Shannon’s Reviews > Mile High > Status Update

My whole life, I’ve been waiting for someone else to choose me, and I constantly let myself down, holding out for others’ approval. But why am I waiting around for someone else to make me a priority when I can do it myself? I can choose myself.

“I still can’t believe you got her that collar.” “She’s got a chain just like her dad,” he boasts before spinning one of the rings on my fingers. “All my girls got some drip.”  I hold his tattooed hand in mine. “All but you and this pinky.” “This is my favorite one, Stevie girl.” He allows me to spin the ring that’s lost all its shine. “Because it was yours, and you’re my favorite.”

Having Stevie at my game, wearing my jersey does a whole lot of things to my possessive side... My eyes keep wanting to wander up to the seats to see how pretty she looks with her curly hair and the Raptors’ jersey across her chest, regardless that I’ve had the same view for weeks now. I almost can’t believe I get to have her here, and it’s as if I need to keep checking to make sure it’s actually true.

Idon’t know if I’ve ever felt so light in my life. I feel seen, chosen, and accepted by someone I choose just as much.

But as soon as I turn the corner and see Zanders staring at me like I’m the best thing he’s ever seen, I let those insecurities go, just as I do any time I’m around him. His hazel eyes are soft as they bore into me, and I can’t help but be happy to see him. I’ve missed him, as strange as that is to admit.  My throat bobs in a deep swallow. “You following me?” A content smile pulls at his lips.

I hate him. Partly for how he made Stevie feel, and partly because he once had what I want so badly and treated her as if she didn’t matter. As if she wasn’t his first option... “You’re not an idiot. You’re not crazy for wanting to be wanted. For wanting to be loved.” A deep swallow bobs in her throat. “And you’re not an option, Stevie, because besides you, there’s no other choice.” 

Zanders casually leans one arm onto the high-top table next to us, looking like an absolute snack I want to devour. Sweet baby Jesus, he looks good. Like real good. His tuxedo is all black, the entire thing tailored to fit every muscle of his body. His tatted hands extend past the cuffs, and his fingers are still decorated with his rings—just the way I like them. 

“How’s Logan?” I ask as Maddison hangs up with his wife. “She’s good.” He smiles to himself. “She got her dress for the gala.” I stay silent, knowing what’s about to come. “I can’t wait to take it off her.”  Shaking my head, I can’t help but laugh. Giddy motherfucker. 

Stevie’s words make my chest swell, and my eyes sting a bit… “That’s not what I’m referring to. I’m not talking about how much money you make or who people think you are. I’m talking about who you really are. She’s missing out on that.” “And you think you know who I really am?” “I think I might be starting to figure it out.”