Page 26 of The Change Up
Reaching for my lipstick, I’m about to apply the pinkish-nude shade when there’s a knock on the door. Thankfully, I’m fully dressed, and the knock is coming from the main door, not the connecting door. We won’t be having a repeat of yesterday.
With a quick glance in the peephole, I notice it’s a member of the hotel staff.
“Hi there.”
“Good morning, ma’am,” the young concierge greets. “I’m sorry to bother you this morning, but we got your request for a honey lavender latte.”
Accepting the coffee from his outstretched hand, confusion must line my face as he’s quick to explain. “We received a call this morning that the occupant of 513 would require a honey lavender latte. Was this not the correct drink?”
“No, no. It’s correct. Thank you.”
With a smile and a head nod, the concierge leaves me standing there with another cup of my favorite latte.
Is this Ty’s doing? I wonder as I shut the door to my room. He showed up to the bus yesterday with a drink and now this morning. I really hope this isn’t a sign that Ty has feelings for me. As much as I think he’s a great guy, I don’t want the drama. Especially since he’s Cody’s teammate and roommate.
Can we say awkward?
Taking a sip of the delicious drink, I savor the warmth as it spreads through my body. I’m a ho for a good latte. The added honey just makes it even better.
After another drink, I quickly line my lips and apply the lipstick. With one last glance in the full-length mirror, I take in the outfit that Brynn picked out for me.
For the first game, I went with a simple spaghetti strapped, red and white micro-stripe dress—that is tight in the bodice and slightly flares out at the hip—a light wash denim jacket, and white Converse. My hair is curled but pulled up in a long ponytail, and I have a small backpack purse that will hold my camera and notepad, along with my other essentials.
“You can do this,” I tell my reflection. With one last deep breath, I head out the door to meet the team in the lobby.
The hallway is bustling with guys from the team. I follow a group of them, whom I’m unfamiliar with, to the lobby.
“Honey lavender latte?” Ty asks, nudging my shoulder as he steps up beside me. The two of us enter the elevator together. The space is tight. Ty gently touches my hip and adjusts me so that my back is to his front. It’s a little awkward, but I’d rather be pressed up against Ty than someone I don’t know.
“It is,” I finally answer his question. “Did you get…”
My question is cut off as a strong hand grabs the closing door, pushing it open. I know those hands. I had that hand onmy hip last night. My cheeks heat as the memory of us pressed against each other flashes through my mind.
Cody steps on, and everyone makes space for him which causes me to press even further into Ty’s front. His grip tightens in the same place Cody’s did last night.
I watch as Cody’s eyes track Ty’s movement. His eyes narrow into slits, and his jaw ticks.
Aw, is someone jealous?
The ride down is awkward and silent. No one talks. It’s like everyone can feel the tension in the air. As soon as the doors open, everyone takes Cody’s lead, darting out to meet the rest of the team. Ty and I step out together, but before we get too far I turn over my shoulder and give him a tight-lipped smile.
“Good luck, today.”
“Thanks, Chloe. Have fun today.”
And with that, we both go our separate ways.
Game time is quickly approaching. We’ve been at the field for almost two hours, and the guys have been busy warming up. Some guys are practicing fielding grounders while others are taking part in batting practice.
Coach Weber instructed me that I had full reign to come and go inside the dugout as I needed. If there was ever a game I didn’t want to sit inside the dugout, he would make sure that I had seats available to me. He really is a great guy, and at the end of the day, I’m really excited to be covering his story. I only wish a certain someone wasn’t on the team, or that Weber was a coach for a different team.
I’ve been walking the stadium for thirty minutes, taking it all in and watching different players do their own warm-up routines. Somehow I’ve managed to walk the dirt path that leads to the outfield where the pitchers are warming up with catchers.
I find a spot against the fence, one that’s out of the way and won’t be a distraction. I’ve noticed the lingering glances some of the players have thrown my way. Each time I find their eyes on me, that annoying blush creeps up my neck and warms my cheeks. I don’t do well being the center of attention of any guy, let alone a whole team. And I don’t want to be the cause for anyone’s focus to shift.
After only a few minutes, a shadowed figure stands beside me. My first instinct is it’s Ty since the two of us keep finding ourselves in the same situations. But with a quick look out of the corner of my eye, I realize I’m way off. I’m thankful for the sunglasses I’m wearing, hoping that they hide the surprise in my eyes.
Niko Vega is standing beside me.
