“Doubt that will be anytime soon,” I mutter. Underneath his selfishness and self-centeredness, I know he’s a good man. A great man, actually. The best. I just haven’t seen that man for a long time, and, it seems, no begging or conversation will bring him back.
“Either way, I’m coming to visit, and if you want, I will act as the big spoon at night.”
“Not necessary.” I crack a smile.
“Ooh, see, there’s a glimpse of my bestie. Just wait. When I get out there, I’m going to turn that frown upside down.”
“I don’t think I want to be cheered up,” I say, feeling like the weight of the world rests on my shoulders. “I think I just want to be sad.” We said vows to each other. Vows to love and cherish each other until death parts us. And I’m just so sad that those vows now mean nothing.
“Then I’ll be sad with you.” Growing serious, she says, “Myla, I know how much Ryot means to you. I know he’s the love of your life and the one who broke past the many barriers you’ve erected over time. And I know how much this decision has weighed on you, so trust me when I say I will be there for you in whatever capacity you need. Just give this girl a few days.”
“Thank you, Nichole. That means a lot to me.”
“I know. I love you.”
“Love you, too.” I sigh.
Chapter Four
Eleven years ago…
DrinkWithMe: Bisley Balls, I see that you posted another picture of your batting. Riveting.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Sliding into my DMs? I’m surprised it took you this long.
DrinkWithMe: More like stomping into your DMs with a PSA. You keep reposting the same video. If you want to grow your audience, you really must push past your comfort zone.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: This coming from the girl who posted a glass of orange juice this morning with the comment: no pulp.
DrinkWithMe: And I have twelve thousand likes and over two hundred comments. Just checking your post *licks finger, flips paper over on clipboard* and ah, yes, it says that you have eight comments and fifty likes. Soo . . . I think one of us is doing something right.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: So do you want me to start posting my drinks?
DrinkWithMe: Uh, dude, try to be original. I know it might be difficult, but desperation for likes doesn’t look good on you.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: I’m not desperate for likes. The only reason I even thought about it is because you keep harping on me.
DrinkWithMe: Are you calling me a nagging wife?
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Wife? Isn’t that stretching it a bit far?
DrinkWithMe: I don’t know. I’ve slept over at your house. You paid for my meal. You told me all about how you like to spread legs. We’re practically married at this point.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Hell, has the dating circuit really changed that much since I’ve been out of it? Didn’t know I could marry that quickly with two interactions.
DrinkWithMe: Oh yeah, real hook, line, and sinker out there. One date = engaged. Second date = old married couple. Welcome to the world of sexual social engagements.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Eh, I think I’ll crawl back into my hole. Thanks.
DrinkWithMe: Have you really not dated anyone in a while?
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Let’s just say dinner with you the other night was the closest thing I had to a date in about a year. And that wasn’t a date, that was . . . hell, I don’t know what that was.
DrinkWithMe: I don’t know. You left me satisfied and wanting more.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Then you must be easy to please.
DrinkWithMe: If only.
DrinkWithMe: So . . . what is this game of baseball you play?
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Never heard of it?
DrinkWithMe: Sports have never tickled my tits. Now balls, on the other hand . . . hey-o!
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Tickled your tits, huh? What exactly does that? Besides balls of course.
DrinkWithMe: Glad you asked. Three things in particular: tongues, fingers, and peanut butter.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Do tongues and peanut butter ever come into play together?
DrinkWithMe: Only once and it was an absolute disaster. The guy gagged from peanut butter mouth, dry-heaved, and I ended up running across the house, raccoon tail butt plug dangling out my ass as I grabbed him water.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Can we discuss the raccoon tail butt plug?
DrinkWithMe: The guy was a bit of a freak. It lasted a month. After the peanut butter fiasco, we called it quits. I returned the butt plug and went on my way.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Now that’s what you should be taking pictures of . . . butt plugs.
DrinkWithMe: Yeah, so I can have pervs like you sliding into my DMs daily? No, thank you. I get enough of that by selling pics of my feet.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: As I recall, YOU were the one that slid into MY DMs.
DrinkWithMe: For education, not because I wanted to. I think it will do you a great deal of service to remember that.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Hey, did you see my post today? *Wiggles eyebrows*
DrinkWithMe: You know, I have better things to do with my life than hound your Instagram profile.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Could have fooled me.
DrinkWithMe: Feeling spicy today, I see.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Just trying to keep up with you. Now go check my feed.
DrinkWithMe: A photo of you lifting weights. Is that supposed to impress me?
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Do you see the muscles? Isn’t that what people call a thirst trap?
DrinkWithMe: Ahh, I see what’s going on. You’re trying to garner an audience by sexualizing yourself.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Do you think it’s working?
DrinkWithMe: Well, I stared at it for longer than I care to admit.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Then my job here is done.
DrinkWithMe: I heard some women talking about you today at the restaurant I work at. One of them claimed that you were going home with her tonight after she flashed you her boobs while you were on the field. So I have two questions. Did someone flash their boobs at you? And did you take her home? An immediate response is required.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: If someone did flash me their tits, I didn’t notice. I’m currently alone in my townhome while Banner is out at the bars. If anyone is bringing someone home, it’s him.
DrinkWithMe: Oh, that’s a huge letdown. I was hoping for a good story. That girl was all talk.
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Yeah, I’m disappointed too. Seems like, in her fantasy, it could have been a good night.
DrinkWithMe: So why aren’t you out at the bar with Banner?
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Tired as shit.
DrinkWithMe: Because of the baseball?
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Yeah, because of *the* baseball. I’m vying for a spot in the Majors right now, so I’m pushing myself harder than ever before. Don’t really have time for hanging out at the bar.
DrinkWithMe: Majors being . . .
Ryot.Bisley.Balls: Professional. Major League. The Studmuffins are the Triple-A team for the Chicago Bobbies. I was hoping to make the roster after spring training, but unfortunately, I didn’t. They noticed me, though. Right now, the third baseman for the Bobbies has been there for a few years. He’s pretty good but on the older side.
DrinkWithMe: So what you’re saying is you’re one pulled hamstring away from going pro?