Miller nods and says, “Ahh, I’ll bite. Well, I went one for three last night so that wasn’t great.” They were in Wisconsin last night before heading west to Los Angeles today for another few games before coming home in time for Bark in the Park on Labor Day.
“We did get that guy out at second, though,” Chase says, calling out their play at second to stop the runner from stealing the base. Normally, Preston covers that play, but this time Chase was there for the throw.
“That was pretty sick,” Miller concedes
“Let’s get in the cages in the morning and get your swing back.” His batting average is low, but I didn’t realize Miller was struggling, which makes me feel like a shitty friend.
“I’m sorry, Mills. I didn’t realize you were having trouble.”
“Because you don’t care about me anymore.” Miller pouts. “Nah, it’s okay. Just a bad two games. I’ll get it back. Can’t be hot all the time. I need to let the Rook show out, and you knowGramps gets touchy if I show him up too much. It’s really for everyone’s benefit when I strikeout a lot.”
His ability to make everything into a joke is unmatched. Still, I know what he hides behind the layers of bullshit and comedic relief. I’ll text him later to make sure he’s really okay.
“Chase?”
“What?” He grins.
“How is the series for you?” I direct the question back at him now that Miller answered.
Chase responds like he’s giving a book report. “Oh, we’re still doing this pretend update. Got it. Well, Ms. Pierson, I had an RBI, a stolen base, and two hits tonight. Unlike Miller here, I didn’t strike out, but they did walk me, so I took revenge by stealing a base.”
“It was beautiful too. One of those slide and stand things. Perfection.” Miller kisses his fingers
“Yeah, it’s really hot when he does that.” When he slides and then looks into the camera offering a wink, wave, or celebratory move, I always know it’s for me. Makes it even hotter to see him always thinking of me like he says when he signs off on our texts.
“Nope, la la la la. Gabrielle!” Miller plugs his ears. “We just talked about this.”
“Not my fault you crashed my FaceTime.” Chase nods along with me.
“How’s the office?” Miller changes the subject.
“Everyone is amped up for the charity event, but other than that it’s been fairly quiet. I’m glad you’re sitting down. I wore pants today.”
Chase smiles so wide I can’t help but smile back. Miller gasps.
“Who is she?” Miller asks Chase.
“My girl, that’s who.” The pride in Chase’s voice and on his face give me butterflies.
“Pants? To the office? Say it ain’t so. Quick, pinch me.” Chase pinches him. “Ow, fuck.” Miller rubs his arm.
“You asked, dumbass.”
“You didn’t have to pinch so hard.”
“Proud of you, Bree,” Chase says, giving me the words I didn’t realize I needed to hear. It’s one thing to see it on his face or in his touch, but to hear it drives the point home. It feels good.
“I think my assistant almost fell out of her chair.” I laugh remembering the shock on her face when I walked off the elevator.
“Wait ‘til you wear jeans one day.” Chase winks at me.
“We’ll see.” I think it will be a while before I show up to work that casual, but time will tell.
“What else is going on?” Miller prods. I know what he’s really asking. He’s wanting me to open up more after texting him the other day anxious about my upcoming appointment, but that’s not going to happen.
“I also told Grant I would take the general counsel role. I think Ivory is coming over tomorrow for wine and a porch night to celebrate.”
“Way to bury the lead!” Miller shouts.
