First, I need to talk to Preston. He told me not to worry about him when deciding what was next for me because we would make it work regardless. But, I want to factor him into this decision. This is something that we should at least discuss even if I don’t base my entire decision off what he wants to do.
IVORY
Hey, let me know when you make it to the hotel. I have some news.
My phone rings with an incoming call before I can put it down. “That was fast.”
“You said you had news. I wasn’t going to wait to hear the news. Is it good news?”
“Where are you?”
“We actually just got to the hotel when you texted. I was about to call you anyways.”
“Good timing, then.” I smile even though he can’t see me. I like that we are in sync even after so much time apart. “Good game, by the way.”
Preston finally started at second base tonight in Toronto and they won. Hopefully that means things are turning around between him and dad. Speaking of, I can’t remember the last time I talked to my father. It’s not abnormal to go long periods without talking during the season but it feels extra stilted with his attitude towards Preston.
“Hang on, I want to see your face for this news.” The video call connects and Preston’s freshly showered face fills the screen.
“I think you just wanted to see my face, period.”
“That too.” He offers a cheeky grin to the camera. Grabbing a sports drink and snack from his bag, Preston flops back on the bed with his back against the headboard. “Okay, I’m ready, hit me.”
“I’ve decided what my next move is.”
“That’s great, Hollywood. I’m proud of you.” Preston’s smile is so wide. He doesn’t even know what I’m going to say, yet he is unabashedly supportive and excited to hear it.
“You don’t even know what it is, yet.” I laugh at him.
“Don’t need to. You made a decision that was wholly your own. No one told you what to do. It’s the right move for you. I can be proud of you for that.”
This man. He is so insanely supportive I don’t know how he is real sometimes.
“Well, I don’t know if it is wholly my own. I wanted to talk to you about it first.”
“You don’t need my permission, sign off, approval, or whatever else.”
“I might not need it, but I still want you to give me your opinion. We’re a team, right? Teams make decisions together. I know I’ve made you wait. First to tell you I loved you. And now, with all the secrecy on my next move. I don’t want you to have any doubts that I’m not factoring you into my future.”
“Gah…I didn’t know how much I needed to hear that until just now. Things have been so crazy with the team and the season. Then being away from you and not knowing where your head is at. I love you so much. It’s you and me, Hollywood.” My heart hurts at the vulnerability in his tone and facial expressions. My sweet man has been holding all this in trying to be my rock when he needs one too.
“Me and you.”
“So what did you decide, and what do you need my opinion on?”
“I’ve decided to start my own production company!”
Preston’s mouth drops open for a split second then a blinding smile breaks through. I feel my own smile take over at the clear excitement on Preston’s face.
“Damn, Hollywood. That’s a boss move!”
“It is, but I think I can do it?—”
“I know you can. Don’t doubt yourself. You grew up in that industry. You know how it works. You know what doesn’t work. Those networks are going to wish they took the chance on you when you prove them all wrong.”
This. This is what I needed. There is no better partner than Preston Fields. He shows up and proves it every single day no matter what may be going on in his own life or career.
“How do you always know the right thing to say?”
