I drag a hand over my face, feeling my headache continue to grow. "It's not happening Adrianna. I'm not pushing her if she doesn't want to do it." 

Her shrill voice gets so loud I have to physically move my phone away from my ear. "This app is launching October 10 Mason. We need an answer." 

"I'm not pressuring her. Whatever she decides, we'll handle it." I throw my bag on the ground as Kris and José walk in, pushing each other, probably ragging on how we played the other night. "Because I'm proposing to her a few weeks after the launch and I'm not jeopardizing our relationship for an app. She's too important." 

Their heads snap in my direction at my confession. "What?!" they both yell, not caring that I'm still on the phone. 

I shake my head and cover the bottom. "I'll explain during batting practice."

"Mason!" Adrianna shrieks into the phone. "Propose? Already?" 

"Listen I'm not discussing this with you right now. I have a game to get ready for. When Lexi tells me her decision, you'll be the first to know. I gotta go. Bye." I hang up the phone without even waiting for a response. Normally, I'd feel bad about it but half the time she hangs up she doesn't say goodbye either.

"So you're about to be a married man?" José asks, sticking a hand into his batting glove. Our batting coaches pull the cart of balls around the batting practice net and motion for us to lineup. I bang my bat off of my cleats then roll my shoulders attempting to loosen up. 

"Bro you're not getting out of this conversation." Kris says, tying his cleats. "You can't drop something like that on us and not expect us to ask questions. You've only been dating her again for like three months."

"I've been waiting on that girl for five years. Once playoffs are done, I'm asking." I insist. "We're in our mid-twenties, plenty of people our age are engaged."

Kris and José share a look while my annoyance continues to grow. "If you two have something to say then spit it out."

José scratches the back of his neck before letting out a loud sigh. "We're happy for you, really we are. But shouldn't you wait until you get signed somewhere first. You're a free agent Mase. You could end up in Boston for all you know."

"Lexi and I will figure it out. I told Adrianna to push the Dodgers. There's been interest on their side and I'd rather be in L.A. so we can move in together." 

I swing my bat a few times then step into the box. The assistant batting coach tosses me a few easy balls and I send them as pop ups into center field, hoping to clear my head. I love baseball, it's opened so many doors for me but I won't let it affect my relationship with Lexi. I can sign with any team near her and be happy. I've already won multiple MVPs and World Series, I don't need anymore. I want her. 

I want to wake up next to her every morning, her dark waves sticking to her face while her body is sprawled out in the middle of the bed. I want to be there for every career move, every late night movie night, and every good and bad day. I just want to be with my best friend everyday. 

"Dude this is your end of career contract though. You know it's going to be at least a seven-year contract." Kris stresses, trading spots with me in the box. 

"I know. All the more reason to make it as close to Lexi as possible." I confirm, then turn around and make my way into the clubhouse. 

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I throw my bag onto the waist high table in the hotel before clicking yes on Lexi's facetime call. 

"Hey baby." I say, flopping onto the bed. "Did you watch the game?"

"Of course I did!" She exclaims, "I made Brooke go to happy hour to watch it with me. I had to display my jersey proudly." 

I smile, my ego inflating just slightly that she was wearing my last name on her back. I only wish I could see the other guys drooling over her until they realize she's dating the league MVP. 

"We made playoffs tonight. We're going to St. Louis next Tuesday, any chance you can come?" I ask, positioning the phone on the nightstand so I don't have to hold it. 

She bites her lip and my heart sinks. She peers over at her calendar and when her shoulders sag, I know she can't. "I'm supposed to meet with my boss that day about Riley's album. It launches tonight at 7 my time. I can see if I can take it virtually." 

"No it's okay, I don't want you to jeopardize your job for a game."

"Just let me ask him and see what he says. I want to be there for you, it's important." She explains, writing something down in her notebook. 

"Only if you won't get in trouble. Tell me about your day, how was it?" I ask, rolling over on my side.

She laughs. "It was stressful honestly. I was happy to have a glass of wine at the end of it. Launch day is always hectic especially with this release party tonight. Speaking of which, wanna see what I'm going to wear?" She wiggles her eyebrows in a sultry way that immediately sends a shiver down my body. 

She gets up from her chair and walks to the closet behind her while my dick hardens at the site of her short shorts. "Where the hell did you get those?" I ask, adjusting myself. I guess I'm going to have to take a cold shower after this call.....unless she's down for some phone sex. 

"I got some new stuff since you've been away. Look at my dress!" she squeals, holding up a short shimmery silver cocktail dress. My jaw drops at the plunging neckline and when she holds up the matching silver heels, I damn near book a flight home to L.A. so I can see her in it.

"You're going to look beautiful Lexi. Send pictures later when you're all dolled up." 

"I will." she whispers, her smile disappearing. "I miss you so much. I've been thinking about your offer."

I grab the phone and sit upright, my heart pounding in my chest. "Yeah.." I say casually, "Have you decided?"

She nods. "I'll do it. But there's stipulations." 

A massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders, making me feel at least ten pounds lighter. "Let's hear them."

"I don't want to do media interviews and no media can be present in the room while I'm speaking. I don't want my picture taken or my story recorded. I want real victims in that room and their advocates." She says, her voice wobbling on the last part.

"Done." I say, writing down all of it in my phone. I fire off a quick text to Adrianna about Lexi's answer and her rules. 

"Really?" she stutters. "You're okay with all of that?"

I look at her through the camera and smile. "I want you to be as comfortable as possible. If these stipulations make you comfortable, then that's what we'll do."

"I love you." she laughs. "Okay I have to go get ready and you need to get some sleep for your game tomorrow. Last one of the regular season."

I nod. "I can't wait to get back home. Have fun babe, call if you need me."

"I'm sure it'll be fine. Goodnight."

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I hit end and plug my phone into the charger. I look at the clock and notice I only have about forty-five minutes to get ready and get to the venue. Oh well, every second talking to Mason is worth it.

I change out of my lounge clothes and wiggle into the shimmery dress. Truthfully, I wanted to wear this to one of Mason's many functions but I couldn't pass up the chance to wear it tonight. I strap on my heels then walk into the bathroom to put in some big waves. I'm finishing touching up my makeup when my phone alerts me that my Uber is here. 

I grab my clutch, a water bottle, and a granola bar before rushing out of my building and into the waiting car.

"Good evening miss, how are you?" my Uber driver says. She's an older woman with a few gray hairs and laugh lines. 

"I'm well thank you, how are you?" I ask, opening my phone. I always track where my Uber is going because well, you never know.

"I'm good. Looks like you're going to have a great night." she says, noticing my outfit.

"It should be." I answer back, texting Brooke I'm on the way.

Twenty minutes later, I'm walking into a ballroom at the Staples Center when Brooke spots me. She walks over in her own death heels and puts her arm through mine. 

"This all looks so great, I'm excited!" she yells so I can hear her over the music. "Did you tell Mason?"

I nod then lean in closer so I don't have to shout. "Yes, he took it well. Now let's have fun tonight."

We head towards the champagne table when a reporter steps in front of me, blocking my view of the table. I stop, teetering in my heels, and look at him. He's a little taller than me but much stockier. 

"Lexi what do you have to say about breaking Riley Dawson's heart?" he shouts at me, shoving a microphone in my face.

A flash goes off and more reporters are headed my way while I blink trying to get the bright light out of my eyes. I reach for Brooke but somehow she's been swallowed whole by the reporters and I'm all alone with circling vultures getting bigger. 

"Brooke?" I scream, looking left and right for someone, anyone. 

"Why did you break up with Riley Dawson?" someone yells at me.

"Which songs are about you on the album?" another one shouts.

My heart is racing while I try to compose myself but the room is getting smaller and my breathing is getting more ragged by the second. 

"Back up, please back up." I plead.

"Does Mason know you dated your artist?" 

"Is it true Mason dumped you after the ESPYS?"

"Stop, please stop." I beg, tears streaming down my face. I've lost the ability to control myself and I'm struggling to see straight. My knees feel weak, like they're ready to buckle any minute. I continue to look around for anyone to help me but there's no knight in shining armor.

"Are you playing Riley and Mason?" 

"Are you a slut for celebrities?" is the last question I hear before the room goes dark. 

*Author's note: Wow....shit is about to hit the fan. We're only at the beginning of a media frenzy with Lexi, Mason, and Riley. The story was going to well, gotta throw a little drama in ya know?

Next update is about 7-10 days away! Thank you all for reading, voting, and commenting. I never imagined my story would've gained this much attention. I'm truly appreciative of all of you! <3