Chase's POV

I don't know why I agreed to do this in the first place, and god help me if Sophie or Ryan were to find out that I was here.

I'm sure they'd both have my ass for this one. Well, mostly Ryan. For some reason, he's been beyond over-protective of her since we first ran into Riley at that race.

However, I'm here for a good reason.

When I was first approached about doing this softball game, I knew it was something I couldn't say no to. The idea of playing ball in order to help others in need is something that appeals to me.

So, sue me for picking charity over avoiding someone.

As I walk towards the fields, I see Riley standing in front of his Jeep waiting on me, a nervous look on his face. I see him look back at the Jeep, before turning his attention back to me.

"Thanks for coming out man" Riley says.

"Thank you for having me out here" I tell him, looking between him, and the fields behind him.

"Figured I'd drive you down to the fields. We're still working on getting everyone in and all of that, you're actually one of the first ones here" he tells me.

"Appreciate it" I respond.

Hoping in the passenger seat of the Jeep, the two of us head towards the fields in complete silence, neither one of us knowing what to say.

After Riley parks the Jeep, we walk over to the fields, only a few people mingling around.

"Dude, Riley. You didn't tell me how much of a badass your girlfriend is" Morgan Wallen exclaims, walking out of the dugout.

Riley chuckles, "what did she do this time?" he asks. 

Girlfriend? Who knew a guy who was just chasing after Sophie a few weeks ago would have moved on so quickly. 

"She just fucking hit a homer on this field, shocked the hell out of us. I swear if this was a co-ed thing, I would pull for her to be on our team" Morgan tells him. 

Riley quickens his steps into the dugout. When I see him again, he's got a blonde wrapped up in his arms as he's kissing the top of her head.

As she tilts her head to the side to look up at him, I let out a small gasp.

"Soph?" I ask.

She turns around giving me a small smile.

"Hey buddy" she responds. 

Sophie's POV

Chase looks between Riley and I, a mixture of shock, and confusion on his face.

"What are you doing here? I thought you were still in Charlotte this weekend" Chase questions. 

"Um. Riley invited me down for the game, figured I could lend a helping hand around here" I tell him. 

"There you guys are" I hear coming from behind us.

I turn around to see my parents, along with Riley's mom walking towards us.

Mama looks at me in shock spotting Chase, before giving him a soft smile.

"Chase, sweetheart. I didn't know you would be here too" mama tells him.

"Yes ma'am. Riley's team reached out to mine, and it was something I just couldn't pass up" Chase explains. 

"Well, it's good to see you honey. Todd and I were just talking about when we were going to come see you boys race again, even talked Karen over here into coming to the track as well" mama tells him.

"Chase, this is Riley's mom Karen. Karen, this is one of my best friends, Chase" I introduce. 

Chase gives her a smile, before turning back towards me.

"Does anyone know you're here?" Chase asks me.

I shake my head, "I'd like to keep it that no one does for right now, not until I can give them a solid explanation" I tell Chase.

Chase nods his head, understanding where I'm coming from.

Being the more private member of our friend group, Chase is used to not telling us things until they are fully concrete, or until he can't hide it anymore. It's just one of Chase's things, he doesn't like people knowing about his private life.

"Understood" Chase responds. 

"Sophie, we are going to find some seats. Are you staying down here during the game or are you heading up with us?" mama asks.

"I'm going to come up there in a bit" I respond.

"We will save you a seat" Karen tells me.

I watch as the three of them walk away, before turning back to Riley, Chase, and Morgan.

"Do you guys need any help down here before I go up?" I ask Riley. 

Riley shakes his head, before setting a hand on my hip, "we're good down here honey. Everyone should be getting here in the next few minutes, then we will start warming up and getting everything going" Riley tells me.

I give him a nod, before kissing his cheek.

"Good luck out there" I tell him. 

"I don't need luck, I got you" Riley tells me.