“We will.” She nods.
Beck tosses a hand up as he’s pulling Jensen to his truck. “Night, Mia.”
“Night, guys,” I holler back before closing and locking the door, then leaning back against it. I let out a proud sigh as I take in my restaurant.
The varying chandeliers hanging down from the ceiling, arched sections of the back wall hold a beautiful display of wine bottles, and our merlot-red tile floors. This place makes me so happy, and now it’s all mine. Mine to take care of and grow.
Reaching for my phone, I take a quick picture, hoping to timestamp this feeling. Not to mention look back on as my very first day as owner and see how it’s changed over the years to come.
A notification catches my eye before I lock my phone.
Unknown number
Hey, it’s Adam. Sorry I kept you over today. I had a nice time talking to you.
Thank goodness I didn’t see this when Jensen was here, that cheesy smile I had this morning from him is back. This definitely solidifies the teddy bear comparison.
Not expecting a response, I type out a reply anyway and hit send.
That message just cost you a hundred dollars, All-star.
Sliding my phone back in my pocket, I make it behind the bar before I feel it vibrate.
Money well spent.
Chapter 3
Adam
So what if I make the Jell-O shots? What would happen then?
Mia
Tell you what, I’ll take one if you make them all with Smirnoff.
Oof, that’s brutal. But I think I could push through.
Your tab is racking up, All-star. Do you really think Jell-O shots are worthy texts?
Adam: You’re responding, so obviously.
Such a teddy bear response.
Reading Mia’s text, I let out a soft chuckle. I can’t say I understand this “teddy bear” comparison, but she seems to like it so who am I to question her?
I don’t really know what clicked during our meeting yesterday, but damn, it was fun. I hadn’t realized we had been talking that long until she checked the time on her phone. I wasnearly late for our preseason meeting because of it. And that never fucking happens.
When she started talking about her grandparents, she just got this look on her face. It was so full of love and passion that I want to recall that moment perfectly for the rest of my life the same way she seemed to be doing.
It was only one conversation, but it was enough to make me want another. Texting her like some teenager probably isn’t my best move, but hell, I want to talk to her again—maybe see if it could go somewhere.
“Hey, you mind staying back and catching a few more throws for me and Dex?” Will asks, coming up next to me in our locker room.
Tossing my phone back in my bag, I trade it for my glove. “Yeah, I can. You guys remember we still have game night at Beck and Jensen’s, right?”
“Yeah, we remember,” Dex grumbles. “Next time, Luce and I get to pick what we do, and it’s going to be a very calm, relaxing night out with no games.”
“Oh, come on, Dex, you’re what? Two years older than me? You’re not dead.”
