Page 81 of Stepping Up to the Plate

"Good morning, Honeybun. I was worried you would answer from bed with your caveman. I'm glad I don't have to see his naked ass this early in the morning."

That garners an eye roll. "As opposed to other times of day? You two are going to have to get past this grudge. You are both important to me and in my life for the long run. Don't make me call Mama."

George gasps. "You would never!"

"Try me," I sass.

"Wow, I don't know what happened to my timid little Bunny, but I can't say I hate this confident side. You're back to your old self."

"No, I'm an entirely new self. The old Lola would die seeing my life today. This version of me is full of gratitude and happiness, and I want to stay that way."

"I'm proud of you," he praises.

"Me too."

"I guess this means things are good between you and Miller? Are you sure you aren't jumping into something too soon? You're welcome to stay with me if you need to slow things down."

"Don't be dramatic," I chide. "You should be glad I’m with a guy who treats me the way I deserve. We are both deliriously happy and on the same page for what we want in the future."

"Which is?"

"Which is to be together; to have a family. I think this could be it. And I know that is a weird thing to say as someone who recently ended a marriage that she at one point thought would last a lifetime, but things with Brady are much more real and solid."

"It's a little sus for a guy to be that enthusiastic about being tied down, especially one with the options he has."

Georgie’s words feel like a punch in the gut. I'm not ashamed to admit I have moments where I wonder why Brady is with me. He could have any woman he wants – ones who are curvy, kinkier, and with way less baggage. As much as I’ve tried to push it out, my mother’s voice still sneaks into my head. But hearing those same sentiments from my best friend both stings and makes me defensive.

"First of all," I grit out, "not everyone wants to jump from person to person. When you find the right one, wanting them is as natural as breathing. Just because you're incapable of caring about women who haven't known you since you were eight doesn't make it weird.

"Second, it sounds as if you're saying I'm not good enough for a guy like Brady to commit to, which is a shitty thing to say to a friend. I may not be as hot as the models you hook up with, but that isn't the only factor that matters in a relationship. I bring a lot to the table."

At this point, I am fuming. I realize my reaction is a bit oversized, but he hit me right in the soft spot of my insecurities. I may be strong in many ways, but the dissolution of my marriage still left me a little fragile and feeling inadequate.

"Whoa, slow your roll," he urges. "None of that is what I meant. Of course, you're good enough to be with him. In my opinion, you're way too good for him. He'd be a fool not to want you, but most men are foolish. You are far and away better than all the women I date, Lo. Don't even put yourself in the same category."

Seeing my still firm features, he continues, "And you're right. I'm putting my baggage of dealing with clout-hungry users onto your relationship, and that isn't fair. Although, I'll have you know I didn't know Lucia when I was eight, and she's my favorite person in the world."

"She's your niece, and she's four," I deadpan. "She wasn't even alive when you were eight."

"Semantics," he jokes. "But seriously, Lo, I'm sorry. What I said was insensitive. You are the most special woman in the world whose last name is not Rivera. Men should worship the ground you walk on for the chance to be with you. If you are saying Miller does that, then I am happy for you. I'll be on standby to cave in his face should he deserve it in the future, though."

"You know there are over two million Riveras in the world, right? That puts me pretty far back."

"Lola," he says, exasperated. "Are you accepting my apology, or do I need to send you some Garrett Popcorn?"

I snort at his question. "You always need to send me Garrett Popcorn, but yes, I forgive you."

"Good. Let me know if I need to kick his ass."

"If there is anything left after Tiffany gets a hold of him, you'll be next in line," I quip.

He mutters something under his breath, but I don't catch it. “The offer still stands to come visit me. You haven’t come to see me in ages and I miss you. It would be nice to have a female presence around here that isn’t after my money.”

“Who says I’m not after your money?” I sass. “I’ll think about it. I can work remotely, but with how insane the MLB travel schedule can be, I don’t know if you’ll be in Chicago when Brady isn’t in Nashville. The Songbirds play in Chicago next week. Maybe I’ll come up then.”

“Oh goodie, I’ll get to see you and lover boy. My door is always open, Honeybun. Come visit whenever you want. My doorman has your name.”

“Thanks, Georgie. You’re the best.”

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