Chapter 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Adriana

Heather is in so much trouble because she is definitely trying to play matchmaker.

“Heather, why don’t you ride with me since you and the boys came together today and I don’t know where I’m going.” I suggest..

“Sure.” she says and we all start to walk out to the parking lot together. Ty and Heather walk next to each other, which leaves me and Cole behind them. She is such a little shit. Just wait until she gets in the car. Of course, as we walk out of the stadium, there are reporters and paparazzi waiting for the players. They start taking pictures right away. Putting my head down and a hand to shield to my face as we keep walking, I can hear them asking Cole who I am. Heather comes to walk with me while Cole moves to walk with Ty as we head to where our cars are parked.

“I’m sorry I didn’t warn you about that.” Heather says.

“That’s on the three of us. We should have prepared you for that.” Ty says.

“It’s not like I didn’t know. I think I just forgot.” I reply.

“Still, we should have spoken about it.” Heather says “Let’s head over to the restaurant and we can talk about it more.”

“Sounds good. See you guys there.” I say while unlocking my car.

“Adriana, you good?” Heather asks as she buckles the seatbelt.

“Yeah, it’s just been a day of highs and lows. Would you hate me if I drop you off at the restaurant? My social battery is just feeling a little depleted right now.”

“Of course, but if you’re up for it, why don’t we hang out tonight?” Heather poses it as a question.

“Actually, I love that idea so much. Thank you for being so understanding.” Telling her as we turn into the parking lot and pulling up to the back door. Cole and Ty are waiting for us, and Heather opens the door.

“Does eight o’clock sound good?” she asks me.

“Eight works. I’ll see you later.” I confirm.

Heather closes the passenger door, but I can see the confused looks on Cole and Ty’s faces. While waving to them, Heather is trying to herd them inside. The guys seem concerned, but Heather shakes her head while saying something before they all go in. Now to make my way home.

Thirty minutes later, I’m pulling into the driveway. Quickly making my way inside to head straight to the bathroom. A hot bath sounds like it’s just what’s needed to soak the bad parts of today off.

Two and half hours later, I’m dressed in my gray sweats and a black t-shirt with my hair dried and curled. After dealing with Toby, I needed a confidence boost and what better way than to make myself feel gorgeous? Going out to the living room to sit on the couch, I grab the remote and turn the tv on and start scrolling through to see what’s on. It takes me about ten minutes to decide on an episode of Supernatural. Who would change the channel when Dean is on it? A horrible person, and I, for one, am not a horrible person. Half way through the episode, my phone rings next to me. I see it’s Heather and grab it to answer.

“Hey.”

“Hey, are still on for tonight?” Heather inquires.

“Yes, are we eating? And if so, ordering in?” I inquire.

“Yes, let’s make it a true girl’s night in. We stopped at the store on the way home and I grabbed us ice cream.”

“Woman, you know the way to my heart. You can come over whenever.” I let her know.

“I’ll be there at seven then.” Heather informs me.

“Perfect, come with food ideas! See you soon.” I hang up and finish the episode.

Right at seven o’clock, there’s a knock on the door. Heather is smiling with two bags, one in each hand, as I open the door and let her in.

“So I know about the ice cream, but what else do you have up your sleeve, ma’am?” I ask her because there is no way there is only ice cream in those bags.

“Girls’ night isn’t complete without ice cream and drinks! I brought wine, JD and cola in case we need the hard stuff.”

“What in the world did I do to get a boss that’s also a best friend and knows me so well already? I think the JD will be needed if we’re going to get into today.” I tell her.

“First, let’s put this ice cream away and figure out what we’re eating, then let’s get to that.” she responds, moving to put said ice cream in the freezer.

“Sounds good. What are you in the mood for?” I question.

“Chinese, pizza or Italian?” she offers up.

“Oh, we’re drinking the good stuff. I need grease. So Pizza it is.” I decide for us.

Heather just grins at me while nodding her head and pulling her cell phone out. She orders the pizza and we head to the living room.

“What are we watching?” she questions.

“I just had Supernatural on. I couldn’t decide on what to watch before.”

“That’s fine with me. Who doesn’t love Dean? Besides, it’s not like we’ll be paying too much attention in a little while anyway.” She says with a cheshire cat grin.

Not me rolling my eyes while grinning because I know there is no getting out of spilling the tea to her. I haven’t even been able to talk to Dani since she is away on a business trip. It would be great to tell them both at the same time, but I need to get this off my chest sooner rather than later.

We are about two-thirds done with this episode when Heather’s cell phone rings, letting us know pizza is here. Heather runs down to the house and grabs our order from Ty. She’s walking back in with a ridiculous amount of food that somehow I missed she ordered.

“Well, I guess I didn’t really pay attention to what the hell you were ordering. Who is eating all of this food?” I ask as she starts pulling items out of the bag that is on top of the two pizzas.

“Well, we are bound to be hungry again after a few drinks. My motto is to be proactive, not reactive.” She lets me in on her secret.

“Oh, yes. I like this thinking ahead thing.” I agree.

“Am I making your drink, or are you doing it?” she asks, giving me the choice.

“You know what? You can have the honors. I’m already home, so what’s the worst that could happen?” I respond to her.

“That a girl!” she exclaims.

Maybe letting her make my drink isn’t a good idea.

Heather makes our drinks and then we’re both grabbing a couple slices of pizza and some wings before heading back out to the living room and get comfy on the couch.

“Spill the tea, woman! Cole wouldn’t give me ANY info! That bastard!” she informs me.

“Okay, so remember I told you about Toby and my asshole radar not working?” I jog her memory.

“Yeah, I still stand by saying he’s a piece of shit.” she says admittedly.

“Well, we were together for a little over three years when I caught him cheating. Meanwhile, right before we were discussing moving in together. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. We haven’t spoken since I left his place that day.” I take a sip of my drink before I continue and almost choke.

“Jeez woman! Are you trying to make me flammable?!” I exclaim.

“Ooops.” Heather at least has the decency to at least try to have an innocent look.” Sorry, not sorry. I want to make sure you spill all the secrets.”

“Yeah, yeah. A Colorado number called me and since I didn’t recognize it, I didn’t answer the first time because I was finishing getting everything together to leave to head to the stadium. But then it called again, and I remembered that a former co-worker had reached out and asked if they could put me down as a reference when interviewing and, of course, I said yes. So when the same number called again, I thought to answer it in case it was for that.

“Well, to my surprise, it was Toby. Apparently, he went to my old place and found out that I moved. Will you believe this asshole had the fucking audacity to ask me if I got a promotion and moved into a better place? He told me he wanted to meet up to talk and apologize and what not. I made it clear that I wanted nothing to do with him, that I was no longer even in Colorado and not to concern himself with anything to do with me. While parking my car at the stadium, I hung up on him. I blocked the new number he called from.

“Fuck woman. Well, I’m glad he figured out that he fucked up one of the best things he ever had in his life. And I’m so fucking proud of you for standing up for yourself. And now we can get into the details I really want. Spill about Cole.”

Knowing that this was coming, I tried not to think about Cole comforting me because I don’t know how to feel about it or if I want to. No time like the present to figure it out . I take my drink in my hand and take a few gulps for some liquid courage.

“Well, I was just sitting in my car trying not to cry because I was angry at Toby for thinking that he could just try to insert himself in my life again when I was finally starting to feel like myself and move on after what he did and how emotionally crushed I was for months. Then a knock suddenly on the window scares the shit out of me, which broke the dam for the waterworks. As you know, it was Cole. I guess he must have seen me and came over. He saw the tears and opened my door so quickly to see what was wrong. Honestly, I was so embarrassed that he saw me like that over that small dick energy cheating asshole. I was just so angry. I told him why I was angry crying and he asked if he needed to talk to him. I thought that was the cutest thing. He said that we were friends and asked if I needed anything. So, I told him that I needed help with the boxes and a bear hug because he looks like he gives good hugs.” I laugh as I finish.

Heather is now cracking up at my last statement. “He looks like he gives good hugs? I think that is a first to be associated with Cole. That‘s not normally what I hear. What I hear is that he looks like he gives it good. And yes, I hate when women find out that I’m Ty’s wife and Cole’s sister-in-law. That is a conversation for later. But shit, that’s insane. Even though we know that Cole’s breakup is out there now, he is very particular about what could be photographed. There was a guy on the team a few years ago who had his picture taken with a fan and she tried to claim he had an affair with her. He was able to prove nothing happened and he only ever met her that time he posed for the picture, but it was a lesson for everyone on the team. So, Cole hugging you in public is kind of a huge deal since anyone could have seen you in the parking lot. I have to tell you, I think he has a crush on you.” Heather tells me.

“I think your nuts. He’s just being nice to me since I’m your personal assistant.”

“Well, I don’t think so. Anyway, I need to know how it was.”

“How what was?”

“Woman! I’m making the drinks stronger next time. The hug! How was the hug?” she asks excitedly.

“Oh, it was exactly what I needed at that moment. I needed a safe space, and Cole was very sweet about it. I then remembered you said to text you and I did. Then he walked with me to the door and you enter the story now.”

“I like that I’m included in the story lady. Just remember who hired you and introduced you. I want in on the bridal party when the wedding happens.” Heather says with the biggest smile ever.

My head starts to shake at her antics and laughing myself.

“Ma’am, I doubt he’s interested in me like that. I don’t even know if I’m ready to date. Right now, I need friends. Don’t get me wrong, I have eyes and he’s fucking gorgeous, especially in those damn baseball pants. Jeez! But I want to get settled with being in a new place and what not.” I say to Heather honestly.

“That makes sense. But I still stand by my sentiment that he has a crush on you. Plus, he’s going to be around a lot more once he fully moves in next door.” She declares.

“Oh shit, that’s right.” I say.

“You didn’t seem too surprised when I showed you where Cole was going to be living. Why is that?” she questions me.

“Yeah, he mentioned it when I asked where he lived when he picked me up from the airport.” I answer her.

“Huh, interesting.” Heather ponders out loud.

“Huh, what?” I push for more from Heather.

“Cole doesn’t give up personal information like that easily. I think he likes you likes you . He told you about him moving next door and he hugged you in public when you were clearly upset and the media could have captured a photo, but he didn’t give two shits.” She lays out for me.

I don’t know how to feel about what Heather is saying. Would a guy like Cole even go for a normal woman like me? Do I want him to like me? Of course, but is it something I really could handle right now or want to? I don’t have a damn clue. What the hell has Heather started? The man in question hasn’t even said anything to me to make me think he’s interested. He could always tell the media who I’m and that I just work for Heather and he was being nice. It doesn’t have to mean anything.

“Oh no. I hope there was no media.” I whisper.

“Why?” Heather asks me.

Oh shit, I said that out loud.

“Honestly, if they did, then it would turn into who is that woman and why is she around. I’m not eager to have my name or picture to be in the media for people online to have an opinion of me. Especially because they don’t know me. Does that make sense?” The alcohol is really settling in now.

“Listen, the media can suck and I’m sorry we didn’t talk about it before the game outside of the media we had invited for the event. It’s the worst part and I hate it. When Ty and I first started dating, they shredded me to pieces since I was just a “normal” person, so it definitely makes sense to me.The thing is, it’s bound to happen at some point. Whether it’s with me or all of us or whatever. With that being said, we have a public relations person and so does the team. We can use them if needed at any time. You also have all of our numbers if you are ever cornered alone that you can use for help.” Heather enlightens me.

“How the fuck did I get so lucky? Thank you, that actually makes me feel better.” I say and go to hug Heather. She returns the hug, and it’s so nice to have a friend who listens and acknowledges my feelings and thoughts.

“I told you I had a good feeling that we were going to be friends.” Heather playfully says.

We go back to watching tv. A few episodes and drinks later, Heather’s phone goes off.

“It’s Ty.” she says and goes to answer. “Yes, husband? It’s that late already? Okay, will you come walk me home? See you then.”

Heather looks over at me. “I guess it’s late, and he misses me. So I’m making him come walk me home.” She laughs and between her statement mixed with the alcohol, it makes me join in.

“As he should!” I look at the time and realize it’s after midnight. “I can’t believe it is this late. It appears that what they say is true. Time flies when you’re having fun. Thank you for coming over and hanging out tonight. It was much needed after today.”

“Pppfftttt. What are friends for? Thank you for having me. I’m excited for more night like this.” she exclaims.

“Me too. We didn’t even get to eat our ice cream.” Sadly, I comment.

“Next time! I know where you live.” Heather says and we both crack up laughing again until there is a knock at the door.

We both get up and head to the kitchen. Heather opens the door and Ty walks in and to the side because Cole walks in right behind him.

Oh fuck.

My mind goes into overdrive. I’m in sweats and a t-shirt and this is what this man is seeing me in, at least my hair looks cute.

“Hello Ladies, how was your evening?” Cole asks.

“Girls’ night in was a success. How about you, gentlemen?” Heather replies.

“We got to watch a hockey game on tv so it was a good night.” Ty answers his wife.

“Sounds like a good night for all of us.” I say.

“Come on wife, let’s get home.” Ty states.

“Thank you again for having me, Adriana. I enjoyed today and hanging out.” Heather tells me.

“No, thank you! This was much needed. I’m so happy to be here and working with you on top of our friendship.” I say and hug her before Ty drags her away.

“Night, Adriana.” Ty says.

“Night Ty. Get home safe.” I jest.

We all look at each other and laugh. This is definitely going to be a running joke from now on.

“Adriana.” Cole greets after Ty and Heather leave.

“Cole.” I say.

“Sorry to drop in with Ty and I’m sure Heather already did this tonight, but I just wanted to check in and make sure you were okay from earlier.” He tells me sincerely.

This man. How the hell am I supposed to resist him? Most guys wouldn’t even have a second thought to check in and here he is coming to me to make sure I’m okay.

“I appreciate that more than you know. I’m okay. No, I’m actually better than okay. I know I already said this, but thank you again. I’m happy you were there because at that moment, I really did need a friend.”

“Glad to hear that. I realized that you have my number, but I don’t have yours. Would you do me a favor and text me so I can save your number? I would have texted instead of showing up on your doorstep with my brother. That is, only if you’re comfortable.” Cole nervously says.

“Good idea. I’ll shoot you a text when I grab my phone from the living room. Thank you for checking in too. It means more than you know.” touching his arm so he knows I mean it.

“Anytime. Alright, I’m headed home. It’s nice to just be able to walk home.” he muses.

“You’re staying at your house?” I ask him.

“Yeah, I started moving stuff in and I had my new furniture delivered yesterday. I’ll officially be moved in next week once we get back from our road trip.” he lets me know.

“That’s exciting. Well, if I can help with anything, let me know. I’m sure the boss lady has offered already.” I offer.

“She has, but it’s nice to hear you say it too. Do you need another hug before I go?” Cole asks with what sounds like hope in his voice.

“If you’re offering.” I respond with a grin.

“Yeah, I’m offering. Get in here.” he says and opens his arms for me.

Cole’s hugs are filled with warmth and safety. The combination makes my insides go all gooey.

“Good night Adriana.” He says, and he lets go of me.

“Night Cole.” I tell him just above a whisper.