Page 137 of Fielder's Choice

“Not enough women down here?” I tease. Ari shared a room with Josh during Spring Training, and according to Josh, Ari spent at least half of his nights in someone else’s bed.

“Just miss the city,” he sighs. “A hell of a lot more to do back in New York.”

“And plenty more women for you to fuck,” I laugh, resting my hands on the back of my head and leaning back in my seat.

“I like sex. Sue me.”

“I really don’t miss those days,” I shake my head.

“You don’t?” Ari looks at me in surprise.

“Not at all. I thought I would eventually, but I hate the idea of sleeping around anymore. Gave it up when Alicia told me she was pregnant and haven’t wanted to since.”

“And now you have Liv,” he says. “And you’re head over fucking heels for her.”

I shrug. “Why wouldn’t I be? She’s fucking incredible.”

“She’s always seemed nice to me. She’s cute, too.”

I level him with a look. “My girlfriend is cute?”

Ari laughs heartily. “Relax, man. She’s not my type.”

“I thought your type was just female,” I chuckle.

He rolls his eyes at me. “Fuck off. I like someone open about what they want that doesn’t really hold back.”

“So,” I raise my eyebrow, “someone like Lucia?”

“Fucking Christ,” he chides, throwing his head back. “I’mnotinterested in Lucia. And she has a boyfriend.”

“She has a Matt,” I state emphatically.

“And Matt is her boyfriend. Doesn’t matter if we don’t like him; she does.”

“You know, you two seem to argue more often when Matt is around.”

“Because Matt is a prick, and she knows I think he’s a prick. But goddamn. I know I don’t like her, but I would love for her to not get on my shit every fucking time she sees me.”

“In her defense, you piss her off right back.” I turn in my seat to face him. “I know by now neither of you are going to tell us what happened, but Lucia is a good person. I hope she’ll show you that side one day.”

“That would be great,” Ari sighs. “It’s not like Ienjoyarguing with her. I’m open to being amicable if she can stop coming at me.”

Ari fixes the rimmed glasses perched on his nose and reaches into his bag, coming back out with his Kindle.

“Romance novel?” I raise my eyebrow.

“Hockey romance. Figured I could learn about the sport.”

“You learn more bywatchinghockey, Ari,” I laugh.

“Or I can learn some here and read about the first female NHL player who definitely won’t be falling for her teammate and captain,” he chuckles.

“You do you, man,” I lean back and pull my hood over my eyes. “I’m just gonna sleep until we land.”

I practically sprint through my building’s lobby as I head to my private elevator, and I can hardly stay still the entire ascent to my penthouse.

I haven’t seen my girls since the middle of last month, and I miss them both like fucking crazy. Olive picked Sage up from Rory’s this afternoon, and they’re both waiting for me inside.

---