I swear his cheeks take on a blush. “Sorry. Again, I don’t exactly come from a normal world, and I misstep.” He seems uncomfortable and starts to look for the nearest exit. I’m afraid he might just walk out to the field.
“No, it’s fine. I just didn’t think I’d meet you for the first time under such circumstances, but tell me—what kind of perks do I get as someone who’s a part of the Monarchs’ fam bam? Are there Sunday lunches? Do I get a monogrammed hat? Matching tattoos?” I whisper shadily.
He laughs, and I see a bit of the tension leave his rigid shoulders when he does. “No, none of that at the moment, but I can now see how you and Daisy have become such fast friends. You’re a funny one, Isa.”
“Thanks, and you have two fewer horns than I expected—from speaking to Luisa, of course. Wanna tell the fam why she calls you Lucifer?”
He smirks, and suddenly, his face takes on a more devious nature. “Let’s just say that our prickly little Luisa and I just… got off on the wrong foot. Shall we?” He stands, straightening his jacket sleeve as he does, looking every bit like someone who owns an entire baseball team. “Although if you see her around tonight, please send her my regards and tell her to start brainstorming on any future pet names for me. I do have a reputation to uphold and whatnot.” He winks, and then he’s off.
I quickly put on Mateo’s jersey in case he looks over during this inning and immediately text Luisa. I would blow up the group chat, but that would probably make things uncomfortable for Daisy, given Nick is her brother and all.
Me:
So why didn’t you tell me that the reason you hate Nick Stonehaven is probably because you haven’t fucked him yet?
Luisa:
Not you too.
Me:
ME TOO?! Who else has landed on my genius assumption?
Luisa:
Daisy. Which is weird. And for the record, you’re both dead wrong. I’d sooner hand in my resignation than touch that egomaniac with a ten-foot pole.
Me:
Sorry, did you say he has a ten-foot pole? Ouch, but intriguing.
Luisa:
You’re certifiable.
Me:
Probably, but I know I’m on to something.
Luisa:
Promise you, that’s never going to happen.
Me:
Careful. Never say never. Might end up eating those words, friend.
thirty-nine
I woke up toIsabella lightly scratching my forearms. After she detangled herself from my limbs, she made her escape downstairs to her room since Anna was sure to wake up at any moment.
Once downstairs, I made coffee while my girls made breakfast. Luckily, Isa was able to reel Anna in this time, and they made a savory breakfast rather than something that would put us all in a diabetic coma.
And now I’m sprawled on the couch, watching the two most beautiful ladies in the world make friendship bracelets for some exchange students who enrolled in Anna’s class mid-term.
Seeing them sit on the floor side by side, giggling and smiling while surveying all the colorful strings and beads strewn all over the coffee table makes me have to take a breath and send a silent thank you to the universe. Because I truly never knew that I could know peace and happiness like I do now.
Isabella gives me a weird look, one that screamswhy are ya looking at me funny?
