Page 91 of Drop Three

“Did I stutter, brother dearest?”

Cal pauses. “Well, no. But I’m just wondering who you would bring?”

“I’m bringing Briggs,” I decide right this second. Briggs doesn’t know it yet, but he will soon enough.

“Briggs? As in Crew Briggs? The former center fielder for the Strikers. Isn’t he a good friend of yours, Cal? Wait, is this the same guy you went out with the other night?” Kodi questions.

Kodi seems confused. I didn’t get to tell her much about my date the other night with Briggs. She knows it went well and that’s about it. It’s been so long since most of us have seen Briggs after having his daughter, leaving Kodi in the dark about who he is.

They will meet tonight.

“Yes, angel,” Cal responds at the same time I say, “The one and only.”

“Hmm. He sounds hot,” Kodi giggles.

I groan. “You have no idea. So many big muscles. I couldn’t stop staring.”

“Oh boy! Did you touch them?” Kodi squeals.

“Not yet, but I?—”

“Stop, stop, stop. Please, for the love of God. Save it,” Cal requests, looking more uncomfortable by the minute.

Kodi and I break into a fit of hysterics while Callaway rolls his eyes and finally decides to leave us alone, kissing our cheeks on his way out. The second he’s out of earshot, Kodi strikes.

“Navy Willow Hayes.” Her tone isn’t light.

Oh, snap. She full-named me.“What?” I smirk.

“Don’t‘what’me! You know exactly what you’re doing.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Kodi.”

She rolls her eyes and the drama returns. “Son of a biscuit, Navy. You are so fucking stubborn. Please explain to me what your plan is.”

I stand still. “Plan for what?”

Abandoning her dessert platter, Kodi walks to my side and stands in front of me, her hands finding my wrists. “Don’t put on a fake face for me, Navs. I know he hurt you.”

I nod, forcing my eyes to stay open so the tears stay locked tight. “He did.”

“So what gives then? Are you actually interested in this Briggs guy? Or is this just some ploy to make Bodhi jealous and get back at him?”

I get why she would ask that. To be honest, it depends on the day.

But I am interested in Briggs.

I close my eyes unwillingly. “I like Briggs, and I think I can one day like him more. I’m seeing where it goes.”

“But he’s not Bodhi,” Kodi states because she knows.

“He’s not. But Bodhi doesn’t feel that way about me and he never has. Now is my chance to give a good guy, who is actually interested in me, a fair shot.”

She nods. “Okay. Well then, I’m happy for you. God bless Briggs, though. He doesn’t know what he’s getting himself into with you, my friend.”

I throw back my head and laugh. “You’re not wrong. But if he can’t handle the crazy, he doesn’t deserve me anyway. I’m a prize.”

“That’s my girl.”

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