Page 108 of Drop Three

“You take care of you, Coach,” King calls out and Coach nods.

“Great. Now, the charity gala is next weekend, as you all know. It is in your best interest to bring a date. You know I’m not one for your private lives influencing your game, but you will appreciate a buffer here. This is the one time I will encourage partner relations to coincide with the team. Reputable sponsors will be there—youwantto talk to them, trust me on that.”

“Looks like I’m bringing my mama,” Mikey, one of our relievers exclaims.

“I don’t care if you bring your mama, your sister, your friend or your fucking cat. Just show up. And for God’s sake, wear a goddamn tie.”

A tie I can do.

A date though…that’s going to be more difficult.

I could ask Poppy, but I’m still in limbo on whether I want to explore things with her any further.

I know it’s because my heart won’t rid me of the hold Navy has on me.

I guess I’m secretly hoping one day Cal will catch on and give us his blessing. Not that Navy would take me; I’m almost positive I already ruined my chances.

And besides, she has Briggs now.

Looks like I need to figure out a plan or I’ll be showing up alone.

According to Coach, that’s not an option either.

32

NAVY

I appreciate you.

-B

I can’t getit out of my head.

Not long after he left for the fields, I headed upstairs to get ready for lunch with Penelope and the girls. Little did I know, a sweet note was waiting for me on my bathroom mirror.

Bodhi.

He must have done it between the time I went downstairs to meet his sister and when he left the house.

But why?Why would he take the time to write such a simple, yet very intentional, note for me? In my favorite lipstick shade of all things.

Because he’s the most intentional man you’ve ever met, Navy. You know this.

The moment I saw his jagged handwriting written in the berry lipstick I wear on every possible occasion, it was as if my heart left my body, and that’s a very dangerous thing.

My heart continues to flutter at an unhealthy speed, and butterflies have yet to stop their swarm in my stomach. I’m not sure if I could wipe my smile off if I tried.

Still, I’m a little taken aback. I need to think carefully about how to respond to this, if I even need to respond, and take Briggs into account.

Should he be taken into account?

I’m not sure what I feel for the guy at this point. He’s kind and handsome, not to mention a great father. But is he for me?

That’s the question I keep asking myself.

“Penelope, you have to tell us all the embarrassing stories about Bodhi growing up. You’re the best intel,” Kodi blurts out before taking a long sip of her Diet Coke.

“Yes, please! He’s so reserved. I bet you’ve got some diabolical stories to tell,” Tenley says.

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