Page 36 of Faking it With the Player Next Door

Chapter Fourteen

Van

Istared at my phone, thumb hovering over Taylor’s name on my contact list. I’d lost count of how many times I’d almost called her over the past few days. With a frustrated sigh, I tossed the phone onto my couch and ran a hand through my hair.

The sound of a car pulling up next door caught my attention. I moved to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Taylor. Instead, I saw Travis, and my jaw clenched at the sight of Taylor’s ex-fiancé heading towards her house. What was he doing here? Again?

Another car rounded the corner as if the universe was conspiring against me; I recognized it immediately, Ellie’s sleek sports rental. I groaned inwardly as she parked and stepped out, looking like she’d just walked off a magazine cover.

“Perfect,” I muttered to myself. “Just perfect.”

I’d been trying to focus on my new project - a foundation to help underprivileged kids get into baseball. Still, between Taylor’s sudden distance, Travis’ appearance, and Ellie’s constant presence, I was finding it hard to concentrate on anything.

Before I could retreat from the window, Ellie spotted me and waved. I forced a smile and waved back, knowing there was no avoiding her now. Sure enough, moments later, my doorbell rang.

I took a deep breath before opening the door. “Hey, Ellie,” I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

“Van!” she exclaimed, flashing her million-dollar smile. “I was hoping to catch you.” Without waiting for an invitation, she breezed past me into the living room.

I closed the door, steeling myself for whatever was coming. Ellie and I had history, sure, but that was a long time ago. Her constant pop-ins were becoming more of a nuisance than anything else.

“So,” Ellie said, perching herself on the arm of my couch, “I was thinking about your baseball foundation. Have you considered bringing in some celebrity endorsements? I have connections, you know. I could make some calls...”

I sighed, leaning against the wall. “Ellie, that’s... that’s unnecessary.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t be silly, Van. This could be huge! And think of all the press we could get if we worked on this together.”

The way she emphasized “we” made me uncomfortable. I knew I needed to nip this in the bud.

“Look, Ellie,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “I appreciate the offer. I really do. But this foundation... I want to create it completely from scratch, you know? It’s not aboutcelebrity endorsements or press. It’s about the kids, about giving them opportunities they might not otherwise have.”

Ellie’s smile faltered for a moment before returning full force. “Of course, of course. I just thought... well, with our history, it might be nice to work together again.”

I took a deep breath. It was time to be clear. “Ellie, you’re a great person, and what we had was special then. But that’s in the past. I think it’s best if we just remain friendly acquaintances.”

Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of hurt crossing her face before she masked it with a laugh. “Oh, Van, don’t be so serious! I’m not proposing we get back together or anything.”

But we both knew that wasn’t entirely true. I was gentle, but firm.

“Ellie, I need you to understand. The constant visits, the offers to help... I appreciate the thought, but it needs to stop. I’m at a different place in my life now, and I... well, there’s someone else.”

At that, Ellie’s facade cracked a little. “It’s her, isn’t it? Taylor?”

I nodded, not seeing any point in denying it.

Ellie stood up, smoothing out her dress. “I see. Well, I suppose I should go then.”

“I’m sorry, Ellie. I hope you can understand.”

She paused at the door, giving me a small, sad smile. “I understand, Van. More than you know. I hope she makes you happy.”

With that, she was gone, leaving me feeling a mix of relief and guilt. But I knew it was the right thing to do. I needed to clear the air, to make room for what mattered.

***

I woke up the next day feeling relief that Ellie was finally going back to California and accepting that we were never going to be together again.

Throughout the day, I have been determined to speak to Taylor face-to-face soon. I texted her last night to ask if we could have coffee today, but she turned me down.

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