Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

Cole

I can’t wait until I don’t have to make the thirty-minute drive to visit Heather and Ty.

After pulling into the driveway at Ty and Heather’s, I put my truck in park and take a deep breath before getting out and walking into the kitchen from the back door.

“Finally, we’re starving!” Ty says as he comes to give me a bro hug.

“I’m five minutes early. What the hell?!” I say while slapping him on his back.

“Well, the food is ready. Let’s all sit.” Heather says as she brings what looks like mashed potatoes to the table.

Ty and Heather sit next to each other on one side of the table. Adriana is sitting across from Heather and Ty gives me a look that says, “duh go sit next to her.” Rolling my eyes at him, I take a seat next to her.

“Hey Cole.” Adriana says.

“Hi, how are you getting settled since I left?” asking her while settling into my chair.

“All set. Thank you all so much again for helping me today.” She says.

“You’re welcome. Let’s dig in!” Heather says.

We all eat and talk about what’s going on and nothing all at the same time when we all realize it’s almost nine pm.

“Oh, guess who called me after I got home earlier?” I pose the question to Heather.

Ty looks at me and raises his eyebrows while Heather asks, “Who?”

“Art did.” I tell her to see if she will catch on.

“And why did Art call?” Heather questions.

She really is the best sister-in-law.

“He reached out because apparently Layla met someone and now wants to go public with our breakup, so she can be seen with her new boyfriend.” Looking at Ty and Heather while telling the three of them. But for some reason I really want to see what Adriana’s reaction to this news is.

“That’s great Cole, I know that you’ve been wanting to go public about this for a while now.” Heather says with a smirk and then glances over at Adriana.

“Yeah, I feel like I can finally start to move on with my life and not be held back because of someone else’s needs. Not that there has been much of a life, anyway. But enough about that. Are you two ready for your first event for the foundation on opening day?” I ask, finishing to look at Adriana.

“I’m nervous and calm all at once. I don’t know if that makes sense or not, but that’s what I feel.” Heather says and laughs.

“Yeah, what she said. I’ve never helped with something on this scale before, so it’s definitely a little nerve racking.” Adriana adds, asking me. “Are you guys ready to play opening day? I think that’s the better question. This lady is hoping for a win for my first New York Grizzlies game.”

“First Grizzlies game, huh? But is it your first baseball game too?” Asking Adriana with a smile.

“No, I went to a few out in Colorado. But, I’ve never been to an opening day game or a home Grizzlies game.” she says with a smile.

“Glad it can be a first for you. It’ll be an amazing day, I’m sure. Do you have a jersey to wear to the game?”

“Not yet. I’m sure I can grab one at the stadium, though.”

“No need for that. I‘ll grab you one before then and drop it off.” Telling her because seeing her with my number on would be something to see.

“I can go grab one from upstairs for you now.” Ty chimes in to fuck with me.

“No, you already have someone wearing your number.” stating the obvious while pointing at Heather. “Your wife.”

“Whatever. How about this? We both get Adriana a jersey to wear and she can pick for herself.” Ty tells us his bright idea.

I look at him with a look that says like she’ll choose you over me, yeah right.

“That’s an idea. Ladies, let me know if you need more muscle besides my brother to help with anything for the foundation plans. I’m happy to show up for more than the planned pictures and autographs.” I let the ladies know.

And of course my sister-in-law is cheeky in her response. “Well, since you’re offering, there are some books we need to load up into both our cars that we have to bring to the stadium.”

“Alright, let’s do this so I can get home.” responding as we all move to get up from the table.

Thirty minutes later, Ty and I have loaded all the boxes the ladies needed. They were heavy as shit. I hope they have help to unload the cars too.

“Thanks for dinner, Sis. Ty, see you tomorrow at practice. Adriana, see you Friday!” I tell the trio before turning towards my truck..

Opening day is the day after tomorrow. There might be added nerves with Adriana being there and wanting to impress her. Lord, what is wrong with me? Knock it off, man, focus on the game, not the hot as hell woman who’s now going to be around all the time.