Page 180 of Fielder's Choice

“Well, I say we toast,” Lucia states. “Do you need a drink, Ella?”

“Why not?” Ella says softly. “I could use a drink right now.”

We can all tell by the tone of her voice exactly what that means.

“Still no luck?” I ask gently.

“No.” She shakes her head.

Rory pulls her in for a hug. “It’ll happen, Ell.”

“I know,” Ella breathes. “It’s just hard waiting.”

“But you do get to have a lot of sex in the meantime,” Lucia teases.

“Of course, that’s what you’d be thinking about,” Ella laughs.

“Yeah, I’m thinking about it,” Lucia says emphatically. “I haven’t been laid since my fucking ex stuck his dick in someone else.”

Harlow looks at her in surprise. “Not at all?”

Lucia sighs. “Nope. We’ve been busy with this season, and I haven’t really wanted to get back on any of the dating apps. I’m stressed enough as it is.”

“Everything okay?” I question.

“My landlord gave me notice recently that he’s raising my rent.Significantlyraising my rent. I make good money but not live-solo-in-a-nice-apartment-in-Chelsea-when-my-landlord-decides-I-should-pay-more kind of money. My lease is up in the middle of December, and I haven’t figured out what to do.”

“We all have extra rooms. Stay with one of us,” Harlow suggests.

Lucia gives her a soft smile. “I appreciate the offer, Lo, but you’re all in relationships. My single ass has no desire to listen to everyone else get fucked when I’m not.”

Rory looks at her mischievously. “Ari is single, and he has an extra room.”

Lucia practically chokes on her wine. “I’d rather gauge my eyes out than live with Ari fucking Morgan. Especially when I need to focus next season on getting that Head Trainer position over Logan when Dave leaves.” She lets out a breath. “I’ve still got a couple months before my lease is up. I’ll figure something out.”

Lane appears now, draping his arm over my shoulders. “Mind if I steal my girl?”

“She’s all yours,” Ella says, gesturing over to me.

Lane takes my hand and leads me out onto the balcony. The cool fall breeze feels incredible right now.

“What’s up, Lane?” I ask.

“Just wanted a moment alone with you,” he smiles. “Today has been amazing, Liv.”

“I’m so glad,” I grin, nuzzling against him and wrapping my arms around his waist. “You deserve to have a great birthday.”

Lane kisses me gently. “Best birthday I’ve had. Woke up with you beside me,andyou’re going to adopt our daughter. It’s been fucking perfect.”

“You have no idea how grateful I am that I made myself go up and talk to you that day in Urban Grind last year.”

He chuckles. “If you didn’t talk to me then, I can promise you I would have just annoyed the hell out of you at Sage’s lesson the next day. There’s no chance we wouldn’t end up right where we are now.”

“Luna would say the universe was pushing us together,” I say lightly.

“Thank fuck for the universe then.”

Lane leans down and captures my lips, kissing me passionately. I know our friends are watching through the windows, but I don’t care. They know how happy we are, and I don’t mind showing that off.

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