Page 57 of False Start
“Honestly, sometimes you’re the best action you can give yourself. There’s nothing wrong with using your handor a magical friend to spice things up. Trust me.” Emilia winks.
“Guys my age just don’t get women. It feels like every guy I meet around my age is either trying too hard or not hard enough. Why can’t I just meet someone who is a decent guy, good looking, has a good head on his shoulders, and treats me well?” Hannah looks deep in thought, her eyes trained on her glass.
“And I’m not saying he has to have his life figured out, because sometimes I feel like even I don’t, but it would be nice if he wasn’t just sitting on his mom’s couch playing video games all day.”
“Or in our case, a man who isn’t intimidated by a strong independent woman who knows sports better than most men, is smart, and successful.” Emilia and Hannah clink glasses as they share a knowing look and sip their wine.
Bellamy nods along, smiling in agreement. “Listen, I’ve known who I am for as long as I can remember. And with the way my life is with competitive figure skating, I know that settling down right now isn’t for me. Maybe one day it will be, but until then I’m gonna do me and be proud of it.”
Her words are so simple, and she’s probably said them thousands of times, but it isn’t until right now that I fully understand the magnitude of the weight they carry. I may falter sometimes and still struggle to see myself and my body the way everyone else sees me, but I have so many things in my life to be grateful for. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and how hard I've worked to get here.
Emilia stands from her seat, grabbing the empty bottle. “I’m gonna go get us another bottle or two.” She laughs as she trips over her own feet on the way to the kitchen. I should probably put an end to us drinking, but I’m happily buzzed and honestly in a great mood, so why kill the vibe?
I feel a buzz on my lap and pull out my phone to see a text pop up.
Jake
I miss you, baby girl. I hope you’re having a great day with the girls.
Baby girl.
He started to use my nickname again, and it still sends shivers down my spine and butterflies fill my stomach.
I think we’re all a little buzzed on wine and full of cheese, so it’s been an interesting evening.
And I miss you, too, handsome.
Jake
I’m glad you have them. After everything, you deserve a group of girlfriends to be there for you and make you feel loved.
His words have my heart melting and a smile lighting up my face.
When did you go all soft and sweet on me?
Jake
I’ve always been sweet.
And you’ve got it twisted baby, I’m never soft around you, if you know what I mean.
That has a snort coming from my nose, and I look over to see the girls all looking at me. Emilia is back on the couch with two more bottles of fresh wine.
“Sorry.”
“Do not apologize for being happy, babe. We love to see it.” Em raises her freshly refilled glass at me and winks.
I hope to test that theory sometime soon.
Jake
When are they leaving?
They’re spending the night, so you’re out of luck, handsome.
But I promise, you’ll see me again soon.
Jake
