Page 34 of I Wish He Would

Yeah, I try to watch the Fireflies games on the tour bus when I can.

Who do you think Austin was looking at after he got on base?

It was a total John Cusack moment.

My stomach drops. That moment was televised? At least if Rhett’s asking, that must mean the camera didn’t pan to where Austin was looking. Right at me.

But what are the odds that Rhett would describe that moment the same way I did three years ago? Apparently, one hundred percent.

Rhett and I are similar. We speak the same language. Talking to him is easy and fun. He’s attractive, generous, humble, and kind. But then why am I feeling butterflies from my best guy friend instead of from Rhett’s flirty text?

I blow out a long sigh, then type back.

ME

He’s too focused on baseball for a relationship.

RHETT

That wasn’t what it looked like! But I’ll trust you since you actually know the guy.

Got to go, almost at my next stop. I hope you have a great rest of the day! Call you tomorrow?

ME

It’s a date!

RHETT

It definitely is *smiling face emoji*

I react with a heart to his message, then slide my phone back in my purse. I step out of the box suite, heading to the waiting area for the players’ loved ones, when someone runs into me.

“Sorry about that.” The man’s voice is familiar and highly self-absorbed.

No. Not here. I know his family rents a box suite every year, but I haven’t seen Bradley or his parents here in the three seasons I’ve been coming to watch Austin. And I really wasn’t planning on breaking that streak today.

Bianca steps out from behind Bradley, wrapping her long, slender fingers around his bicep. “I didn’t know they allowed non-VIP members in the box suites.”

If I was being spicy, I’d say, “Good thing they do, or else you two wouldn’t be here.” But I bite my tongue and choose to be the bigger person.

“Nice to see you too, Bianca.” I look up and nod at my ex. “Bradley.”

My cousin wiggles her fingers slightly, making the large diamond she’s wearing sparkle in the sunlight. It’s my first time seeing the ring up close. It was probably his grandmother’s, or maybe even his great-great-grandmother’s, the kind of heirloom passed down for generations. I thought seeing them together for the first time as an engaged couple would sting a little, but all I feel is relief that I escaped his overly involved, snooty family. Between me and Bianca, I definitely won.

Bradley’s parents step forward, probably wondering who would dare get in their way. His mother’s pinched expression looks like she’s perpetually sucking on a sour candy. His father just looks bored. Many new wrinkles have found their home on his face since I last saw them. I guess that’s what the life of a lawyer and being married to the most uptight woman on this side of the Mississippi will do to you.

I was always anxious around them, scared to have one hair out of place or say something that didn’t fit their ideal. The Vanderbilts never took the time to get to know me when I was dating Bradley, and I’m sure they were thrilled when he ended things with me and started dating someone that was a better fit for their upper-class lifestyle than a hairstylist.

My hands begin to sweat at the thought of having to speak to them again. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt.”

I think Mrs. Vanderbilt attempts to raise an eyebrow when she notices me, but they remain in place, her forehead immovable. “Allison, we didn’t expect to see you here.”

“It’s Alyssa, actually.” This isn’t the first time I’ve had to remind her of that either. I think saying the wrong names for other women is her version of a power trip.

“Right, of course.” She looks me up and down, definitely judging my white shirt tucked into wide-leg jeans.

“I have an early tee time tomorrow,” Mr. Vanderbilt grumbles.