The Big League - Drew Starkey

chapter forty five.

"Listen," Drew chuckled, sticking his hand up to defend himself. "I don't make the movies, alright? I just do the acting."

"And you're damn good at it." Mallory commented, causing Drew to look down at her, a smile spread across his lips.

"After filming those two movies, which will be released at some point," Drew continued as his eyes narrowed towards JD. "The second season of Outer Banks was released and damn, what a time that was. Season two was a hit and I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for being apart of such an incredible show. Even though I'll never forgive Chase for stealing my role as John B." Drew now directed his attention to his best friend and everyone chuckled in response.

"You're welcome." Chase nodded, a smile on his lips as he raised his glass.

"And just when I thought this year couldn't get any better," Drew smiled as he looked at his girlfriend who was staring up at him in adoration. "Some blonde chick ran into me on Rodeo Drive and now I'm binge watching New Girl with her every night before bed." Drew mentioned the show that him and Mallory started to binge watch, though it was Mallory's third time going through the series. It was one of her favorite shows and because it was, Drew wanted to give it a chance with her.

Mallory couldn't help but laugh at his comments. The day she ran into him was a day neither of them would forget and though at that point did neither of them know how much of an impact they would have on each other, they couldn't believe how far they had gotten.

Drew ended his toast, everyone cheering in response with their glasses raised in the air before taking a sip of their drink. People fell into their own conversations once again as they waited for the ball in Times Square to drop. They were just minutes away from the new year.

"I love what you said." Mallory smiled up at Drew. "I'm so proud of you."

Drew's smile widened as he admired his girlfriend, whom he was so head over heels in love with. He had no idea he could have so much love for someone in such a short amount of time.

"Thank you, Mal." Drew said softly. "And I'm so proud of you." He told her as he kissed her forehead.

"It's crazy how much our lives changed that day."

Drew nodded in response, knowing exactly what day she was referring to. "I wouldn't change a thing about that day."

"I mean I probably would," Mallory playfully grinned as she shrugged. She couldn't help but think back to that day and the whole reason why she was running to begin with. Drew furrowed his eyebrows at her answer. "I would like to not have obscene comments made to me and be chased out of a store." She clarified and Drew nodded, understanding what she was saying. "But then again, if that didn't happen, I would've never ran into you. I would've never met you and I don't even want to think about my life if I never met you."

"I don't want to think about my life if I never met you either." Drew agreed. "I hate that that happened to you, and I'm so sorry it did. I wish we met for another reason."

"I do too," Mal nodded. "We could have never crossed paths if that didn't happen and as upset as it made me at the time, it gave me you. It's terrible, but I can't help but feel like everything happens for a reason." Drew kissed Mallory's forehead in response and she closed her eyes, loving the small gesture he did. "Who knows if I would've relocated to Charleston too. What if we didn't even meet that way? You know what, I don't even want to think about that. We met the way we did for a reason, and now you're stuck with me forever." A smile lifted onto Mal's lips as she looked at her boyfriend.

"You are the best thing that has ever happened to me, Mal." Drew told her. "I don't want to think about that either, which is why I'm not going to ask questions. I'm just going to enjoy the fact that I get to go into the new year with you."