Page 62 of Drop Three

Briggs:How about we start with dinner and a movie? Maybe sushi and the new rom-com with Mark Wahlberg that just came out. That is…if you still like fun things.

Navy:I’m in. But only for the sushi and Mark. You’re still on probation, mister—time to pull out all the stops.

Briggs:With pleasure. Pick you up tomorrow at seven :)

I’m goingon a date with Crew Briggs.

This is my first official date since ending a nearly fifteen-year relationship with Luke and then my messywhatever that waswith Bodhi.

I honestly never thought I’d see the day when I was this excited to go out with another man. Although Bodhi and I were never a couple, his dismissal and sudden rejection of me fucked me up. I’ve never been a woman to let any man have that kind of hold over me, but Luke messed me up, and I think I’m finally turning a corner.

Things have been more tame between Bodhi and me at the house. We aren’t chatty, but we are cordial. That seems to be the only thing working for us at this point. Anything past that will be either arguing or fucking.

Neither of which I’m willing to do.

Yep, I said it. I don’t want to fuck Bodhi. I once wanted to very, very badly. But that was before he turned me down and made me feel like a dirty mistake. I’m better than that. I deserve better than that—and I’m finally going to take what I want.

I can ponder the possibility of Briggs and I not working out, but it seems pointless. I’ll never know how we mesh in an emotional, physical, or sexual way until I give him a shot.

This date with him is a clean slate and my chance to choose my happiness for once. I’m exhausted from waiting for incompetent men to decide I’m worthy enough to love fully.

I know one thing is certain—I’ll never find out from inside this house.

* * *

The restof the night went by quicker than I expected.

The guys had a team dinner to attend, so I had the house to myself. Although I live with three other guys, I seem to spend a lot of time alone. I haven’t decided if that’s good or bad for my mental health.

Gus texted me close to eleven last night, saying they were hitting up Delta after—which is shocking considering Bodhi was with them, but not my problem. Knowing they would be out for a while, I decided to make some hot chocolate and binge some of my favorite sappy rom-coms. It’s been forever since I had a good cry and last night felt like no better time.

I regret that decision this morning as I wake up and immediately feel the heaviness in my eyes. I’m not typically a crier, but the Hallmark channel gets me every time. They love to bait you with the sick children, the failing marriage, yada yada yada. I can’t handle it.

Despite the drag my tears have brought to my face, I feel refreshed and excited about today. It’s Saturday morning, and although I have a full day before my date with Briggs, I’m looking forward to it.

Today is the first Saturday in forever that I have no plans during the day. I’m choosing to use this time to catch up on laundry, finally clean my room, and maybe get some yard work done for the guys. They’ve never actually come out and said it, but I know they crave a woman’s touch in this house.

It needs it.

I’ve done little things, like scattering throw pillows across the couch, adding the warmth of blankets in cozy areas, and introducing some house plants, but the exterior needs curb appeal.

I won’t go crazy, not wanting to overstay my welcome and make it seem like I’m getting too comfortable here. This house is not my forever plan, and therewillbe an expiration date—whenever I get that figured out. However, I think this will at least show them my appreciation and help them check off something I know they’ve been hoping to get done around here.

After showering and changing into workout clothes for the day, I head downstairs to see who’s awake and get some coffee in my system.

I’m greeted by everyone except for Bodhi.

“Morning!” I acknowledge the guys in my cheeriest voice.

Gus, Mack, and Kingston turn my way in unison, and I’m stopped short by smooth and rigid muscles.

Holy abs. Living here ain’t that bad.

“What up, sailor?” teases Gus.

“Jesus, not you, too. I don’t know why everyone still calls me that,” I respond, hugging them all.

“Ah, you know we love to ruffle those perfect little feathers you’ve got going for ya,” says King. Of course, King is the one to joke about it. He’s always the one kidding around and making things fun. Except, I know for a fact it was Briggs who came up with the nickname for me, and somehow it made its way around the League.

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