Page 7 of Worth the Fall

Before I can respond, I hear Becca gasp so loud it echoes around us. I’m convinced Beyoncé must have just stepped onto the court, but when I look up, Austin grabs Taylor and kisses her, apparently deciding that was the best way to end their argument. Everyone's attention shifts to their sudden display of affection, giving me a moment to catch my breath.

"Well," Miguel says, helping me to my feet with a steadiness that makes me want to swoon again, only deliberately this time. His hand settles against my lower back. "That's one way to resolve a dispute."

"Definitely not covered in law school; otherwise, I would have been using that trick a long time ago," I agree, then immediately want to kick myself.Way to go, Mia. Lead with the legal humor. Very sexy.

But he laughs anyway, his eyes crinkling in that way that makes my stomach flip. "Listen, you should really put some ice on that. Let me?—"

"Mia!" Becca calls out, finally breaking away from where Austin and Taylor are still locked in each other’s embrace. "Oh my God, are you okay? We should get you home."

And just like that, the moment is ruined. Miguel steps back, and I immediately miss his steadying presence. Who knew getting hit in the face with a pickleball could be both the most embarrassing and most electric moment of my year?

Ugh, maybe I should spend more time with my b.o.b and reestablish some intimacy in my life so I’m not ready to pounce on a total stranger for merely helping me through a crisis.

"I’m fine, I promise," I insist, not ready to end the pickleball date… even if I didn’t get to actually play.

"I am SO sorry about all of this. Are you okay?" Taylor says with genuine concern on her face as she approaches me. "I did not know he was going to kiss me?—"

"It’s okay." I laugh, knowing how confused she must be that Austin just kissed the ever-loving hell out of her in front of me—a woman she knows he’s gone on a date with. "I’m sure he told you we were just friends and you didn’t believe him?"

"Wait." Her brow furrows. "But you dated?—"

"One date," I clarify. "We really are just friends. I’m going to leave it at that because I think it will make sense someday but I’m not sure if it will right now. But you’re not stepping on my toes by kissing him, I promise." I’m sure I’ve only confused her even further, which is evident by the look on her face, but it’s not my place to tell her how Austin feels about her. I know he’ll eventually pull his head out of his ass and explain it all to her—at least I hope he does before he completely ruins everything.

"Okaaaay," she says slowly before turning to Miguel. "Miguel, that was super unprofessional of us?—"

He holds up his hands and shakes his head as if to say don’t worry about it, no explanation needed. "Last time I checked, this isn’t the office and it’s the weekend. As far as I’m concerned, you’re both my friends right now, not my bosses."

She nods politely before grabbing her purse and water bottle from the sidelines and practically sprinting toward the parking lot.

"Taylor. Taylor, wait!" Austin shouts after her, tossing his racket to the side and following after her.

"I think it’s safe to say the game is probably over now."

"I think that’s probably accurate," Miguel says as we both watch Austin and Taylor disappear through the cars.

"You want to head into the clubhouse and get that ice?" He thumbs over his shoulder. "Maybe a Bloody Mary to take the sting away?"

"Thanks." I smile apologetically. "But I should probably get home, get some Advil in me."

"Yeah." He shakes his head. "You’re right. I’m sorry. That was stupid."

"No, I—I would have said yes." My cheeks flush with warmth. "It really was great meeting you and thanks again for the first aid." I gesture toward my now swollen eye. I’m scared to look at myself in the mirror, knowing full well the embarrassment I’ll feel will be diabolical.

"Hey, we’ll give you a ride home." Becca steps up next to me. "I’ve got some arnica cream at my place. When we get back, I’ll bring it over."

"Thank you." I smile sheepishly, glancing back toward Miguel for a brief second.

"Oh, shit. Sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt."

"You didn’t; we were just saying goodbye." I turn back toward Miguel. "Anyway,, like I said, thanks again for the assistance. It is appreciated."

"Of course." He takes a step closer. "It’s the least I could do." We’re both standing there, staring at each other for a few seconds. "Hey, why don’t I—" Becca’s voice interrupts us again, cutting Miguel off.

"We should really get going. That eye looks worse by the second." Becca gestures toward my face.

"Right, nice meeting you—again. Feel better," he says as we start walking toward Becca’s car.

"Okay," I say with a wave before turning and walking away.

---