Page 30 of Stepping Up to the Plate

When I pull away we are both breathless. “Come on, doll, let’s get you home. You can nap off the rest of that hangover.”

ChapterSixteen

• LOLA •

True to his word, Miller starts pursuing me. Slowly. Glacial was definitely the right description for it. Despite that, or maybe because of it, I’ve found myself drawn more and more to him. He’s got this quiet confidence and strength about him. He’s self assured. It's almost as if I can soak up some of his confidence simply being in his presence.

Not that I’ve been around him much. In the two and a half weeks since our talk, I’ve only seen him a handful of times, thanks to a Songbirds’ road trip. The distance hasn’t kept him from showing up where it counts, though. Every morning I wake up to a text from him telling me to have a good day and asking what I’m up to. Most nights, he’s called me to talk about our days and whatever random topics come up.

His attention to detail astounds me. Not only does he ask about the things we texted about, but he also remembers things we discussed days prior and asks about that, too. Phil didn’t even ask how something was while I was doing it, let alone remember something I told him about days before.

His thoughtfulness went even further than words, though. He is a man of action. He sent me gifts to let me know he was thinking of me. The day after our conversation at the park, I received a beautiful bouquet and brand-new vase to replace the one I may or may not have puked in. When he discovered I loved unique coffee flavors, I woke up to an iced latte and a selection of mini syrups delivered to my door.

His presence in my life has provided a consistency and steadiness I didn’t realize I was missing. With Phil, I was constantly wondering what version of him I would get. With Miller, it’s always the same. Whether his day was good or bad, he treats me the same and that is the most unexpected gift.

Tonight is the first time I’m going to see him in almost a week. I’m rushing around town trying to get everything done for work and the blog before he gets back. As I’m leaving my workout class, the sky opens up and a summer thunderstorm rolls in.

“Lola, wait!” Charlie shouts. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay driving home in this? I know you said it was a little hard to see in your car the last time it rained. You might need new windshield wipers. "

“I’ll be fine,” I dismiss. “It’s only a five-minute drive.”

It ends up being much harder to see than I expected, which has me fiddling with the defroster to clear up my windshield as much as I can. By the time I pull into the parking garage, I’ve all but given up. I’m surprised when I see a familiar truck pulling into a spot a few down from me.

“Hi!” I say excitedly, jumping out of my car. It only takes a few strides before Miller is to me and has me wrapped up in a hug with a chaste kiss on the lips.

“Hey, sweet girl. Fancy meeting you here.”

“You’re home sooner than expected,” I observe.

“Yeah, with the storm brewing, management decided we should leave early to beat it. What’s with your car? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say two teenagers were making out in the back and steaming up the windows.”

“Ha, wouldn’t that be awkward?” I reply. “It was kinda hard to see on the drive over. I was playing with the defrost setting, trying to clear up the windshield.”

He walks over to my car and inspects it before turning back to me. “Your wiper blades are worn down, baby. You need new ones. When was the last time you replaced them?”

“Charlie mentioned that might be the case, too.” I notice his jaw tighten as I continue my answer. “Um… is that something that happens when you get your oil changed?”

“No, it’s not,” he says with a slight shake of his head. “I’m gonna take that as you don’t know.”

Avoiding his eyes, I toe the ground as I admit, “I’ve never handle car stuff. My dad always did that for me and then, ya know, Phil.”

“Right,” I hear him reply. Gentle fingers touch my chin and bring my eyes up to his. “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll take care of it for you.”

“You don’t have to do that! I’m sure I can figure it out. I’ll take it to the shop next week.”

“It’s supposed to rain for the next several days. I can’t have you driving around with bad wipers. It’s not safe. Don’t worry. I’ll have you fixed up before our date tonight,” he declares as he guides me inside.

“Wait, are you sure? I can handle it. I’m a big girl.”

“You are, but you already admitted you’ve never handled car stuff before. I’d feel better if you’d let me do it. That way I’ll know that it’s done right and timely. Call it one of those protective things.”

“Okay,” I breathe. “If you’re sure.”

“I’m sure,” he says with an expression so earnest I can’t help but give him whatever he wants.

* * *

A few hours later, I head down to Miller’s condo where he has dinner waiting. We had plans to go out, but with the storm still raging outside and his long away trip, a night in sounded like the better choice.

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