16. Boston

SIXTEEN

boston

"Move over, it's my turn to pick the song!" Bailey exclaimed.

"Too slow!" Willow said, darting towards the machine, her finger jabbing the button triumphantly. “Ha!”

"Ugh, you're lucky you're hot," Bailey grumbled, though the grin on his face gave away his attempt at any real annoyance.

"Please," Willow shot back, "feel free to keep the compliments coming."

Bailey leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "And that ass... How are you not seeing anyone? Is it because you're the coach's daughter?" His words, though teasing, carried a hint of genuine curiosity.

"Because I'm not scared to go there," he added with a lopsided smirk, as if challenging both Willow and himself.

Willow let out a laugh, her response diffusing the moment into something light and flirtatious again. "You should be," she warned him, her tone still airy but with an edge of sincerity.

"Scared?" Bailey scoffed, raising an eyebrow. "For you, honey, I'd break so many rules."

I glanced at Parker, who seemed momentarily clouded by the interaction unfolding before him. His eyes were fixed on Bailey, his jaw twitched noticeably. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but I saw it—the flicker of discomfort, maybe even jealousy.

"Hey, I'm just gonna go close out my tab," I announced, making a beeline for the bar, stepping away from this awkward interaction.

I had just finished paying when I spotted her. With one last nod to the bartender, I turned, only to catch a glimpse of Chandler slipping into the bathroom out of the corner of my eye. I made a quick decision and veered off course, treading silently down the dimly lit bathroom hallway.

I leaned casually against the wall, patiently waiting for her. Finally, the door creaked open and she emerged looking beautiful as ever in that dress—oh, that dress, clinging to her in all the right places.

"You really had to wear that dress, didn't you?" The words escaped me before I could reel them back.

Chandler's cheeks flushed pink. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she tilted her head. "Oh, this old thing?"

In a fluid motion, I bridged the gap between us, my hand slipping into hers and pulling her close. A shiver passed through her as I leaned in, the dim light casting shadows that danced across her face.

"You're killing me, you know,” I whispered, thumb grazing her cheek with a touch meant to memorize every contour, “looking this beautiful tonight."

Her lips parted slightly, a soft exhale escaping as her eyes searched mine. The blush on her cheeks darkened. Then, without another thought, I captured her lips with mine, as I pressed her against the wall. Our tongues explored tentatively at first, then more boldly, as if we both were starved for each other.

She moaned softly into my kiss as she slipped her fingers beneath the hem of my shirt, trailing tantalizingly slowly over the ridges of my abs, igniting a fire on my skin. My muscles contracted instinctively, a shudder rippling through me and threatening to unravel all of my painfully built up self-control.

"Chandler," I breathed out, pulling back just enough to rest my forehead against hers. "I can only hold back for so long."

"Why are you holding back?" Her fingers trailed over the button of my jeans, her gaze locked onto mine with an intensity that forced the truth out of me.

“I need to have a conversation with my best friend," I confessed, the weight of his potential disapproval weighing heavy in my thoughts.

Her lips curved into a wistful smile, her kindness that I adored shining through still. "I get it," she whispered back, understanding.

Our moment was shattered by footsteps approaching. With one last glance, we reluctantly broke apart, stepping away from each other just as a few others pushed their path to the bathroom.

Pushing through the crowd, I made my way back to the bar where I last saw Parker. The thumping of my heart matched the pounding bass from the speakers. I was doing everything I could to breathe and calm down the rush of adrenaline flowing through my veins. Two thoughts were running through my mind as I inched closer—how much I cared about Chandler, and how Parker, my best friend, would feel about it.

I scanned the dimly lit room for his familiar face. I found him slumped over in a booth, engaged in what seemed like an important conversation with... a passed out drunk?

"Man, listen," Parker slurred, a glassy look in his eyes as he poked the snoring figure beside him. "I know I'm that guy who always makes people laugh, but I have problems too, you know?"

The drunk man let out a loud snore, and Parker nodded sagely, "You know, all the hook-ups lately... They've been fun. But at what age do you find someone meaningful? Someone who you can laugh with after all the sex?"

The man shifted, his arm flopping off the table before he let out a groan—a sound that might've been mistaken for agreement.

"I know, first world problems, right?" Parker chuckled. "You're probably thinking, this stupid handsome guy, complaining about all the women in his life."

Suppressing a laugh, I approached the booth. "Um, Parker, you do know that man is passed out, right?"

Parker blinked up at me, his lips spreading into a wide grin. "Boston! Meet my new friend," he gestured toward the unconscious person.

"Okay, buddy, we need to get you out of here. Come on." I slid Parker's arm over my shoulder, realizing tonight would not be the night for our little heart-to-heart.

As we staggered toward the exit, Chandler caught my eye. Her gaze was filled with concern, and she swiftly moved to our side. "What's going on?"

"He's had too much to drink," I explained, trying to maneuver Parker's uncoordinated steps.

"Okay, thanks for taking care of him." She gave me a knowing look—one that said she understood there would be no conversation with Parker tonight. Then she walked back to Willow.

"Holy fuck, Boston," Parker suddenly exclaimed, loud enough to turn a few heads. "Have you always had muscles like this? I’m impressed. Good fucking job."

I shook my head, fighting a half-smile as I helped him into my truck.

My phone vibrated in my pocket just as I started the engine. I fished it out as Parker mumbled something incoherent beside me.

Chandler

Thanks again for taking care of Parker

Me

Always

Chandler

Was hoping we’d get to hang a little more

Me

Tomorrow after the game?

Chandler

Okay, doing what?

Me

Me taking you on a date…

Chandler

And where would we be going?

Me

Just be ready pretty girl

The next day was a blur of adrenaline and sweat. We’d just barely won the game, and Coach was pissed—and pissed might’ve been an understatement.

"Ten runs!" Coach roared, his voice echoing off the walls. "We should've been up by at least ten runs! This slacking off ends now, or we can kiss the tournament goodbye!"

He grabbed his clipboard and hurled it against a locker with a resounding crash. We all fell silent, waiting to see what he would do next.

"Get it together," he snapped before walking off, leaving us in silence.

Steam from the showers mingled with exhaustion as I twisted open my locker. The cold metal door swung open, and I began to stash my gear away, my mind replaying the shit show of a game. The clank of the closing door revealed Reese, leaning casually against the locker next to mine, a look on his face that told me he was contemplating something.

"That game wasn't pretty, huh?" he said, breaking the silence.

I shook my head, tossing my damp towel into the laundry hamper nearby. "Nah, but we'll pull through this weekend."

He paused, shifting his weight. "Saw she was at the game tonight."

I knew that “she” meant my mom—our mom. "Yeah, she’s trying to make it to more games," I replied, attempting to play it off. I secretly hated when she missed any games at all.

"Feels too little too late," Reese muttered, almost to himself.

"Maybe hear her out?" I suggested. "Decide for yourself, instead of believing only what your dad says."

His jaw clenched, disbelief flashing in his eyes. I braced for some comment, a low blow, but instead, he sighed. "All in due time, I guess." Pushing off from the locker, he slung his bag over his shoulder.

"Pretty sure she's waiting outside," I called after him.

He paused, then without turning back he threw the words. "Nah, I’m good," and he disappeared around the corner.

The locker room emptied, and I followed, heading for my truck. She was there, by her car. Her smile widened as I approached.

"Hunny, you were great!" She wrapped me in an embrace.

"Thanks, Mom. Glad you could make it."

"Me too," she said, pulling back. "I love seeing you play, but that game was too close for comfort."

I noticed her gaze drifting past my shoulder, searching. I knew exactly who she was searching for. "Mom, I don't think he's ready to talk yet."

She nodded, a touch of sadness in her eyes. "Oh, I know. Not rushing it. I’ll be here when he’s ready."

"Are you doing okay back at home? Remembering to eat?" I asked.

"Oh, you know me, I do just fine," she said, but the look in her eyes told me that she probably relied on takeout more than she should. I was used to being the parent most of the time, but there was only so much I could do from Bayside—and it would do me no good to worry about it.

"Alright, well, I gotta get outta here. Got somewhere to be," I sighed.

"Okay, hunny. See you at the next game," she responded, giving me another hug before stepping into her car and driving away.

As the taillights faded into the distance, I took a deep breath, ready to shift the night's focus—to Chandler.

I made a quick stop to grab a few things and then navigated towards Willow’s. The thought of seeing her drove all other thoughts out of my mind.

She was sitting on the porch steps, a damn goddess in white. Her bright hazel eyes caught mine, and even from a distance, I could see a smirk on her face.

"Hey," I called out as I stepped out of the truck. “You see my date anywhere around here?”

"Sorry she wasn’t able to make it," she laughed, standing up. "You had her stressing during that game."

"So I keep hearing," I grinned, closing the gap between us. I reached for her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. "But damn," I looked her up and down. "You look... stunning in that dress."

"Thank you. You look good too, Boston, but what kind of date are we going on if you're wearing that?" She eyed my casual attire—a cutoff shirt, backward hat, and jeans.

"Girl, you've never been on a date with me. Hop in," I replied with a wink, leading her toward the truck.

It was a short drive, filled with easy banter and comfort that comes from knowing someone your whole life.

As we veered off the main road, the landscape opened up to reveal an isolated spot where the world seemed to hold its breath. We could see the lake, a serene mirror reflecting the sky, and the trees stood silent all around us. The sun was dipping below the horizon just as we pulled in.

"Is this where we're going?" Chandler said, barely containing her excitement as she peered out into the stillness that surrounded us.

"Give me a sec," I said, hopping out of the driver's seat and making my way to the back. I opened the tailgate and laid out the thick blankets I’d brought, trying my best to create a cloud of coziness. I flipped a switch and the twinkle lights strung up around the truck bed burst to life, casting everything in a warm, starry glow. Fancy restaurants weren’t my thing, but creating a special moment for her—that I could do.

I opened the passenger door and reached for Chandler, guiding her gently from the truck until she was safely on the ground.

Chandler's gasp filled the space between us when she saw it. Her hands flew to her mouth, eyes sparkling bright. "This is beautiful… This setup... This place..."

"Nah, you haven’t seen anything yet—wait till the stars come out," I said. I knew how incredible it was from sitting there so many times before, thinking, reflecting, and letting it bring me peace.

She turned to me, her smile wide and full of wonder. "I can’t wait."

She hopped into the truck bed with ease, immediately making herself comfortable in the cushions and blankets, but then curiosity must have gotten the better of her as she started rifling through the cooler.

"Is there anything you didn’t think of?" she teased. “You’re making all my other dates look like hot garbage right now.”

"Can we please not talk about all your other dates?" I joked.

As she settled in, I leaned against the truck, watching her with a half-smile on my face. She didn't know it, but when I pictured my future, I saw her. Yes, baseball was there, too—it always would be. But more than that, I saw us lying in the bed of my truck under the stars, lost in a place where everything else faded away. If we’d had a terrible day, if we could hardly handle the shit we were going through—none of it would matter If we could have moments like this.

"Turkey sandwiches? And is that... cheesecake?" Chandler's squeal of delight pulled me out of my thoughts. Her excitement buzzed like the twinkle lights surrounding us, illuminating her in a soft, warm glow.

"Because they’re your favorites," I said, watching her face light up as she unwrapped a sandwich with care.

"Best date ever," she cheered before taking a bite, and I couldn't help but laugh at her pure joy over a simple turkey sandwich.

"Wait until you try the cheesecake—it’s from Maria’s," I added. The sun had dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, a backdrop I would never get tired of.

As beautiful as the sunset was, it was only the beginning. Darkness crept in slowly, the vibrant colors fading from the sky. I watched, almost holding my breath, for the moment when she saw the stars.

"Look, Boston!" Her face lit up with wonder as they began to reveal themselves one by one until the entire sky was filled with twinkling lights.

"Amazing, isn't it?" I whispered, taking it all in. She nestled into me, her head resting against my chest as I put an arm around her.

"Beautiful," she responded, her gaze fixed on the sky. I watched her, mesmerized more by the reflection of the stars in her eyes than the sky itself. She was a part of this universe, but here with me, she grounded me in a way nothing else ever had.

I whispered in her ear. "They've got nothing on you."

Her eyes met mine, wide with surprise, and I felt the truth of my words resonate deep within me. I had been to this spot countless times before, but the view of her—her gentle kindness, her unwavering loyalty, the quiet strength in her questioning gaze—was so much more powerful than any starlit sky.

"Thank you," she said softly.

We sat there, surrounded by the tranquility of the night as time seemed to stand still. It was just us, the stars, and the quiet beating of our hearts.

"Chandler," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry. For not stepping up last summer, for keeping you at a distance this year."

She shifted slightly, tilting her head to meet my gaze. "Boston, I never gave up on you," she said, confidently. "You're strong enough to get through anything. The real you... you light up a room just by being there. You make all of us smile, make us better. I knew that the real you was still in there. We all need that Boston—I needed that Boston again.”

The reflection of the night sky danced in her eyes, but all I could see was her belief in me—unwavering and sincere, even if I didn’t believe I deserved it. "What if I'm not that Boston anymore?"

Chandler took my hand, her grip firm. "It's not something you can or can't be, Boston. It's just who you are—you, at your core." She squeezed my hand. "And I know you'll find him again."

I looked down at our intertwined fingers, feeling the strength that always seemed to emanate from her. Her confidence in me was both a comfort and a challenge, and despite my doubts, I knew that she was the reason I was slowly making my way out of the darkness.

"Trust me," she added, as she kissed me on the cheek. Her hazel eyes were reflecting the soft glow of the twinkle lights around us. "Although," she confessed, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her features, "I might see you a bit differently than everyone else—I did sort of have a crush on you growing up."

"Don't know how I missed something like that."

She fiddled with the ends of her wavy hair, a bashful smile playing on her lips. "Guess you were too busy worrying about baseball. Nothing new there," she teased.

I couldn't help but smile. "Facts," I conceded, leaning in slightly. "And what about now? Do you still have a crush on me?"

Chandler bit her lip, an impish glint sparking her gaze. "I guess you'll have to wait and see," she retorted.

I took her hand in mine, locking my fingers around hers. As if sensing the heaviness of the moment, she turned her attention back to the stars, breaking the brief silence with a dreamy tone.

"Know what I wanna be?" she mused, tracing a finger across the constellations.

"What?"

"A star," she declared with a wistful sigh.

I couldn't help but snicker. "I think you're aiming for the wrong kind of star."

She nudged me playfully. "You know what I mean. I want my own Hollywood star. To be an icon of my time, like Jennifer Aniston."

"You'll do it," I said, genuinely. "Be the big star. Spread your wings, pretty girl. And no matter what, I'll always be your biggest fan."

Her smile widened as she continued on about her Hollywood star, and I smiled at the dream of hers. When she had been quiet for a while, tucked into my side, I cleared my throat.

"Alright, so I know I've got a lot to make up for. Last time we tallied points, you had me at a measly two. Where did this date get me?"

Chandler tilted her head back to look at me, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Hmm, let's see," she pretended to ponder, tapping a finger against her lips. "I'm thinking... a solid five."

"Five?" I feigned indignation, clutching my chest as if struck. "Only five?"

Her laughter rang out, clear and bright against the backdrop of the night sky. "Well, it might just be a new record for you, Boston Riley."

We snickered together, our shared laughs mingling with the soft rustle of leaves around us. The conversation flowed effortlessly from there, each topic more engaging than the last. We watched the stars, lost in the beauty of the night. The stars paled in comparison to the girl in my arms, whose presence made my heart feel fuller than I ever thought possible.

"Come here," I whispered after our laughter had trailed off into the night. Chandler turned her gaze toward me, a question in her bright eyes. I propped myself up on one elbow and closed the distance between us. Our lips met in a gentle kiss, soft at first, then gradually deepening as the world faded into nothingness around us. Our tongues met, exploring each other with a passionate curiosity. I felt her body respond to every touch, pressing against me as if seeking warmth.

Eventually the kiss slowed, and we parted, foreheads pressed together, breathing each other's air. I wrapped my arms around her, pulling her close. At that moment I found myself thinking that if the stars would align just long enough to give me her heart and nothing else, then I’d be absolutely okay with that.