Briggs nodded. “I appreciate it. But I’m fine.” After taking a few seconds to form his words, he admitted, “I won’t say it didn’t bother me. I mean, first and foremost, I’m worried about Riley. It’s just tabloid junk, so I don’t put a lot of stock in it. But if there’s anything to it… well, I’m worried. You know, the drinking.”
Athena gave a little nod of her own. “Sure. That’s a valid fear.”
“Yeah.” Briggs stayed silent for a moment as he looked down the sloped yard, beyond the stucco fence, and to the part of the street he could see. A few cars passed by. Finally, he said, “And I won’t lie. I was a little disappointed to see she was on a date with another guy. Not that we have anything.” He shrugged.
“I’m not so sure about that,” Athena replied. “Briggs, I’ve seen the chemistry between you two. Why don’t you just ask her out?”
He grinned. “Well, for one thing, I think she’s dating someone else.”
Athena waved it off. “You said so yourself. It’s all tabloid stuff. Used to be the ones at the supermarket checkout counters.Then bloggers. Now it’s social media influencers. They all want hits and followers and all that. You can’t believe half of what they say! If even that.”
Briggs thought it over. She had a point there, and he’d considered that some since yesterday evening.
“Okay, that’s not the only reason,” he admitted. “Riley is rich and famous. She doesn’t want some working-class stiff who paints houses for a living.”
Athena put her hands on her hips and tilted her head. Briggs instantly saw why she was so good at keeping naughty Littles in line.
“What?” he asked with a nervous laugh.
“Working-class stiff?” She cleared her throat.
Briggs spread his hands. “It’s what I am.”
“Nope. You’re a highly successful and sought-after tradesman who owns his own business and has a stellar reputation. You’ve built it from the ground up and you should be proud of that.”
“Yeah. You’re right,” Briggs said sincerely.
Deep down, he was proud of his work too. It was just…
He voiced his thoughts. “I’m not the kind of guy she wants to date, though. There’s no way I have a shot with someone as beautiful and famous as her. Someone so… perfect.”
Athena put a comforting hand on his arm and said, “Briggs, you’d make a fine guy for anyone. And seriously, you need to let her make that determination. Remember? If you want to give it a shot, at least let her make the choice. Don’t make it for her.”
The sound of the gate opening, and then a car coming into view, brought a smile to his face. “Well, looks like this is my chance. She’s pulling in right now.”
Athena turned and watched as Riley’s car drove up the driveway. Harrison’s pickup pulled in right behind her and then the gate began to close once more.
“Looks like Stryker’s in there with him,” Athena noted.
“Yeah. Guess they’re all coming to play.” Briggs rubbed the back of his neck. “Mabe I should chat with Riley. You know, just to check on her.”
“I think that would be great,” Athena said.
Briggs drew a deep breath while giving Riley time to park and get out of her car before he bombarded her. He wasn’t used to being nervous. But it felt like there was a lot on the line here.
Life could sure be crazy, he mused silently. Just a few days ago he was a guy who got up every day, went to work, and hung out with friends sometimes. Sure, he had a unique part of his life in that he was a Daddy searching for a Little. But beyond that, he was a normal, “every man” sort of guy.
Now, here he was, about to shoot his shot with a beautiful famous movie star.
Here goes nothing. But then again, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Chapter Fourteen
“Hi!” Riley said excitedly as she stopped in front of Briggs.
“Hey,” he said. “Are you all good?”
A wave of embarrassment washed over her. She nodded. “Guess you heard about last night.”
