Chapter 33

CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

Adriana

It’s a beautiful evening for a ball game. Heather and I are sitting in what’s come to be our normal seats. We’ve only ever sat in the family and friend’s box twice so far this season. We came to the decision that we love being closer to the game. Being with the fans, their energy is just way better. The seventh inning stretch is just starting, so we know the game is almost over.

“So next week we just have the mini event with the top sponsors and donors for their meet and greet with the guys before the game. Then the gala is two days after. Where has the time gone?” Heather recaps.

“I’m with you. It feels like just yesterday we started planning.” I respond.

“It does in some ways and it doesn’t in others. I guess time flies when you’re having fun,” Heather states.

“That’s true boss lady. We have been having fun. It’s not really work if you ask me.” I say.

“I do have to agree with you there, A.”

“What are you and Ty doing tomorrow with the off day?” I ask.

“Ty booked us a couple’s massage. You and Cole doing anything?” She asks with a smile.

“We are, but he won’t tell me what we are doing.” I complain.

“That’s not fair. How do you know how to dress for what you are doing?” Heather questions.

“Exactly! I asked him what to wear, and he said to be comfortable but no sweats. That didn’t give me any clues to what we are doing either. He only said that we would be gone all day.” I tell her.

“Jeez. Ty hasn’t said anything, but I’ll see if he knows tonight and if he does, I’ll fill you in,” Heather lets me know.

“This is why you are the best.” I say to Heather.

“I try,” she says while laughing.

The slight break is over and the game resumes. When the score gets tied up, the game becomes super intense at the top of the ninth. The game goes into extra innings but the Grizzlies pull out the win.

“You better congratulate that man of yours properly, woman!” I tell Heather as we walk to meet the guys.

“I have a secret for you.”

“That I don’t already know?” I ask.

Heather and I talk every day and so there isn’t much I don’t know already about her day-to-day life.

“We’ve been trying for a baby.”

I stop walking. Heather notices and turns around.

“Really?!” I ask.

“Really. We’ve had time with just us, and I can’t wait for my man to become a father.”

“I’m so happy for you both!” I sat excitedly and hug her.

We walk again and by the time we make it to the family and friends area; the guys are already there waiting with King and Dean.

“Hey guys.” I say.

“Ladies.” comes from King.

“What’s up?” Dean greets.

“Great game tonight.” Heather tells them.

“Ready to head home?” Ty asks.

I let out a chuckle. I’m sure he is ready to head home.

“What’s so funny over there?” Dean asks.

“Nothing. I was just thinking about the surprise for the gala next week.” I inform him.

Cole is looking at me like he doesn’t buy it, but Dean does, and that’s all that matters right now.

“Catch you guys later.” Cole tells the guys and we all head out.

Once we get home, I say good night to Heather and Ty as they go inside the house. Cole walks me to my door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow at ten thirty.” Cole reminds me of what time he will pick me up.

“Still no hint of where we are going?” I ask him.

“All I will tell you is that we are having a proper date.”

“Okay, okay. I’m really excited about it.” I tell him.

“Good. So am I.” he agrees.

“And the dress code is casual, but comfy?” I ask.

“Yes, Sugar.” he confirms.

“Okay.” I tell him.

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night.” Cole says.

He leans in and gives me a kiss. He keeps it short and sweet.

I head inside and lock the door. Cole leaves once he hears the click of lock.

I go straight to my bedroom and flop on my bed.

Cole has barreled through all of my walls I had up. I know I’m falling for him and I don’t know how to feel about it. On one hand, it feels amazing because he is so good to me. He listens and takes my feelings into account. Even if we haven’t been officially dating long. I know I avoided my feelings towards him for months, but during that time we got to know each other. And in my heart, that counts for something, maybe everything. Falling for him just feels right.

My thoughts go back to tomorrow. What does this man have planned? I know I’ll love it because he is extremely thoughtful when he plans things for me.

With that notion, I get up and get ready for bed.

“Good Morning Sugar.” Cole says and drops a kiss on my cheek.

“Good Morning Casanova.” I tell him.

I lock my apartment door, and we head down to his truck. He opens my door and helps me get in before closing my door.

Cole hops into the driver's seat and we’re on our way to wherever we are going.

“You ready for a day of fun and excitement?” He asks me.

“I sure am,” I tell him.

“First stop is breakfast. I know you need your coffee.” He informs me.

“I appreciate that.”

We pull into the parking lot of a diner a few minutes later. Cole grabs a hat to throw on to help hide his face.

“Ty and I come here a lot. The owner doesn’t let people bother us.” He lets me know.

After our quick meal, we get back on the road. Even though he won’t tell me where we are going, what I know is we are heading into the city because of the way we are going.

“Oh, are you looking forward to the next road trip? It’s short.”

“It’s so short you won’t be coming to visit,” he tells me with a sour face.

“This is true, and you are adorable for that.” I say.

“Woman, no man wants to be called adorable,” he counters.

“Excuse me, I’m sorry. It just makes you sexier.”

“That’s better. You think I’m sexy?” he asks.

“Oh, stop that. You know you are.” I say and roll my eyes.

“I like it coming from your lips, though.” He states.

“Casanova.”

“Do you think everyone is going to be surprised we are together?” he asks, changing the topic.

“I think a few people will be.”

“I agree with that,” he says.

Cole takes the next exit, and we have to stop at a red light.

“I need you to close your eyes and keep them closed for me, please.”

“Only because you said please.” I agree and close my eyes.

I don’t know how long I have my eyes closed as we weave through the city. I can feel the truck turn and then stop.

“Okay, you can open them.” He lets me know.

I open my eyes, and we are waiting for valets to come to park his truck. Cole gets out and walks to my side to open the door and help me out.

The valet comes, hands a ticket to Cole and then I’m being led away hand in hand.

I take notice of the area we are in.

“Are we going to a show?” I ask Cole.

“We are,” he answers.

“Really? What show?” I inquire excitedly.

“That is the surprise, Sugar.” He responds.

We continue walking and I’m taking it all in. I haven’t been here since my interview with Heather months ago.

I’ve been wanting to see several shows on Broadway but haven’t had the chance to yet. I haven’t even said anything to Cole about wanting to come, so this is actually showing me how well he knows me already.

We turn the corner where the Hard Rock Cafe is and I instantly know what show we are going to see.

I let Cole lead me across the street before I pull him to the side so we are not in the way of the hustle and bustle of the city sidewalks.

“Are you taking me to see the Cursed Child?”

Cole laughs.

“Yes, babe. That is where I’m taking you.” He confirms.

I get on my tippy toes and put my arms around Cole’s neck. I make a little jump and this man does not miss a beat. He wraps his arms around my waist and lifts me off the ground.

I kiss him, really kiss him as if no one was around.

When I pull back, I have the biggest smile on my face.

“I can’t believe you planned this! Thank you Cole. This means so much to me.” I tell him.

“You’re welcome baby. That smile right there is what I wanted to see,” He says.

Cole directs us to a side entrance. He has thought of everything. No one I’ve dated has ever done anything like this for me. Cole makes me feel heard and seen. He just gets me.

We might still be getting to know each other, but this gesture means so much. I want to do something like this for him. I know I don’t have to, but I want to. Cole has shown me how much I mean to him, and I need him to know that he means just as much to me.

The show is amazing and afterwards we get to meet the cast and take pictures with them before leaving.

“Do you want to walk around for a bit?” Cole asks.

“That sounds good.” I answer.

We walk around Times Square, flitting in and out of stores looking around. Before we know it the sun is setting.

“How about we head back home and eat dinner?” Cole suggests.

“That sounds good.” I reply.