Page 87 of Who's Loving You

Me: Leave me alone, Sonja.

Delete. Block.

Saint: T-minus four days boys. Loving, don’t hate me. Remember it’s all business. I will take no pleasure in walking off the field as a winner as you drag your sorry ass off through the losers tunnel.

Me: Man. You sure areconfident for the second best rookie receiver. Who’s the first again?

Saint: For now. Don’t get too comfortable sitting on my throne.

Diva: Man I love hearing you two compare dick sizes while I’m sitting back, climbing that rank.

Me: Did you hear that Papas? I could have sworn this was a bros only group, but it seems like a diva has entered the chat.

Saint: Something we can definitely agree on.

Diva: Throw darts. I’ll just keep dodging them left and right. No sweat off my back.

Me: Literally no sweat ‘cuz your receivers are the ones carrying the team.

Saint: Daaaaaammnnnn!

Diva: What did you say? I couldn’t hear over the sound of my bank account going cha-ching cha-ching.

Saint: I love it when mom and dad fight.

Me: Hmm. You must’ve missed the commercial I’m in for Fuel sports drink. They only sign elite athletes, so it wouldn’t surprise me that you didn’t see it.

Saint: Nah. He missed it because they don’t get a signal down in the country.

Diva: Sure sure. Make fun boys. One day you’ll understand. It’s a grown man’s thing. But keep playing with your Legos and maybe you can build yourself a future.

Me: Whatever you say, gramps.

Saint: >

Diva: >

Me: > This has been fun but I have to go be great. See you in four days.

“It was so wonderful meeting you.”Scottie wraps Valentina in a hug and she freezes, just like she did upon meeting my parents for the first time.

“Yes. Same. Travel home safely. I’m sure we’ll see you…some time.” Valentina awkwardly pats Scottie’s back and pulls away, relief all over her face. “Noelle, good luck on your story. I can’t wait to read it.”

Valentina reaches out and gives Noelle a handshake. It’s warmer than one you’d give an employer in an interview, but definitely still a bit on the cooler side. When she gets passed along to the guys, they give her the same hug as Scottie and she responds with thatI don’t know what to do with my handslook. I know she just needs some time to get used to all of this affection.

“Love you, man,” I tell Saint, hugging him as he smacks my back a little too hard.

“Yeah, Iknow. And sorry we had to beat you today, but turnabout is fair play.”

“It happens. Now the scoreboard is even. Guess we’ll have to see what post-season brings. But no matter who wins or loses –spoiler; I win– I still love you.”

“And this is why he’s known as the Love Man.” Saint laughs and winks at me. “Deep down he’s just a sweet and cuddly little love bug.” He pinches my cheek and I jokingly push his face away and pull Soba in for a hug.

“See you soon, Diva.” I quickly whisper in his ear, “Thanks for helping me with Val. I’m not such a shit boyfriend after all.”

A proud smile fills his face like a dad watching his son grow. “Always, man. We’re brothers.”

We give our last goodbyes and I take Valentina’s hand. Leading her through the tables as we wind our way out of the restaurant, we stop in front of the valet and I pass them our ticket. When she shivers, I pull her close and tuck her to my side.