Page 98 of Stepping Up to the Plate

“I should’ve known the Italian would be able to sniff it out. I hope you’re hungry because I over ordered,” he replies. When he glances around the room, he can tell I’ve started packing up my things.

“You don’t have to go, Lo. I know I leave for an away series Tuesday, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you want. Hell, ditch Tennessee and stay forever.” His eyebrows raise as he makes his suggestion.

“I think one move for a fresh start is enough. Besides, I like Nashville. You’d like it, too, if you gave it a chance,” I remark. He gives me a disbelieving glance.

“And I’m not leaving because you have an away series. It’s time. I can’t hide from my life anymore. I have work commitments and plans with friends I don’t want to back out on. I talked to Brady last night, and we came to an understanding.”

“Which is?” he prompts.

“We’re going to take a break,” I say.

“Oh God, Lola. Was that his idea? Everyone knows breaks are drawn out break ups.”

“It was mine. And they don’t have to be,” I argue. “I need time to learn how to be on my own and rely on myself. He needs to focus on the playoffs. It makes sense for both of us to table our relationship issues instead of splitting our focus. In six weeks, we’re going to decide whether we break permanently or stay together as better versions of ourselves.”

Georgie’s mood dampens a bit at the mention of the playoffs. Back-to-back losses to the Songbirds mean that his team isn’t in contention for the Wild Card game.

“I’m sorry about your season,” I tell him.

“Thanks, Honeybun. It’s okay. The team wasn’t as competitive this year as they could have been. Management made some dumb trades that messed with our mojo. I think it may be time to consider a trade myself.”

“Really? But you’ve been here your entire career.”

“I know, but I want the chance to win, and I don’t see that happening here. Maybe I can get on to the Huskers and be closer to my family.”

“Maybe you get traded to Nashville and be closer to me!” I suggest enthusiastically.

“Don’t get your hopes up,” he deadpans.

“No matter where you go, I’ll always root for you, Georgie.”

He gives me a genuine smile. “Thank you. And no matter where I go, there will always be a room for you to hide in.”

On Tuesday, Georgie and I ride to the airport together. He promises to come visit once the season is over, and I promise to keep him updated on everything with me. He says he can throw harder next time if I need him to.

* * *

One of the things that hit me most when I returned to Nashville last night was how at home I felt. This may have been the place I escaped to after my marriage fell apart, but coming back is right. I belong here more than I ever did in St. Louis. Does it help that my cousin and bestie are here? Probably.

Tiffany ambushed me the second I walked in the door and all but took me to the ground. She immediately called Carina, and we spent the evening with the world’s most loyal men – Ben & Jerry – eating our weight in pizza and watching 2000s rom-coms. It was exactly the reset I needed.

Waking up this morning, I feel refreshed. Even though I miss Brady and it’s weird not sleeping in his arms, I know I made the right decision. I let myself slip into his world too seamlessly. I need to shore up the footings of my own. It also helps that I woke up to a text from the man in question. I breathe a sigh of relief that he hasn’t changed his mind about us.

9:06 AM

Brady

Almost managed to get a row by myself on the plane. Then Kent sat down. Did you know he talks in his sleep? He’s dreaming about the Pillsbury Dough Boy and it does not seem platonic.

Me

Wow. There is a lot to unpack there.

As much as I would love to spend all day in the comfort of my bed, I came back to Nashville to stop hiding and get on with my life. I pull myself out of my bed and head into the kitchen to make myself coffee. When I go to pull out my syrup, I notice it’s getting low. I’ll need to order more soon. I only have a small amount of lavender left. Maybe I should see what fall flavors there are now that we are almost into October.

While sipping my coffee, I open up my handy dandy notebook. This moment is reminiscent of my first days here. Reading over my old list, I see I only added a few more steps after my initial night of planning.

Step 1: Makeover

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