Page 108 of Fielder's Choice

I felt a weight lifted off me when I told Lane. I think it’s time to open up again.

So, without hesitation, I let everything out. I tell them about Jake and what he did to me. I tell them how I shut myself out. I tell them about the infection he gave me that left me completely infertile. And I tell them how I’m still picking up some of the pieces of my shattered soul, but I’m more whole right now than I’ve been since I was a teenager.

Harlow has her hands clasped over her mouth, tears pouring down her face. “Oh my God, Liv! I’m so fucking sorry that happened to you!”

I watch as the other three girls now dab their own eyes, and I realize that there is no moisture in mine. That maybe I’ve finally cried all of my tears over a man who never deserved them in the first place.

“When Lane and I met your mom,” Rory says softly, “she told us her youngest daughter did ballet, and I asked if you ever helped there. We could see the sadness in her eyes after that, so we knew something happened, but I never expected that. God, Liv.”

“Fuck that no good piece of shit,” Lucia seethes. “Where the fuck does he get off thinking he’s entitled toanything,let alone your fucking virginity?!”

“And he doesn’t even have that!” Ella asserts. “That was fucking assault, not sex.”

Harlow finishes wiping the tears from her eyes, and her features take on a much darker tone. “Where does he live? I want to know.” Her tone is venomous. It’s a bit unsettling.

“Why?” I ask warily.

“Because we ride at fucking dawn, that’s why! I’m so sick of men who think they have power over women.”

As anger and hurt radiate from the girls surrounding me, I can’t help but laugh. It starts as a slight chuckle that soon turns into full-blown belly laughter, tears pricking my eyes as I try to catch my breath.

They all look at me confused, wondering what I find so funny.

“Sorry,” I say, still fighting a fit of giggles. “The situation isn’t funny, but I’ve never seen you all like this. And laughing helps when I’m getting emotional. No one outside of my family showed this much concern besides Lane. I’m still not sure Lane won’t try to hurt him one day. It just…” I pause to take a breath, steadying myself. “It means so much. I haven’t let myself get close to anyone until recently, and I’m just really glad I decided to talk to Lane that day at Urban Grind. My life has been fucking amazing lately.”

“Oh, Liv!” Lo cries before flinging herself at me and wrapping her arms around me.

The other three soon join, and I just let myself take it in.

Since I met Lane two months ago, I’ve found some of the most genuine people. Every one of them has been nothing but kind to me, welcoming me into the group with open arms. Even the guys. I don’t know them as well, but it’s enough for me to see that they’re great people.

And I can smile at the fact that seventeen-year-old me would be awestruck to see how amazing life can be once we start to move on.

thirty-nine

Lane

“Happybirthday,sweetgirl!”Olive chimes as she walks into my penthouse.

“Owive!” Sage shouts, dropping the boa she was going to drape around my neck. “You here!”

“Of course, I’m here!” she replies, sweeping my daughter off the floor and into her arms. “I would never miss your birthday party! My mom is coming soon, too!”

“Eiween!” Sage claps happily.

“Yes,” she laughs before hugging her to her chest. “How old are you now, Sagie?”

“I fwee!”

“My little three-nager,” I boom, mussing up Sage’s hair as I walk over to join them, standing beside Olive. I lean in close and brush my lips over her ear. “You look damn good holding my daughter, Ballerina.”

Olive’s eyes catch mine, and she bites her lip. “I love your daughter.”

There it is.

The first time she’s said it.

Olive loves my daughter.

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