Page 54 of Stealing Home

“How long I’m here doesn’t matter. My answer from when you called me hasn’t changed. We aren’t getting coffee and we aren’t talking. I’m not interested in what you have to say.” tell him while staying with a firm tone.

“Adriana, I just want to talk. I miss you. Did our time together not mean anything to you?”

“Are you fucking kid-” I go to say ready to lose it, but Ty cuts me off as Cole grabs my hips from behind to keep me in place. Or to stop himself from hurting Toby.

“Listen, get a fucking clue. She wants nothing to do with you. And I know she’s told you this before. What was the point of coming over here?” Ty says.

Ty speaking up for me just solidified that I found my people. He looks pissed and I can tell that he is intervening, so Cole doesn’t. Cole looks like he is ready to rip Toby into shreds. The rest of the team notices something is going on in our area and they’re all making their way to be closer.

“Who are you? Are you dating him Adriana? I never took you for dating a dumb jock.” Toby says bravely.

“Yeah, you’re not going to insult someone you don’t even know. That’s my husband. Adriana is my best friend. I’ve heard about you, though. How you cheated on our girl here and it took two women to replace her. You are a dumbass for losing the best thing in your life.” Heather has entered the chat.

“I don’t know any of you and I don’t want to either. Adriana is who I want to talk to.” Toby retorts.

“You can try to talk to her but you have to go through all of us.” King says from behind Toby.

“Holy shit! You’re King Owens! Wait, Adriana, you know him? How?” Toby asks, starstruck.

“She does, but it’s not your business.” Cole answers for me.

“Toby, I think you need to just leave.” I tell him.

“Wait, this is like the whole Grizzlies team. Are you living in New York now?” he questions.

“Toby, it’s time to go. You are no longer welcome here in this establishment. You are disrupting business.” Shay tells him.

I don’t know when she came over, but that’s not surprising since there are a bunch of tall ass guys around us.

“Are you kidding me? I come here all the time and you are going to tell me to leave? Why not them?” Toby is losing his shit.

“They aren’t the ones making a scene. You could have just said hello but no, you just keep going.” Shay responds.

“Fuck this. I’ll leave. Adriana, you will hear me out one way or another.” Toby says. He turns and pushes his way to the door. He looks back, shakes his head, then leaves.

“Thank you Shay. I appreciate you so much!” I tell her as I hug her.

“Love you too, girl! He’s been in here at least once a week and he keeps asking the regulars if they’ve spoken with you. I’m just glad that everyone’s always told him to kick rocks. He seems unhinged.” Shay tells me about Toby. “I’m bringing another round over. Oh, and I love your shirt!”

“You are the best Shay!” I reply to her.

Cole comes over to me, and I reach out to hug him. I was not expecting Toby tonight. To see the team have my back has me feeling overwhelmed with emotions. I have to address them because we are supposed to be having silly fun and I refuse to let small dick Toby ruin that for us.

“Guys, thank you for having my back. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like I belong somewhere but you all just showed me I have people in my life that care. It means the world to me. Now, let’s get back to having some silly fun. We are not letting that douchebag ruin it! Who’s singing next?”

“I think I can speak for everyone but you are a part of the Grizzlies family A. We will always have your back.” Ty tells me and all the guys are shaking their heads in agreement.

I’m smiling and ready to turn this night around. Shay comes over with another round of drinks and gives me one more hug. The host of the night gets on the stage to bring up the next performer.

“We have a treat for you guys tonight! Our next singer is King!” he announces.

King smiles at me and walks to the stage.

“A, your shirt inspired me, but now it’s just to turn the night around.” King says into the mic.

He knows who is on my shirt! King is too funny and surprising. I know it might seem like he’s flirting, but I think he just puts that persona on. He’s actually been a great friend fromafar. The music starts and man is he good because he didn’t even go with the song that most people will go to from the movie. He went with my favorite.

Cole puts his arm around my shoulder and gives me a hug from the side.

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