“Gabby is right. It will totally be fine.”
“Well, now we have to leave the resort and go our separate ways.” It makes me sad that I may never see Preston again after we leave the resort. He’s helped unlock a side of me that has been in hiding. I want more of that.
“Boo,” Taylor yells, surely disappointed there is no island fling storyline.
“What if you two stick together?” Gabby suggests.
“You can’t be serious.”
He may play for my dad but I don’t actually know this man. Sure, he’s been nice to me. He has been fun to hang out with the few times we have interacted but sticking together until a new flight is scheduled seems farfetched.But why couldn’t you stay together?
“Look, Preston Fields has a reputation in the league. He’s at the top of his game. He’s a leader on every team he has been on. He’s a pro but he’s also one of the nicest men you will ever meet. Former teammates love him. He’s a fan favorite. And the management of every team that he’s been on has only great things to say. I’m honestly surprised he’s in Belize right now instead of training in his backyard or something. The man doesn’t take time off if it could interfere with baseball, from everything I’ve heard.”
“He said his friend talked him into it.”
“Must be a fun, smart friend. We know what we’re talking about.” I shake my head at Tay’s shameless plug.
“That makes more sense. It’s very out of character for Fields. Let’s see what other options we can find for you to stay first. Justkeep that in the back of your head. It worries me that you’re down there alone.”
“Thanks, girls. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“And you don’t have to find out. I have to jump and actually do some work. Love you, mean it.”
“Love you back. Thanks, Gabby.”
“Hey Ives, can you hang on?” The line clicks when Gabby hangs up.
“Yeah, what’s up.”
“We good?” Gone are the teasing jabs. Taylor’s somber question makes me smile. She always checks in when something happens.
“We’re always good.” Even if she says things that hurt my feelings sometimes, I know she means well. She’s also the closest thing I have to a sister and I can’t stay mad at her.
“Just checking. I’ll call you after I look into a few things.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“Yes, go get a drink. Your stress is stressing me out, and I’m not even there.”
“Okay, okay, fine. They did say to come to the bar to pick up dinner on the resort tonight for the inconvenience.”
“Girl, you better run up that tab. Maybe invite that piece of man meat along too.”
“You’re ridiculous. Tell me what you find. Thanks again.”
“Always, lovie. Try to relax. We’ll figure it out.”
It’s only when I get out of the shower to dress for dinner that it hits me—I have no idea how long I’ll be stranded in paradise. This quick relaxing vacation is quickly becoming a stressor. I need that drink. When I get to the bar, Preston is already there. Seeing him eases my wild mind.What can I control?The tug to be close to him propels me in his direction.
“Hey, you,” he greets me with an easy smile. A good sign despite my nerves at the tension.
“Hi, can I join you?”
“Of course.” Preston pull the barstool out gesturing for me to sit down.
“I wasn’t sure after my idiotic move the other night. I’m sorry again for outing you to my dad.”
“Nothing worse than I’ve heard before. No big deal.” He maintains eye contact, and only then do I start to relax.
