
“Gabby, please come in.” Grant stands from behind his desk and waves me to the guest chairs in the corner. His office takes up two corners of the building and the glass windows all the way around provide an impressive view of the field on one side and downtown on the other.
“I only have a few minutes before my next meeting, but I always have a moment for you. What brings you by? Are you here to tell me you’ll take the job?”
“I’m still considering it, but there was something I wanted to talk with you about in that regard.” I wave him off when he motions to the drink cart asking if I’d like anything.
Joining me in one of the guest chairs, he asks, “What can I help you with?” Taking a deep breath, I focus on my interlaced hands in my lap for a moment before telling my boss I’m in a secret relationship with the rookie I’m overseeing.
For a split second, I debate changing my mind and walking out of here, but then I think of how much I miss Chase when he’s gone and how perfectly he fits into my life and my friend group.
Before I give him my heart, more than he already has it, I need to know if it’s possible to have him and my career.
That’s important to me. It’s a huge part of who I am.
If I had to give one up for the other, I’d be devastated.
Now that Grant has cleaned house with Mark and Ricardo, I’m hoping there’s room for an exception.
Steeling my spine, I turn my focus back to Grant who waits patiently with a small smile on his face. “I am interested in taking on the General Counsel position permanently, however, there’s been a change in circumstances, which I feel the need to disclose to you.”
“Go on.” Grant rests his elbow on the edge of the chair regarding me carefully with his hand beneath his chin.
“I’m in a relationship with Chase Bennett.
I know I told you it wouldn’t happen again and that I put boundaries in place, but things changed.
I’m hoping based on your comment before and the fact that I’ve exceeded expectations in the interim role, that you are still of the mind our relationship has no bearing on my job performance.
” I let the words hang in the air between us, maintaining eye contact and clutching my hands in my lap to slow my racing heart.
Finally, Grant puts me out of my misery and says, “I am of that mind. There are exceptions to every rule, Gabrielle. If you take the position, you won’t be working with the players day to day like you are now.”
“Thank you, sir.” That was surprisingly easy. Leave it to me to blow it out of proportion in my mind.
He stands from the chair, buttoning his jacket. “Does this mean you’ll take the job?”
Sliding my hand into his outstretched palm, I confirm what he’s offering. “Yes, I would be honored to be the next general counsel for the Troubadours.”
“Glad to hear it. Make it official with HR. They’ll have a form for you both to fill out. Maybe wait until after Bennett has fulfilled the terms of his plea arrangement to avoid potential conflicts, yeah?”
“Absolutely.” I smile back at him and move to the door, dismissed now that he’s back behind his desk and the speaker sounds to let him know his next meeting has started.
“And Gabrielle?” he calls after me. Turning, I look at him in question.
“You can’t help who you fall for. Love is precious. Never take it for granted.”
His parting words echo in my mind as I leave his office. Love is precious and I can’t wait to focus on us. But first, we have to finish the season.