Page 18 of Stealing Home

“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 shetried 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.

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