Chapter Four
Time Jump – A Few Weeks Later
Jace POV:
Being home from Spring Training wasn't exactly what I imagined it would be. Normally I would come home and just jump right into my routine of getting mentally prepared for the season, but all that seemed to fill my head was Clary. We've texted here and there, but it's all been pretty surface level stuff. I knew she was busy with work, and I was running around constantly, and always exhausted. Most nights I fell asleep in front of the TV unable to keep my eyes opened.
Thankfully I had this weekend off, and I was meeting up with my old friends. It was something that I needed to clear my head, and also just remind myself that sometimes I was just a normal guy who had a pretty elite job, and the Lightwoods were very good as bruising my ego, but I loved them for it.
"If it isn't the mighty Jace Herondale." I heard from behind me and when I turned around, there stood the Lightwoods.
"You guys have always been good at busting my ego down." I said and they laughed. I pulled them each into a hug. "It's good to see you again."
"It's been awhile." Alec said. "Anything new in your famous life?" He asked and I laughed. We played baseball together, and when I wanted to go somewhere with it, he was always the one helping me out and making sure I wasn't making an ass out of myself.
"As a matter of fact, there is." I smiled proudly. "I met someone."
"Get out!" Isabelle practically screamed. "What's she like?"
"Amazing." I said honestly. "She's a freelance artist so she travels a lot for work, so we haven't seen a lot of each other, but we talk almost every day."
"You sound so smitten." Maryse said and I smiled.
"She makes me feel normal." I admitted. "When we met, she didn't even know who I was."
"I bet that's a strange concept for you these days." Alec laughed.
"It was, but it was nice. I invited her to one of our practices and you could tell she's never stepped foot into a baseball stadium before." I said and everyone laughed.
"Well I can't wait to meet her!" Izzy cheered.
"Calm down Izzy. My job hasn't scared her away, but you just might, and I don't really want her going anywhere just yet." I admitted and Izzy just smiled.
"As much as I love discussing Jace's love life, which I do, I came here for the food." Max said from behind everyone, which caused me to laugh.
"Let's go. It's on me." I said and they smiled.
"Well duhh. That's the only reason I came." Max said and I just shook my head. It felt good to be back with them after a crazy start to the season.
Time Jump – A Few Months Later
Clary POV:
I just got another job after I spent a couple weeks in New York, but this time it was in LA, which meant, I could finally see Jace again. It was weird that I spent the majority of my time getting to know this guy through texts, but I really felt like I've known him forever, and finally getting a chance to see him again would be really nice.
He invited me out for dinner tonight, and as I unpacked my suitcase in the hotel, I decided on what to wear. He told me it wasn't formal, but I didn't really go on dates often, so I didn't know what to wear on a normal date. It didn't help either that I have been keeping up with his season. It was the first time in my life that I ever watched a sporting event on TV, but I couldn't help but watch him. He was amazing and I wanted to be apart of that.
I had just finished putting on my outfit and fixing my hair when there was a knock on my door. I texted Jace earlier telling him where I was staying, and as I heard the knock, the butterflies in my stomach were going crazy. I took a deep breath and went over to open the door. Once I saw him, I felt much more relaxed. He was wearing a simply pair of jeans, a white tee, and a leather jacket. He looked hot, but also casual, and I liked that.
"Some place you got here." He said and I laughed.
"I told you, I travel a lot. I don't have a home." I said and he smiled.
"You ready to go?" He asked and I nodded. I grabbed my purse and we left.
We got into his car and he started driving. I haven't spent much time in LA, but the views were amazing. I was happy to be spending more time in this city, hopefully getting some serious inspiration. After some time, we pulled up to a restaurant. I was kind of expecting a big deal from people when we walked in, but it was almost like they didn't care that Jace was famous, we were just normal people. We were lead to the table and after a short talk with the waitress, we were alone.
"I'm not going to lie, I thought coming out tonight would be more of a scene." I admitted and Jace smiled.
"I come here a lot. Most of these people are regulars, so they know me." He said and I nodded. "Plus I didn't want to take you somewhere that would be more about me than you."
"That's very sweet of you." I said and he smiled.
"I wanted a night where we could have a good time. Just two regular adults." He said and I nodded. He was not like what I imagined pro sports players to be, and I was very happy about that.
