Begin Again // Riley Green

8.

Sophie's POV

When Riley said that he was going to prove to me that we could both follow our dreams, and have each other, he wasn't lying.

In the few weeks since he left to go back to Nashville, he has spent every free moment that he has contacting me in some way. Hell, this man went as far as to send me food after long weekends at the track, or just on a random nights when I had told him I was burned out from work.

I will admit, Riley has been working his ass off to prove that we can make this work, despite the lingering thoughts in my head that it won't.

While it all sounds like a fairytale, it's almost too perfect to be true at this point. I refuse to give up my career to follow him around the country, I've made a life for myself without him, and I have full intentions of staying where I'm at.

I refuse to give up my career and my life for anyone, even if that person is Riley Green.

Despite all of the negative thoughts, I let it all slide for this one weekend and took Riley up on his offer to accompany him to a baseball tournament that he is holding at JSU. 

Parking my car near the baseball fields, I see Riley walk towards me, a smile on his face.

"There you are, I was starting to worry that you weren't going to show up" Riley says, opening his arms up for me.

Stepping into his embrace, I take in the familiar cologne scent, letting out a comfortable sigh.

"I told you I would be here, so here I am" I respond, giving him a smile.

Riley let's out a chuckle, holding me tighter to his chest.

"So I don't have much today, but I would like your input as far as how things are being scheduled if you don't mind" Riley says.

"Lead the way" I respond.

The two of us walk towards the dugouts in a comfortable silence, Riley's arm slug around my shoulder.

When we arrive in the dugouts, Riley leads me to a table set up that has loads of papers across it.

"So essentially, I'm trying to make the teams, but I can't decide where these two should go. What do you think?" He asks handing me a piece of paper. 

Looking at the paper, I see all of the teams laid out. However, one name on the list catches my eye.

"I didn't know Chase was going to be here for this" I state.

"I wasn't expecting that one either, especially seeing how protective he was of you. He was one of the last editions, along with Chase Rice" he tells me.

I give him a nod, before pointing out which team they would work best on.

Riley gives me a thankful smile, before kissing the top of my forehead.

"That's what I was thinking too. Now, here's what's next. Do you want to stay with me, or do you want to go back to your parents? I was thinking we could stop and get dinner either way" Riley asks.

I think on it for a second, before giving him a soft smile.

"I'd like to stay with you if that's okay" I respond. 

"More than okay. Let's go drop your car off at the house, and then we can go get some dinner. I have the perfect idea" Riley tells me. 

Riley's POV

Having Sophie with me this weekend is a huge step in the right direction, the direction I want to see us going in. 

Honestly, when I extended the invitation for her to come into town for this game, I wasn't expecting her to say yes. The two of us haven't spent time together in our hometown since we broke up, well before the alumni game, but that one doesn't count because we were barely speaking to each other. 

Looking across the table at Sophie, I see a huge smile on her face as she takes in the familiar restaurant.

The two of us spent a lot of time growing up at Struts, so much so that it became a weekly date night spot for the two of us.

"When was the last time you came here?" I ask Sophie, taking a sip of my beer.

Sophie looks around the restaurant, "It's been at least 3 or 4 years. Scarlett and I came here after one of the alumni events we went to. Before that, it was the last time I was here with you" She tells me. 

"Well, thank you for coming here with me. I know it's not easy being here, especially being here with me. However, I'm thankful that you're here, and that you're giving me a chance to make up for what I've done in the past" I tell her.

Sophie shrugs her shoulders, taking a pull from her beer, before setting it on the table.

"I honestly debated it. However, I told you that I would give this a chance, so I am. It's weird in general being around you again, but it's familiar and comfortable" she responds.

When our food is placed down, the two of us eat in a comfortable silence. You would think it would be awkward sitting across the table from someone who you've been through so much with, but it's not. 

Later on that evening, Sophie and I are sitting on my back deck, enjoying the peaceful Alabama night.

"Hey Soph" I say.

Sophie turns towards me, blonde hair flowing around her shoulder as she gives me a smile.

"Are you happy to be here?" I ask her, leaning against the railing next to her.

Sophie looks out into the field, before looking back at me.

"I haven't been this happy in a long time Ri" she responds.