Page 17 of Waiting for Acceptance (Nashville Nights #5)

FITZ

Man, I missed home. Being in my own bed again almost makes me never want to go back to Nashville. Though I know after a month of networking here I’ll be on a plane right back there.

Making sure Lauren wouldn’t ruin things for the Colesons was the last thing on my to-do list before I could pack my bags and be on the next flight out. Even though something as simple as being in my car with her in an empty parking lot made me second guess my desire to leave at all.

I can’t figure her out and I like it. She isn’t like the women I’m used to being around who have absolutely no mystery to them.

Fakeness sure. I’ve seen enough of that to last a few lifetimes.

But mystery? Not so much. She is confident and capable in her work but still lights up when she gets validation from others.

She is painfully beautiful but her smile often acts as a mask, and while she is always doing everything for everyone else, I’ve seen behind the curtain when everything isn’t just right with her own life.

She’s as strong as a hurricane and I would gladly put myself in her path of destruction just to uncover the real her.

Unfortunately, I am well aware I’m the farthest thing from what she needs in her life.

More complications, smoke screens, and facades that I would never want to drag another person into.

I’m a walking contradiction. Which is why I have no intentions of finding a wife like my parents have not so secretly hinted at the last two times I’ve seen them.

I drop my duffle bag onto the floor and fall onto my couch just as my phone begins ringing. I let out a groan but it dies as soon as I see the name flashing across the screen. I smile so big it physically hurts my face but that won’t stop me.

“Well, if it isn’t the most beautiful woman I know.”

“Oh, hush you. What if your momma heard you saying that? She’d probably start planning a wedding right away thinking you were talking to some model or something.”

“Well, Gran. She’ll just have to let that dream die with her, and you’re a million times prettier than all the models I know. Lot nicer, too.” I hear her cackle as she shuffles around.

“How are you, sweet boy? You’re not working too hard, are you?” I exhale and feel the weight of my life ease from my chest.

“Always. You know that.” She clicks her tongue and I can almost see her shaking her head. I close my eyes and imagine her working around her kitchen getting everything ready for dinner while Pops tries to slow her down by turning the music up and dancing with her.

“Well, I know you’ll take care of yourself so I won’t mention how much I hate you working in that big city that never sleeps.” I laugh at the way she still slips in her concerns after saying she won’t.

“Look at you and your big city nickname knowledge. You should go on Jeopardy.”

“They won’t take me. Said it wouldn’t be fair to the other contestants.” I belly laugh and even though talking to Gran always lifts my spirits, it also immediately makes them fall.

“I miss you, Gran. Pops too.” I roll my head, my eyes landing on my favorite photo in my apartment.

“We miss you too, sweetheart. You know we’re always here when you have time to visit.”

“Yeah. Maybe soon.” I’m sure she doesn’t believe that. I wouldn’t believe me either. It’s been far too long since I’ve been back to see them.

“Well, dinner is just about ready so let me hang up this phone. I just wanted to check on you.”

“Wait wait wait. What’s for dinner tonight?” I ask, my mouth already watering in anticipation.

“Chicken and dumplings, cornbread, and veggies.” I hold my hand to my chest and let out a dramatic, agonized groan.

“You’re killing me, Gran. How am I supposed to eat my takeout and enjoy it now?”

“Honey, I don’t know how anyone ever enjoys that mess.” I can hear the judgment in her voice and laugh.

“Talk soon. I love you.”

“Love you too, bud.” I click the red button and drop my phone in my lap, staring at the apartment I couldn’t wait to return to and wondering why I missed it so much. It’s quiet and lonely, two things I despise about my parents' home.

Maybe I’ll get a house plant.

I’d say a cat, but after seeing Lauren’s arms after she took ownership of one, I think I’ll pass on having anything living.

Not like I’d have the time to care for a cat in New York, anyway.

Let’s be honest. A ficus and a cat both have an equal chance of making it out alive with me.

Of all the things my father does that makes me hate him, setting me up to take Jessica Vanderbilt to these events is near the top of the list. After the last time I was in town and saw her and this, she’s definitely going to get her signals crossed.

“Jessica, you look lovely.” I force the words out as I give her a tight smile and she beams back at me.

“You don’t look too bad yourself, Fitz.” Her long, blonde hair is pulled back in a bun that looks so tight it’s giving me a headache.

She has a small clutch in one hand and me in the other.

I twist my neck and try to loosen my bowtie, my skin itching to be released from her grip.

We make our way around the room, speaking with every important person on my father’s list, and catching adoring glances from both of our mothers.

I feel like my skin is on fire when Jessica leans her head on my shoulder.

“Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Vanderbilt, over here.” I look over and before I can object Jessica puts on her best model face, reaching up to place her hands on my chest and the camera flashes.

“I’d say we’re pretty good together,” she whispers as we continue making our way through the crowd.

“You certainly play the part well.” Her face scrunches but I try to ignore it.

We continue walking through the venue as she talks.

“It doesn’t have to be a part , you know.

We could try this thing for real. I mean our parents would be ecstatic and we have fun together.

” She stops and looks up at me, causing me to exhale in frustration.

“You do like me, don’t you Fitz?” There are very few times I’ll ever wonder why I’m not of high enough importance to have a hit out on me because now would be an excellent time for such a distraction.

I open my mouth to speak, but Frank shows up and interjects himself at the perfect moment.

“There you are. There’s someone your father wants you to speak with.”

“Excuse me,” I politely remove myself from the trap that is Jessica Vanderbilt and nod at Frank to lead the way.

“Who is it?” I ask, preparing myself to turn on the charm.

“Clay Holmes.” I stop walking and look at Frank.

“Like the pitcher for the fucking Yankees , Clay Holmes?”

“Yes. That’s the one.”

“Why the hell is he at this event?” I question, looking around the room.

“Not entirely sure, but I heard he’s looking to buy a house and I told him I knew just the guy to make it happen.” He smiles at me and I can’t help but laugh.

“Frank, you’re awesome.” I see a light in his eyes and he nods before beginning to lead the way again.

“Glad to know you’re still into baseball,” I scoff and rear my head back.

“One does not simply stop being into baseball, Frank.” Once I see Clay a few tables ahead I clear my throat and put my professionalism back in place. No matter how shocked I am that I may be the one helping a Yankees pitcher find a new house, I have to act like I would with any other client.

“Clay, this is Fitz. Fitz, this is Clay Holmes.” Frank introduces us and I extend my hand to him.

“Great to meet you, man. I hear you’re the man I want on the job when looking for a house?” Clay shakes my hand and smiles and I laugh off the praise Frank must have been singing for me.

“I do my best. What are you looking for?” We chat for nearly twenty minutes about what he’s looking for and then exchange contact info so I can send him the listings I find that I think will interest him.

“Thanks, man. I really appreciate you taking on the job.” Clay smiles, offering me his hand again.

I shake it and shrug. “It’s what I do.”

He laughs and nods his understanding just as Jessica strolls up beside me. “There you are.”

I catch myself just before my eyes begin to roll and force a smile instead. “Here I am.”

Un. Fucking. Fortunately.

“You ready to go?” My brows pull together briefly before I catch myself and smooth my features.

Why is she acting like we’re leaving together?

And why is she interrupting my conversation without so much as introducing herself.

I’m only here with her to present myself better and she’s being rude as hell right now. I’ve got to get out of here. Alone .

I turn to Clay with a fake smile on my face. “Well, I guess I’m leaving now. Give me a call when you’re ready to get things moving.”

“Literally, right?” Clay laughs, holding up my business card as he backs away from the table. Once he’s moved on to another conversation, well out of earshot, I level Jessica with a stare.

“What the hell was that?” I bite out, grabbing her arm and pulling her to the side of the room.

“I just thought since we talked to everyone we needed to, we could get out of here. Maybe grab a drink and then…” Her hands run over the lapels of my jacket in a much too seductive way to be standing in a room full of my peers.

My hands shoot up and grab her wrists, stopping her as she lets out a small gasp.

“I was in the middle of a very important conversation, which you not only interrupted, but you also made no effort to introduce yourself or apologize to the person I was speaking to.” Her lips turn down into a pout.

“What? The baseball guy? He wasn’t on the list.”

“For fuck’s sake,” I mumble to myself. I grip her hands tighter to ensure I have her attention, though to any watchful eye, it may look endearing.

“You say this doesn’t have to be a part, but you have no idea how to interact with people in a real way.

You don’t bother speaking to people who aren’t labeled as important and are oblivious to simple conversational manners.

What on earth makes you think I would ever want to settle down with someone as spoiled and entitled as you?

” She pulls her hands away from me with a huff.

“Says the guy in a seven thousand dollar suit that’s next in line to inherit a real estate empire.

” I don’t even like this suit. Though, that doesn’t change the fact that she’s right , and I think I hate that even more than this suit.

“Are we leaving or what?” She crosses her arms over her chest with a pout.

Unbelievable.