Page 73 of West Bound

PHOENIX

“WOW” - Zara Larsson

After a long talk with Luca where I explained to him–in great detail–what happened this afternoon, he agreed with the suspension but also sided with me on the matter.

“Those stronzos would not be eating if they talked about my woman. You are a good man, Phoenix West. But keep your hands clean for the rest of the season, eh. I need my MVP ready to stand on that podium when they present the trophy,” was what he told me.

I apologized, again, for putting the team in a bad way but definitely not for putting those assholes in their place. We hung up with the promise I’d sit in the owner’s box with him at the next home game, which will be my last suspension game.

Once apologies had been made, and laughs were had at the expense of Manny and Rami–yes, even Luca laughed–I headed over to the hotel and packed an overnight bag and drove over to Vivian’s.

She texted me the code to her alarm and told me to erase it from my memory once I was in the house, so I did the opposite and made sure to save the code in my phone. There isn’t much I could do about the key that I needed to get in, but I’m sure I could find a way to convince her to give me a copy.

I decided to pull out all the stops for Vivian and planned a surprise for her. She was warming up to me, that was for sure, but I had a long way to go. With that in mind, I texted Vaughan and asked him to help me out. The guy is a freaking lovesick fool because when I told him what my plan was, he jumped at the chance to help me.

I know I could’ve called Bish, but this seemed like a time to call a guy who had a woman by his side and was doing all that he could to keep her.

I made a list of what I would need and made two stops before going to Viv’s. I didn’t text her when I got there like I told her I would, because I needed time to prepare everything and I couldn’t have her wondering why I was at her house much earlier than I originally planned.

With my overnight bag propped on my shoulder, four overly stuffed grocery bags hanging from the crook of my arm, and my phone in hand to be certain I had the right code, I entered her house and got myself set up.

Having spent a couple nights here already helped in that I didn’t have to wonder where the things that I needed would be. I made myself right at home and got to work. After a couple hours had passed, I texted Vivian.

Me: Got to your house a few minutes ago. I’ll be waiting.

I knew she was still covering the game, so I wasn't expecting her to respond so quickly.

Peaches: Bottom of the eighth. Be done soon.

And a second text immediately following that one.

Peaches: I’m sure you know that. If you’re watching the game. But now that I think about it, I forgot to tell you how to use the tv. You’re smart-ish. I’m sure you can figure it out.

Peaches: I’m rambling. Sorry. See you soon.

Peaches: BTW, Tuck and Philo have been taking care of me. They told me to tell you that.

Peaches: Okay. I’m done. I swear I’m not one of those needy girls who texts all the time.

Peaches: Bye!

I chuckle to myself reading each message and get to putting the finishing touches on her surprise. When she texts that she’s on her way home, I fly around her house, turning off all of her damn lamps, and leave only a trail of tea lights for her to follow.

The door closes and I hear, “oh my gosh. Phoenix?”

“Upstairs,” I shout from my spot as best as I can and wait as she climbs the stairs.

“Wha–” Her voice carries when she steps into her room and sees all of the small candles lighting a path, and bouquets of white lilies scattered around the room.

“In here, sweetheart,” I call out in a very saccharine voice.

She steps into the doorway of the bathroom and practically trips when she sees me.

And here I sit, all six foot four of me, crammed into her small tub full of peach scented bubbles, surrounded by candles, more flowers and a special treat.

“Welcome home, honey. Have a nice night?” I ask with a smile.

“What is all of this?” Her brows are knit tight together as her eyes wander around her small bathroom, taking in the scene.

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