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I take her hand and kiss it softly. “I need to take better care of you.”
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears, which she quickly wipes away. “Oh stop. Slow down, Mister... Remember, we’re just taking things a day at a time,” she urges playfully, her nerves showing.
I blink at her, sighing in surrender. “Okay.”
But Mia’s smile lights up the room, reminding me that every moment with her is precious and worth savoring.
Chapter Twenty-One
MIA
Ethan and I just arrived in New York for the next game tomorrow, and we are getting a ride to the hotel.
I post a thoughtful message on social media declaring I’ll be offline for a while since things are so busy these days. It prompts inquiries from everyone, including my mother.
Among them was Ryan.
My phone vibrates, and I see a text from Ryan, asking if I’m okay.
Ryan, I’m okay, just tired. Ethan and I are heading to the hotel. I text him.
Does he know you’re talking to me right now? Ryan replies, displaying his usual insecurity.
I look at Ethan. He has a caring arm around me, but his free hand is busy with his own phone, looking at pictures of his son chowing down some McDonald’s at the mall, completely oblivious to me.
He’s in his own world, Ryan, I send. But he knows we talk, and he doesn’t mind.
I lean against Ethan’s shoulder to smell his addictive cologne. It’s imported, expensive, musky, and entrancing. He doesn’t overdo, using just the right amount.
“Hmm, you smell so nice,” I say.
“Your perfume drives me crazy too,” he purrs, kissing the top of my head. “Who were you talking to?”
“Ryan,” my voice carries undertones of annoyance. “Another one wanting to know about my post.”
My phone vibrates again with a notification. It’s Ryan, this time with an offer I can easily refuse.
Since you are in New York… Wanna grab lunch today? His text reads. I wrinkle my nose.
Just you and me? I text back skeptically.
Bring a friend. Ryan sends.
Haha, I don’t have any friends. I text back, frowning. I’m bringing Ethan.
Come alone, then. We can just catch up.
I frown. Why do you want to see me so badly, Ryan? Do you feel like I cheated on you?
His next text comes through. I’m not stupid, Mia. I know this happened just now. I trust you. I just want to check on how you’re doing in person. Be your friend, you know?
That last sentence moves me. It’s not every day that somebody offers to be a friend, and even if it is my ex, I’m so lonely I’m willing to take it.
Where? I text, and soon comes the address and the time.
I put the phone down and the conversation ends. I must look more upset than I realized because Ethan turns to me and gives me a concerned look.
“Everything okay?” he asks gently.
