Chapter 36

CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

Cole

I look in the mirror, straighten my tie and put my baker boys’ hat on.

Damn. I look good . And I can’t wait to see my girl.

While I enjoyed our date in the city, I can’t deny that I’m overly happy that I get to have her by my side tonight for the world to see.

This morning I walked her over to meet Heather for some last-minute details and their girls’ day to get ready for tonight.

I have a few minutes to spare before I need to leave to walk over to Heather and Ty’s place to meet the three of them.

The team has arranged cars with drivers for all the players, so no one drinks and drives. I think that is one of the smartest decisions any team could make. I know that Ty and I appreciate it.

I make sure I have everything I need, lock up and start the short walk next door.

I ring the doorbell as instructed.

The door opens, and it’s Ty. I’m pretty sure he sees the disappointment on my face.

“What? Am I not who you wanted to open the door to my house?” Ty asks.

Yup. He could definitely see the change in my face.

“Sorry, big brother, you’re just not as pretty as the other two I know that are here.” I respond.

“Come on in, they will be down in a few. The car should be here in twenty minutes.”

We walk through to the kitchen to wait.

Ty goes to the fridge to get a bottle of champagne.

“Can you grab four flutes?” He asks me.

“Sure thing.” I say to move to the cabinet where they are.

We place everything on the kitchen counter, and we hear someone coming down the stairs.

Heather comes into the kitchen.

“Cole, go back out the front door and ring the doorbell again, please.” She tells me.

“Okay.” I say and go right back the way I came in.

The door closes behind me. I wait a minute before ringing the doorbell again.

Heather opens the door this time.

“Hi Cole! Come on in.” She tells me.

“Hi sis. Thanks,” I say as I walk in.

She stops me at the bottom of the stairs.

“Adriana, Cole is here.” She shouts up the stairs.

“Meet us in the kitchen after she comes down.” Heather whispers to me as she winks and walks off to the kitchen.

I hear footsteps and I look up. If it were physically possible, my jaw would have detached and hit the floor.

Adriana always looks amazing. But tonight my girl is beyond stunning. She is wearing a flapper dress, and it accentuates those magnificent curves of hers. Her dress is in fact black and red and the fringe from the dress moves with her body. It hits just above her knees and the shoes she has on? Damn . She’ll still be shorter than me but I believe they’re red bottom stilettos.

I think I might be drooling.

Adriana makes her way down the stairs to me.

“Is the great Casanova at a loss for words?” She asks.

I nod. She laughs.

“Pick your jaw up off the floor or you might start a small pool of drool on the floor, babe.” she tells me.

“You look amazing, Sugar.” I tell her.

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” She says.

We hug and I give her a peck on the lips before taking her hand and leading us to the kitchen.

Ty and Heather have four flutes of champagne poured.

“Sis, you look lovely.” I tell Heather.

“Thank you.” She responds.

“Everyone take a glass.” Ty starts. “To my beautiful wife and her best friend. Congratulations on the first annual gala for the foundation of The Grizzlies. Cole and I both know tonight will be amazing and the amount of good that is going to come from tonight and many more events as well.” He finishes.

We toast and sip our drinks. Just as we finish, the car service is here. Ty locks up the house and we all pile in.

We let the ladies nervously babble the whole time until we arrive at the venue.

In order to get into the venue, we have to walk the red carpet, which is littered with media for photos and to speak with.

A few of our teammates have arrived and are in line ahead of us. We get dropped off at the start of the carpet. The girls made sure this was a fancy event.

We wait until it’s our turn and the door opens. Heather and Ty get out first. I step out of the vehicle first and hold my hand out for Adriana to take so I can help her. She takes my hand and comes to me.

We stop for pictures. The local media knows who Adriana is. The first few journalists we stop to speak with ask if we are together. We both confirm that we are indeed a couple. A few photographers ask for me to pose alone and then with Adriana.

This woman is dealing with all of this graciously. She answers questions that come her way. A few ask about involvement with tonight and she speaks highly of Heather and how well and closely they work together. When asked how we got together, she credits Heather because she hired her.

It only takes us about thirty minutes to make it down the carpet and into the venue. It’s decked out in red and brown. There is a band playing on stage. People are mingling. There is a good mix of players, staff, donors, and fans.

We walk around and mingle ourselves staying as a unit of four. We make our way to the bar to get a drink before the night is underway.

While waiting for our drinks, more people make their way over to where we are.

“Adriana.” We hear from next to us.

I can feel her stiffen where my hand is on her back.

“Toby.” she says in a monotone voice I’ve never heard her use.

“This is a lovely event,” he tells her.

“Thank you.” Adriana is giving minimal interaction with him.

I move my hand from her back to her hip and squeeze so she knows I’m with her. If she wants me to tell him to kick rocks, I’m right here to do so.

“Did you leave a bouquet on my car at the game the other day?” She asks him outright.

I have to say I’m proud of her for facing this head on.

“What are you talking about?” He questions her.

“You disappeared at the game. Where did you go?”

“I didn’t want to make you uncomfortable, so Trey and I left and went to the bar back at the hotel. We came back to pick up Trent.”

“How long are you in town for?” is her response.

“I’m here until next Friday.” he tells her.

“Why?” is her question.

My girl is getting straight to the information that is needed.

“I’m here for a training conference for work. I didn’t know you were a part of this, otherwise I would have declined the invite.”

“Okay. This is a big enough space that this doesn’t happen again. Unless it’s with your company, let’s not talk for the rest of the evening.”

Our drinks get placed in front of us just after Adriana finishes. We pick up our drinks and walk to our table near the stage.

We sit down and talk before King and Dean join us. We’re all just shooting the shit when we have visitors drop by our table.

Dane, Sean and Crawford are here. Apparently, they’re sitting at the table next to us.

“Great event ladies.” Dane tells them.

“And to think it just started.” Heather sasses him.

“Can’t wait to see what is in store.” Crawford says.

Sean must have just noticed that my hand is on the back of Adriana’s chair and she is leaning into me.

“Wait, are you two together?” Sean asks me.

“We are.” I answer.

“Good for you two. About time.” Dane tells us.

“Yeah, happy for you both.” Sean says.

“Ditto.” Crawford states coldly.

“Thanks.” I tell the three of them.

“Catch you guys later. We’re going to head to our seats.” Dane informs us.

With that, they all take seats at the table next to us.

The wait staff is bringing salads out for everyone. Heather nods at Adriana and they both get up and walk to the stage.

The band stops when they finish whatever instrumental song they were playing. Together, the girls walk on stage. The spotlight is on them when they step up to the mic.

I’m man enough to admit that I’m jealous that every guy here can see her in that sexy ass dress and I’m not next to her for them to know she is with me. And yes, I know everyone saw us come in together, but still.

“Hello! How are we doing tonight?” Heather asks the crowd.

Everyone bursts out in applause.

“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Heather Evans. I’m the head of the foundation. Next to me is my right-hand woman, Adriana Johnson.”

More applause from everyone.

“My husband plays for the Grizzlies. You all might know him. Tyler Evans.” Heather stops because of course, there is even more applause for my big brother.

“Well, this is our first Annual Gala. I know we have been very secretive about the name, but we wanted to wait for tonight to tell you all about it.” Heather concludes.

“Do we want to hear the name or what the foundation you will be supporting is doing in the community first?” Adriana asks.

Everyone is shouting their answer. I don’t know how the girls are going to pick. Although I’m sure the two of them already picked how this is going down.

“Wow, you guys are amazing! I didn’t expect that many responses. Well, let’s talk about what the foundation will do first. The name might make more sense that way. Heather, take it away.” Adriana hands off.

“Thank you Adriana. Well, the foundation will help to provide after school care and weekend care for children of all ages. Our wonderful players have also agreed to hold baseball and softball clinics for the kids who are interested that attend these programs. During the season, we will bring the kids to the stadium one weekend a month to catch a baseball game,” Heather informs the crowd.

Heather sounds so passionate about this. I’m excited to lend a hand at the clinics for the kids and for them to come out to the stadium.

“Heather, you forgot what else the foundation will be doing.” Adriana says to Heather.

“What’s that?” Heather asks.

“Well, we arranged a car service for the players tonight, but what they didn’t know is that everyone in attendance tonight also received a car service. That doesn’t end tonight either, but more to come on that.” Adriana tells the crowd.

“That’s right! How could I forget that?” Heather asks.

We all chuckle. These two planned everything down to a t.

“So, ready for the name?” Adriana asks.

“Welcome to the first annual Grizzlies Care Foundation Gala.” The two of them say together.

The ladies receive a standing ovation. Ty and I are whistling, and so are a few of the other guys.

“Thank you, thank you. Off to the left side, we have all of our amazing silent auction items. Don’t forget to place your bids. All the proceeds from tonight will allow us to find a building to run the foundation and the care for children. We will hire staff and get all our permits,” Heather informs everyone.

“Oh, and one more thing. I’d love to introduce everyone to Grover. Grover the Grizzly! The very first mascot for our wonderful New York Grizzlies!” Adriana says excitedly.

A brown grizzly bear with a Grizzlies jersey and hat comes out on stage.

I admit the bear costume is good. The kids are going to go nuts over Grover.

“Grover will come around to say hello and is available for pictures. If you post on social media, please use the hashtags: Grover The Grizzly, Grizzlies Care, and NY Grizzlies. And if you forget, they will be up on the screen behind the band.” Heather advises.

“Back to the free rides that will start tomorrow for anyone here tonight and once we get our families involved, they will get the access to the call center as well. We hope you all have a great night and don’t forget to place those bids! Dinner will be served shortly.” Adriana says.

The ladies and Grover make their way offstage. Our table is the first to take pictures with Grover and then we sit down to eat.

“Do you want another a drink?” I ask Adriana.

“Sure.” she says.

“I’ll be right back.” I tell her, kiss her cheek and get up from the table.

I make my way to the restrooms first and then I head to the bar to grab drinks for Adriana and I.

I sit back down in my seat and place Adriana’s drink in front of her.

“You okay?” she asks.

“Yeah, I’m good. You?”

“Yes, I’m good. Actually, I’m great.” She says and lands a kiss on my lips.

“Good. Let’s go have a dance and then look over the silent auction items after we eat.” I suggest.

It doesn’t take long for us to finish. The band is gearing up to play another set. The timing is perfect.

“Ready to go get out on the floor?” I ask her.

She puts her hand in mine, smiles, and nods. We dance for a few songs before going over to the area with the auction items.

“So, which ones would you bid on?” I ask her.

“The week in London. It is the number one place I want to visit. Or the trip to Ireland because that’s number two on the list.” She tells me.

Learning new things about Adriana has become one of my new favorite things in life. I want to give her the world and I will. I placed bids on both items. Her number one is London, so I go bigger on the trip.

We make our way back to our table and see it’s just Heather and Ty there.

“How’s it going, boss lady?” Adriana asks Heather.

“Good. How about you two?” Heather asks us.

“We’re good.” Adriana says, smiling at me.

“A, will you run to the bathroom with me?” Heather asks.

“Of course. I’ll be right back,” she tells me.

Ty moves over to the seat Adriana just vacated.

“How you doing, little brother?” he asks.

“I’m good. Tonight’s been a good night. You?” I respond.

“I’m fucking awesome, as always. Those two did a fantastic job,” he states.

“They sure did.” I agree.

“How’s Adriana doing after the other day?” Ty inquires.

“So far, okay. The way she talked to Toby earlier made me proud.” I tell him.

“I was proud like a big brother too,” he says with a waggle of his eyes.

“Shut up.” I say.

“Like you’re not already thinking that far ahead.” he says.

“I’m not saying I’m not and I’m not saying I’m. We are still settling into our relationship.” I tell him.

“You two look happy,” he responds.

“I know I am. I’m pretty sure she is too.” I confirm.

“Here they come.” He nods to where the ladies are walking back towards us.

Looking at Adriana, my heart just feels so full. Her smile brings a smile to my face. I was worried about her after the note and flowers that were left on her car. I know we will talk about her conversation with Toby earlier tonight on the way home.

“Hey, Casanova.” Adriana says with a gleam in her eyes as she sits back down.

“Hey, Sugar.” I greet and nip at her ear.

She shivers.

“Want to head home?” she asks with desire in her eyes.

“Whenever you’re ready and can, babe. Are we waiting for Heather and Ty, too?”

“They’re staying to wrap up the event. She told me the car will come back to get them,” she tells me.

“Okay. Well, whenever you want to head home, we can go.” I repeat.

“Let’s say our goodbye’s.” She informs me.

What did those two talk about in the bathroom? Adriana seems like she can’t wait to leave now. Did she run into Toby again? Is that why she wants to leave so quickly?

We start with Heather and Ty, since they’re here at the table with us. We take about twenty minutes to say goodbye to everyone we know and another ten waiting for the car to pull up that is taking us home.

Once inside the vehicle, Adriana is laying her head on my shoulder.

“Did you have fun tonight?” I ask her.

“Mmmhmm. Did you?” she responds and places a kiss on my neck.

“I did. But then again, anytime with you is always fun.” I tell her.

“Casanova.” she states.

I chuckle at her response.

“You believe Toby?” I inquire.

“I don’t know. He had to have lied to me about a bunch of things, so I know it’s possible. At least we know how long he’s here for and to be on guard.” She tells me.

“I’m glad you’re staying with me while he’s in town.”

“Me too. Now enough about Toby.” she responds.

She lifts her head and presses her lips to mine. Just as I swipe my tongue across her lips, the car stops and we’ve arrive home.