to live for the hope of it all.

Chapter 18

October 6th, 2023

"Should've burst through the door,
With that "Baby, I'm right here" smile,
And it would've felt like,
A million little shining stars had just aligned..."

Bailey

"That's a cute picture, you should send it to him," Wren said, leaning towards me from her middle seat.

"What?" I blushed, looking back at the photo Delilah and I had just taken while we waited for everyone to meet us outside. Delilah was standing on the car step while I stood behind her waiting for her to get in, and she had the phone angled up to capture us both in the photo as we smiled.

"Send it to Beckett, the team is still on the bus, so just wish him good luck or something," Wren shrugged, pretending it was no big deal when it absolutely was. She turned and sat back in her seat to buckle up as my grandfather and Anna took their seats in the front. As we left the driveway, I contemplated whether or not it was a good idea.

Earlier today, I was nervous to see Beckett again after what I did this morning, but thankfully things weren't awkward.

At least not until we were saying goodbye and I was tempted to do it again.

Sighing, I opened my messages with Beckett before cueing the photo to send to him.

Would he think this was weird?

"Now or never, Bay," Wren whispered so only I could hear. I turned around and was met with one of her soft smiles, not a hint of teasing in her tone. I nodded and turned back to my phone before pressing send.

Now or never.

My heartrate picked up when I saw the typing bubbles appear for a while before they disappeared, and then reappeared shortly after. I waited with baited breath for his response and one came in the form of a selfie of him smiling in front of a sleeping Caleb, who had his mouth wide open. I swallowed a laugh and was going to reply, but he beat me to it.

Beckett: Thank you, Bailey.

Brows furrowed, I pondered what he could mean.

Me: For what?

I watched as the bubbles appeared for a few seconds before they disappeared and didn't pop back up. Confused, I turned my phone off and rested it against my leg.

Grandpa Matt turned the radio up and Delilah was singing, occasionally holding her invisible microphone to Wren for her to join in.

I must have fallen asleep at some point, because the next thing I knew I was getting jostled awake by Delilah.

"Bailey, come on!" She said, playfully.

"Okay, okay Lilah, I'm coming," I laughed, grabbing my sweatshirt and phone before following her out of the car. I stopped to stretch before we headed inside, and checked my phone for a message from Beckett. Thankfully, there was one.

Beckett: For sending me that picture and making me forget I have a game to be nervous about. I really like your smile.

I stood, rereading his message over and over, not even bothering to hide the blush I am sure was coating my cheeks.

"What is it?" Wren asked. I showed her the phone as I tried to stop my heart from racing.

"I told you he'd appreciate it," She laughed, grabbing my arm and pulling me into the stadium behind the others. I smiled at her gratefully, because I don't think I would have sent it if it weren't for her encouragement.

Beckett liked my smile.

It felt like such a small thing to be excited about, but I have spent half my life waiting for Beckett Davis to notice me. Somehow, the universe decided to grant me this my senior year of high school, and hell if I wasn't going to take advantage of this moment.

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