Page 21 of Worth the Risk

“Wow. That’s amazing.” I keep my eyes on her, studying the incredible girl to my side. Her eyes finally come back to mine.

“It’s just my calling. I’ve felt called to do this for a while now and going to school here, the classes, the internships it just feels right.” I feel a pang in my chest. Right, it feels right. That’s how baseball has felt to me for over half of my life but now, it’s not the same feeling. That feeling of something just fitting into my life so perfectly, feeling so meant for me.

Chapter 13

Emilia

Sitting at our kitchen island, I’m attempting to get ahead on homework. It’s about four weeks into the school year so the work has really started to pile on. Between my three psychology classes, my two electives, work and studying with Liam I feel like I go, go, go all week. Currently, it’s a Friday morning which luckily for me means I have no classes and neither does Rosie, who is making blueberry muffins, that smell absolutely delicious.

My phone vibrates from its position beside me, I quickly reach for it as I’m open to any distraction from starting this project. My mood instantly lifts seeing Liam’s name flash across my screen with a new message.

Liam

I’ve been thinking about your list.

Honestly, I was hoping he forgot about that, it’s been a month since he found out about my list and he hadn’t mentioned it again. Part of me was excited to do more fun things this semester and that list was a great start but the other part of me is still mortified that he saw it. Besides him just being in my life has led to more fun things in and of itself. From trying a new ice cream place, which he’s taken me back to several times, to weekly burger nights I feel content with how the semester is going.

Me

Was kinda hoping you’d forget about that thing.

Liam

I could never forget about anything when it comes to you.

I can feel the blush hit my cheeks and can’t help the widening smile that takes over my face. The butterflies take flight in my stomach once again, something that happens often with Liam despite us remaining strictly in the friendship zone. Rosie gives me a knowing look as she stands across from me but I’m saved by the oven timer going off.

Liam

Anyways, the one I was thinking about was the bar one. Let’s go out tonight. You can invite Rosie too.

Me

Unfortunately, I have work until 8.

Liam

You didn’t tell me that. How were you going to get home?

Liam and I have formed a routine of sorts over the past few weeks. On Mondays we have class, Tuesday we study and work on a project at his house or my apartment and on Wednesdays we go to The Burger Palace after he picks me up from work. He’s taken to picking me up from work whenever he knows I'm on the schedule, actually. He says he worries about me walking home in the dark which is incredibly sweet, an action my heart wants to latch on to but I won’t let it.

Me

Umm.. walk or Rosie.

I wasn’t meant to work this Friday, I picked up a shift someone was trying to get rid of. Sure I could have told Liam and asked him for a ride but he’s done so much for me I don’t need him doing anymore. Rosie usually drives me to work on the weekends, specifically in bad weather but I don’t mind walking there. It gives me time to clear my head.

Liam

I’ll pick you up from work and bring you back to your apartment to get ready. People don’t really start to go out until like 9 anyways.

Me

Okay. I’ll ask Rosie. :)

Liam

It’s a date.

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