Page 116 of Fielder's Choice

Olive just came over, took charge, and made one of the worst days of the year so much more bearable.

“Whiskey,” I state, finally answering her question. “Two fingers.”

“Breaking out the heavy stuff tonight,” she teases, trying to lighten the mood.

“Yeah,” I reply, pushing my hands into the pockets of my joggers. “I could use something strong right now.”

Liv grabs the decanter of whiskey and pours my glass before handing it to me and grabbing her own glass of wine. We both walk to the living room and take seats next to each other on the sofa.

“I hope I’ve helped make today easier for you.”

I take a long sip of my whiskey before setting the glass down on the coffee table. “Just seeing your face made it easier,” I say, forcing a small smile. “You being here means everything to me, Liv. I really hope you know that.”

“I know what it’s like to be lost in the darkness,” she says softly. “It can feel suffocating, especially when you’re navigating it on your own.”

“Yeah… it’s so fucking hard.” I rest my head on the back of the sofa and close my eyes. “I really fucking miss them, Liv. They raised me. I still feel so lost sometimes.”

Olive sets her glass of wine on the coffee table and cuddles up next to me, resting her head on my shoulder. “It’s okay to feel that way. I can’t say I understand what you’re going through, but I can say that I understand how you feel.”

“I’m sorry that you still feel lost sometimes,” I say, resting my forehead against hers.

She looks at me, and I catch her eyes, my favorite shade of green glimmering with affection. “I don’t feel so lost anymore, Lane. Not since I met you.”

“Meeting you was the second best thing that’s ever happened to me, Olive. I’m fucking crazy about you.”

“The feeling is mutual,” she breathes.

“Thank you for being here.”

“There isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be.”

I let myself indulge, just for a moment. I wrap my arms around her and pull her closer, kissing her tenderly and just enjoying her presence.

When I woke up this morning, I was dreading having to face the day.

But I get to end it with the woman of my fucking dreams in my arms, and I’ll get to drift off to sleep with her beside me.

Today sucks, but it sucks a little less with Olive here.

forty-two

Olive

“Holyships,youlookhot, Liv!” Lucia yells when I walk into Lane’s penthouse.

“Owive!”

“Hey, sweet girl,” I smile before turning to Lucia. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m watching this little lady tonight. I came to pick her up.”

“It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, though.”

She shrugs. “Matt and I are going out tomorrow night. Besides, Valentine’s Day is actually next weekend.”

“Well, yeah,” I reply. “But you and the guys all leave for Spring Training on Monday.”

“Which is why we’re going out tomorrow,” Lucia laughs. “Hoping for some action finally, too. Aunt Lucia wants to get laid.”

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