“My head isn’t in my ass,” Mitch said defensively. “But yes. I’m finally ready.”
“I should tell you that we know what happened between you two before your trade,” Brent said.
Mitch stared at Brent, stunned. After a year, Lexiefinallytold Berkley? Why now?
“I didn’t fight for her hard enough,” he said quietly.
“Look,” Brent said, “I’ve been there. When Berkley told me we were done, I should’ve stayed there and begged her to reconsider. Instead, I left, and we lost two weeks of time together.”
“Brent, I appreciate the sentiment and all, but Lexie and I lost an entire year. It’s not the same.”
“Itisthe same,” Brent insisted. “Unfortunately for us, we’ve chosen two of the most stubborn and independent women on the planet.” Cole snorted, and Brent glared at him. “When they dig their feet in about something, there’s nothing you can say or do at the moment that’s going to change their minds. All I’m saying is you two need to sit down and have a conversation.”
“That’s not the worst idea, Jean,” Mitch told him.
“But what makes you think she wants anything to do with you anyway?” Cole asked.
Mitch looked at Brent, who was no longer looking at them, but down at the table, wringing his hands in front of him. Mitch’s hackles rose. Brent knew something, and Mitch was going to find out what.
“You tell me, Jean,” he said, and Brent’s gaze snapped up to him. “Something happened, didn’t it?”
Brent heaved a world-weary sigh. “I’ve been sworn to secrecy, but because I love you both and genuinely think you’re made for each other, I’m going to tell you. Berkley spent the last couple days at her apartment. Apparently, she spiraled on the anniversary of your trade.”
Mitch experienced a bubble of joy in his chest that quickly popped. She was clearly not over him, which was a good sign, but he had hurt her badly, which was the last thing he ever wanted.
“Okay, so she’s definitely still into you,” Cole said. “What are you going to do? You should plan a romantic dinner at the loft or something.”
“I considered that,” Mitch said, “but ultimately decided that she wouldn’t show up. I think I’m just going to show up at her condo and beg her to forgive me. Bring her flowers. Keep it low key, but show her I miss her and I fucked up.”
“It’s a bit on the small side in terms of grand gestures,” Brent said, “but I like it. I’m proud of you for finally fighting for her. It’s about fucking time.”
“There’s only one problem.”
“What’s that?” Cole asked.
“I don’t know where she lives. I showed up at her building last week and there was some middle-aged couple living in her condo. I don’t suppose either of you two know where she moved to?” He asked, gaze zeroing in on Brent.
“Goddamnit,” Brent said. “Berk is going to kill me. I’ll give you her new address if you promise me you’ll lie and say you used your real estate connections to get it.”
“Deal,” Mitch said.
Mitch didn’t want to make any rash decisions in the heat of the moment, so he waited a few days before going to Lexie's.
Actually, he waited nearly a week, choosing to make his move when the Warriors were up in Toronto for games three and four of the opening round of the playoffs. They’d split at home, winning game one handedly but dropping game two in overtime. Mitch wanted to travel with them, but unfortunately, his back had other ideas.
Thus, with the team out of town—and all of his friends with it—he decided tonight was the night.
But first, he had a phone call to make.
“Berk,” he said when she answered.
“Mitchell,” she replied, and he smiled.
“I need a favor.”
“Okay…” she said, suspicious. That attorney's mind of hers was probably working overtime, wondering what he could possibly need in the middle of the day on a Tuesday.
“I need you to make sure Lexie is at home this evening. Around…six, let’s say.”
