Page 90 of Winning the Nightcap

The practical part of me knows that neither of us wants to give voice to what’s left unsaid between us, both afraid for different reasons. But I don’t want to think about that, so I do what Aiden asks. I stop overthinking it. He wants me with them, and I want to be with them. For today, that’s enough.

* * *

Abby:Since when are the Aviators an official New Hope sponsor?!

Bec:I can barely believe it myself. Aiden and his teammates pitched it. I had no idea, but Tonya was all too excited to jump on board.

Dee:If that team asked me to jump on board, I’d be willing too.

Ellie:I’m starting a new album in my phone to store all these shots of Bec, Aiden, and Hopper together at the game. The media is eating this shit up.

Carissa:Seriously, Bec your face is everywhere. How does it feel to be Aiden’s hot mystery girl?

Bec:Ugh, embarrassing. Why does everyone care?

Abby:Probably because he’s been keeping his personal life private until now. The last article I read said he barely shares anything online.

Dee:Congrats, gorgeous! You popped his publicity cherry!

Bec:Dee, you need help.

Chapter Fifty-Three

Aiden

Dom:Hey, man, cool pic. Hopper is obviously the star, but you and Bec look nice too.

Aiden:Thanks, I guess?

Dylan:Yeah, really cool. But what does this mean?

Aiden:What the fuck are you talking about?

Jake:What’s going on with you and Bec? Last we hear, you’re botching a weekend getaway, now you’re taking your relationship public?

Chris:Is it a botched getaway when they left with official boyfriend/girlfriend status?

Jake:Babe, be on my side.

Chris:I’m always on your side. I’m literally sitting right next to you. But clearly that weekend was a win, and Aiden’s got the photos from yesterday’s game to prove it.

Dylan:Okay, but Jake has a point. How serious are you two?

Aiden:Do we have to do this?

Dom:Yes, we’re doing this. You get to ignore the media’s questions but not ours. Do you love her? If you love her and hurt her, Ellie is going to kill you.

Aiden:Why does everyone assume I’m going to fuck this up?

Dom:I swear I don’t think that, but have you seen Ellie mad? You don’t want to, I promise.

Aiden:I think I can handle it. Besides, it won’t come to that.

Dom:Godspeed, man.

* * *

Another few away games combined with Bec’s work schedule has left us without any real time to talk. A string of texts is all we’ve been able to fit in for the last few days. I don’t regret having Bec join Hopper and me on the field at the game. In fact, having her there with me felt right. It was the first time I didn’t hesitate to let the world see a piece of my life outside of baseball. I wanted everyone to see how happy I am and the person responsible for that happiness. But now, I’m worried about what all the media attention has made Bec think. I’ve had to convince her not to overthink the slow steps we’ve made forward in our relationship, and I don’t want her to worry about what this all means.

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