The Ties That Bind

chapter thirteen

p a r k e r

"Excuse me," I say to one of the security guards manning the entrance of the building. "Do you know where the Vera Wang fashion show is?"

"Twenty-fifth floor," he replies. "In the left wing ballroom. Can I check your passes before you head in?"

"Yeah, of course." I remove the VIP pass from my back pocket. Deacon and Miles do the same.

Olivia invited us to a fashion show that her, Hayden, and Annalise are walking in. I've never been to one before, so I'm excited. I'm also excited to see Olivia strut her way down the aisle. The fact that she can walk in seven inch heels while twelve weeks pregnant is both impressive and scary.

Olivia and I have been spending more time together since the night at Urban New York, when we got "familiar" with each other again—if you know what I mean. But, I miss her so much on the weeks where I'm traveling out of the state from away games. I love waking up to Olivia's body nuzzled up against mine.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Olivia's second trimester. I can't believe three months of her pregnancy has gone by. It seems like just yesterday she showed up at my game to tell me the news. That day completely changed my life. For the better, I might add.

"Okay, you guys are all set." He returns our IDs and unclips the red stanchion for us to enter.

"Alright, boys. Please behave yourselves," I warn my friends.

"I can't promise anything," Miles says. "There's going to be a shit ton of models in sexy dresses and heels." He shrugs.

Deacon and I shake our heads. "Hey, I don't have a hot girlfriend. I'm an eligible bachelor," Miles says.

"I don't have a girlfriend either," Deacon states.

Miles and I smirk at each other. "Mhm. So if I told you Annalise is dating some hot male model, you wouldn't mind?" Deacon's jaw tightens, proving my point.

"Told you so," I laugh.

As we enter the ballroom, I'm blinded by flashing lights. I shield my eyes with one of my hands and squint to see dozens of photographers snapping pictures of us. "Jesus Christ," I hear Deacon mutter.

When we finally pass the crowd, someone ushers us to our seats. We're in the first row with a perfect view of the walkway. I flip through a program of the show. There's pictures of each Vera Wang piece along with headshots of the models and their names. I smile when I find Olivia's. Her headshot captures her beautiful smile and stunning eyes.

A few minutes later, everyone is seated because the show is starting. A lady with raven black hair and porcelain skin walks down the runway dressed in a black and white pant suit. "Hello, everyone." The crowd cheers.

"I'm Vera Wang and I'm excited for you all to see the pieces I have created for my bridal collection, this year. I have worked diligently to design these pieces, so I hope you all enjoy. Now, let's bring these pretty ladies out to show them off." We all clap excitedly.

A classical song plays in the background and the light dims except for the ones on the runway. When the first model steps out, my eyebrows lift in amazement. Holy shit. The white gown she has on is huge. I'm surprised she isn't tripping over the material. More models continue to file out from backstage onto the runway, all dressed in various white gowns.