Chapter 12

CHAPTER TWELVE

Adriana

“Let’s get moving, boss lady.” I tell Heather as I start walking towards the giant conference room where we need to go to finish setting up.

“You know I say this with love because you’ve become one of my best friends now that we spend so much time together, spill bitch!” Heather says as the door closes behind us to the conference room.

“Can we talk about it later? I need to get out of my head for a little and process.” I say, looking at her so she can read my face.

“Fine, only because I love you. But, don’t think I will forget, though!” Heather says.

It doesn’t take us long to finish setting everything up. Now we are greeting fans and chatting about what is to come for the charity. We are both winded by the time everyone leaves to get to their seats for the game.

“Thankfully, we don’t have to do the cleanup. Let’s just box up the hats and lanyards to be stored, and then we can head to our seats.” Heather says with a tired grin.

We finish just in time to grab food and drinks and to get into our seats.

“Is this where you normally sit?” I ask her cautiously.

“No, I normally sit in the family box since it’s just me and I’ll meet up with some of the other WAGS. But, we figured we’d spoil you a little for your first Grizzlies game.” Heather tells me.

The seats are plush and more comfortable. We are sitting in the first row in between home plate and The Grizzlies dugout. Even I know the normal family and friends seats aren’t this close.

“You guys didn’t have to do that for me.” telling her with a huge grin.

“We know, but I’m so grateful for you. You literally have become my right-hand woman.” She tells me.

“Well, thank you. I’m so excited.” I say before starting to eat my hot dog and fries.

We stop eating as the performer comes out to sing the National Anthem, but dig right back in as soon as it’s over. I’m starving after all that work and it seems Heather is too. Who would have thought that we were going to be this exhausted and hungry after the charity meet and greet. To be fair, though, I had an unexpected emotionally and mentally draining conversation before needing to be social.

Once my food has disappeared, my energy comes back, or maybe it’s because the game is about to start. Cole moves from the first baseline to home plate and let me tell you, seeing him in his uniform in person is different than on TV and when you’re actually cheering his team on.

The game is intense due to it being a scoreless game until the bottom of the ninth inning. Of course, Cole hits a two-run home-run and the Grizzlies win the game.

Heather and I are excited for the guys and are jumping and clapping like school girls.

“Woo!!!!! Did you have fun, lady?” Heather asks me.

“Hell yeah, I did. Thank you again for this experience. You didn’t have to do that, but it’s appreciated and a memory that won’t be forgotten.” I say and then pull her in for a hug.

“Let’s go down to where the family and friends wait for the guys. We’ll probably head out to a restaurant that they go to after opening day every year.” Heather informs me.

“Okay, I can meet you at home since I have my car.” I respond.

“Ma’am, what do you mean you can meet me at home? You are invited, too.” She says as I follow her.

It only takes about 40 minutes after we get to the family and friends area when members of the team start coming out. Tyler and Cole come out together and head over to us. Tyler goes straight to his wife and hugs her. You can tell he is excited and happy to share this with her. Cole comes over to me and reaches out to hug me. Hugging him back because he played a great game and deserves some love too and the man just knows how to hug.

“You played amazing!” I tell him as I step back from our embrace.

“Thanks. Just doing my job.” He tells me as today’s starting and winning pitcher comes over.

“Cole, you going to introduce me?” He asks, while slapping Cole on the shoulder.

“King this Adriana, Adriana this is King, one of my best friends.” I take King’s hand as Cole finishes,

“Nice to meet you, King. Great game today.” I tell him.

“Thanks. It’s a pleasure to meet you too. You guys’ coming to Scarlett’s?” He asks Cole.

Heather jumps in to answer before I can make up a reason not to go. “All of us will be there.”

“See you there.” King says with a smirk and starts to walk away. He looks back when someone calls his name and he must catch sight of the back of my jersey.

“Nice jersey, Adriana.” he says as he walks past us to whoever called him.

“Which jersey did you end up wearing?” Ty eagerly asks.

My eyes go straight to Heather and we both laugh. Turning around to let them see whose name and number is on the back.

“Seriously? King’s? We both gave you a jersey.” Cole says as if he’s annoyed. I swear he made a small grunt, but it’s starting to get loud as more players are coming into the area.

“Well, this way she didn’t have to choose between brothers.” Heather says while doubling over in laughter.

“Let’s head out. I’m hungry again after all the calories I just lost from laughing.” Heather says, still laughing.