Society Girls: Sierra (14 page)

She’s right. I did put them all before her.
I’ll never do it again, though. “It won’t happen again. I swear it.
You mean more to me than any other human on this planet, except my
parents. I’ll never put anyone before you again. I swear it. Juro.
In both languages, I promise you this.”

“I’m happy for you, you know.”

I nod. “Yes. I know you are.”

“I wanted to celebrate with you.”

“My parents are coming to town this weekend
to celebrate. I was hoping you’d join us.”

“You want me to meet them?”

“Claro. Eu te amo, Sierra.”

“I love you too, Joel. I probably shouldn’t
tell you that, but I do.”

“I have to leave in two weeks,” I blurt
out.

“We can make this work, but you can’t go
days without even texting me. Even just a stupid smiley face or
something. I need something from you. Maybe that’s too clingy, but
it’s how I feel.”

“It’s not clingy. You’re my girlfriend. You
deserve more than just a smiley face. I’ll call as often as I can
and text you when I can’t.”

“I can come visit you if I get two days off
in a row. Wherever you are.”

“Yeah?”

She nods. “The tickets for your first Spring
Training game are sold out, but Miles said he can get me a
ticket.”

“I’ll get you a ticket, a jersey, a hat.
Whatever you want.”

“All of the above, please.”

“I want to be there when you finish your
training. Do they have a graduation or something?”

“I don’t know. Maybe.”

“You tell me, and I’ll be there. Do you need
to study today? We can practice your Portuguese.”

“I passed that test.”

“You did? Really?”

“Yes.”

I pick her up and swing her around, stopping
when she reminds me she’s still hung over. I sit back on the stool,
but with her on my lap this time. I feed her breakfast while we
talk to each other in a mix of English and Portuguese. I can’t
believe I almost lost her. That’s not going to happen again.

Sierra

“It’s good to see you smiling again,” Rhieve
tells me as we grab a bite to eat in the cafeteria.

“It’s good to be smiling,” I admit.

It’s been three days since Joel showed up
during our drunken slumber party, and things have been pretty close
to perfect. He’s pretty much moved in again. I still want to see
his place, but he tells me that since he didn’t unpack much when he
moved in, mine is much more comfortable for us. I don’t really care
where we are, as long as we’re together.

“Were you able to work something out with
Reina?” Neveah asks me.

“Yeah. She said I can have two days off
together every week, and she even offered me the Corrigan
jets.”

“She’s definitely the best boss ever. I
mean, I don’t know anyone else who would’ve gathered us all to
bring you ice cream and vodka,” Matisse says.

“Thanks again for that, by the way.”

“Of course. You’ll be there for us when we
need you,” Rose reminds me.

“I will. I think one of us needs me now. How
about it, Kalila?”

“Nope. I’m good.”

“You kissed Theo and invited him to
cuddle.”

“Not going to talk about it.”

“One day, though, right?” Harlow prods.

“Yes. One day I will tell you all the sad
story of Theo and Kalila. Just not today.”

“We’re here when you’re ready,” Camari says,
and we all nod.

“You have a guest, Sierra,” Neveah tells me,
nodding behind me.

I start to turn when a baseball cap is
slapped on my head, and a baseball jersey is draped over my
shoulders. I just stare at Joel as he puts my arms through the
sleeves and stands back to take me in.

“Cada dia que passa eu me apaixono mais por
você.”

“Bloody hell. Did he just say what I think
he did?” Jen asks.

“If you think he just told her that he loves
her more every day, then yes,” Nev tells her with a smile.

“While his jersey and hat are on her. Well
played, Mr. Cruz. Well played,” Rhieve tells him.

“You can stop swooning over my man. All of
you,” I tell them with a laugh.

“Are you swooning, Gatinha?” he asks.

“Oh, yeah. Paixão da minha vida.”

“That’s hot. Like, I-could-go-for-a-girl
hot. What did she say?” Rheive asks Nev.

“I said he’s the love of my life. And you
need to get out more,” I answer.

“I know,” she says on a sigh.

“Thank you for the jersey and hat,” I say,
turning back to Joel.

“Here’s your ticket, too,” he says, handing
it to me.

“I can’t wait.”

“Me neither. Are you ready to meet my
parents tonight?”

“You’re sure I’m not intruding?”

“Of course not, Kitten. They’re going to
love you.”

“Should I change or is this okay? Without
the jersey, of course.”

He spreads the jersey open and looks at my
dress, which he saw when he zipped me up this morning, but he’s
pretending to need a closer look at now. Not that I mind. It’s
nothing fancy, but I like how it’s rucched, making me look a little
curvier. The silver butterflies look pretty against the dark blue
fabric, and the lighter blue on the inside of my upper arms adds a
modern edginess to it. And yeah, Stella said some of that to me in
class today, but I agree with her.

“You look perfect. For dinner with my
parents, at least. When it’s just us, I prefer a lower neckline,”
he tells me, fingering my dress where it lands above my collarbone,
“and a higher skirt.”

He pulls my dress up a little on the bottom,
but I slap his hand. “Pare! I’m at work.”

“Fine. I’ll stop,” He says pulling me into
his arms. “For now. You’re going to meet us at the restaurant.”

“Yes. I’ll see you there.”

“I can’t wait. My three favorite people will
all be in one room.”

He kisses me hard and then bows dramatically
to my friends before sauntering out. I can’t help but shake my
head. He’s definitely a cocky asshole sometimes, but he’s mine, and
honestly, I wouldn’t have him any other way.

The afternoon is uneventful, and before I
know it, it’s time for me to touch up my hair and make-up and head
to the restaurant. I’m meeting them at one of the Brazilian
steakhouses here in town. Joel’s been wanting to take me anyway,
and his parents love the place, so it works out for everyone.

I see him immediately when I walk in. He’s
facing the door, and when our eyes meet, his smile widens. I walk
quickly over to him, barely glancing at the wooden high back chairs
that must be holding his parents. When I get close enough, he
stands to introduce me.

“Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Sierra.
Sierra, this is my mom and dad.”

I smile until his father stands and his
mother turns. No. This isn’t happening. Oh my God, no. “Sierra?”
his mother asks, a look of shock passing over her face before anger
sets in.

“Hello, Raquel. João. It’s nice to see you
again.”

“You’ve met?” Joel asks, looking back and
forth.

“Your girlfriend is apparently Marcus’
girlfriend as well,” Raquel tells him.

“What? What are you talking about? Is this
some kind of joke?”

“I wish it was, but we saw her with him. She
was his date. She kissed his cheek and held his hand in front of
us. They danced and left together. There were pictures of him
leaving her room hours later,” João tells him.

“No. They’re wrong. Tell me they’re
wrong.”

I can’t. “They’re not wrong. I was there as
Marcus’ date. I didn’t know they were your parents.”

“And that makes it better? Marcus is one of
my best friends. All the Portuguese lessons weren’t for work, were
they? You wanted to show off at the ball. For Marcus.”

“No. That’s not true.”

“You told me your boyfriend taught you our
language and made it seem like it was Marcus. You took advantage of
both my son and a man I think of like a second son,” Raquel
says.

“I didn’t. It’s not what it seems.”

“Then what is it? Explain it to me. Please
explain it,” Joel implores me.

“I can’t. I’m sorry. I can’t explain.”

“I never want to see you again.”

“Please. I need you to just trust me.”

“I don’t. You should leave.”

I don’t remember walking out of the
restaurant, getting in my car, or driving home. All I remember is
falling asleep in a baseball jersey and praying for this all to be
a bad dream.

* * *

Joel

I’ve thrown myself into baseball this last
month. I left for Arizona the morning after I sent Sierra away and
I haven’t seen or talked to her since. I’ve practiced all day,
every day, and partied almost every night. I haven’t slept with
another woman, but I have taken lots of pictures that make it look
like I have. I’ve even kissed a few women for the cameras. It
worked, because the texts and calls from Sierra stopped after the
first ones hit the internet. I needed them to stop, because in the
darkest hours of the night, while I lie in bed jerking myself off,
I almost called her, and I can’t do that. I can’t ever be with her
again. She crossed a line when she fucked Marcus, and it’s one I
can’t forgive.

I’ve ignored Marcus’ calls, too. His texts
say we need to talk, but I can’t right now. The thought of him with
his hands on her, and his body moving inside of her…it makes me see
red. I don’t want to kill my friend, so it’s best that we don’t
talk right now, because if he gave me any details, I’d be on the
next plane to Sao Paolo.

I push all of that out of my head as I dress
for the game. My first game back. Management made me wait and
practice the first few weeks to make sure I was really ready. I’m
still excited, even though I know Sierra won’t be here. This is
what I’ve worked for, what I’ve dreamed of getting back to. Today
is for me, and I’m going to make the most of it.

I only glance in the stands a couple of
times during warm up. Okay, it’s a couple of times every minute,
but I have to know. She’s not here, and I can’t lie to myself—it
hurts. Even though I try and convince myself that I don’t want her
here, I’m hurting. I give myself a mental shake. I have a game to
play, and I need to keep my head in this game.

I make it through the National Anthem with
misty eyes, but I don’t let any tears fall. I’d never hear the end
of it if I did. I take one last glance in the stands, and the seat
is still empty. I shake off my disappointment, and channel my anger
into my bat. It works pretty well, getting me a few RBIs.

We’re behind by one with
two on base as I step up to the plate. I give it all I’ve got, and
knock it over the fence, winning the game for us. The guys all
sprint out of the dugout, hugging me and slapping my ass. I throw
my head back to laugh, and that’s when I see it.
Her.
Sierra is in her
seat. Well, actually she’s out of it, jumping up and down as tears
stream down her face. She’s wearing the jersey and hat I gave her,
and she’s never looked more beautiful.

“I love you,” she mouths to me.

I look away. I have to. She shouldn’t be
here. A part of me wanted her here, but it’s too much. Seeing her
here is too much. I want to punch something. Or someone. I have
post-game interviews to do, so that’s not an option. I take some
deep breaths, and paste a smile on my face as I head for the first
reporter.

It’s over an hour later before I can finally
leave the stadium. I’m not surprised to see the usual group of
women waiting for me when I leave. I am surprised to see Sierra
leaning against the wall. Or maybe I’m not. She pushes off the wall
and starts walking towards me. I can’t let this happen. My emotions
are too raw right now.

I grab the closest busty blonde and pull her
to me. “Nice rack, babe.”

“Thanks. You can have a closer look if you
want, Joel.”

“Oh, I want. I’m definitely a boob man.
Nothing’s better than having them spill out of my hands.”

“Joel,” Sierra says softly. “Don’t do this.
Talk to me.”

I reach out and grab the bunny’s tits. “I’ve
got my hands full right now. No time to talk.”

She pulls the hat off her head and throws it
on the ground, and then does the same to the jersey. She stands
there for a minute in her blue bra and jean shorts, just staring at
me.

“Oh honey, I know a doctor who could help
you with those. Maybe Joel will talk to you then,” the blonde bunny
says.

“Thanks, but the man I love told me my
body’s perfect. I’m going to choose to believe that.”

She turns and walks away with her head held
high. I wait until she gets in her car and pulls away. Only then do
I let go of the girl and bend down to pick up the hat and
jersey.

“You ready to go, Joel?”

“Not today,” I tell her, walking away while
she sputters behind me.

Not ever, actually. What I did right now was
low, even for me. She came here. No matter what’s happened between
us, she came to this game. She was jumping up and down for me,
crying tears of joy for me, and she even waited to talk to me. I
just stomped all over her, and while she may deserve it, I could’ve
thanked her for coming. Or maybe even listened to her. It’s too
late for that now. I’m pretty sure that ship has not only sailed,
but it sank to the bottom of the ocean, never to be seen again.

Sierra

“Sierra, can you stay for a minute?” Reina
asks me once class is over.

“Sure, what’s up?”

“I know you went to Joel’s game a couple of
days ago. I’m guessing it didn’t go well.”

“That’s the understatement of the year.”

“I wish I could let you tell him, but that
wouldn’t be fair to everyone else.”

“I know.”

“I’m flying to Sao Paolo today.”

“Marcus?” I ask, knowing that Ainsley’s
still been monitoring things with him, even though nothing happened
at the ball.