I’m confessing far more than I had planned, but I need her to see the truth. I think she may be it for me—her and Nora together.

I’m not afraid of the commitment, but I’m desperately hopeful for what we could become. A family.

She’s quiet on the other side of the line, her brows furrowed in deep thought.

“You said it feels like a zap of electricity?”

“It can.”

She nibbles on her lower lip. “I-I think I may have felt it, too.” My breath catches. “In the equipment room.”

“I wish I could kiss you right now,” I admit.

If she gave me the word, I would drive across town just to kiss her.

Her tongue darts out to wet her lips, and her pupils dilate. Before she can respond, Nora launches into her lap and takes the phone.

“Can we go on a date again soon?” she asks.

There’s toothpaste on the corner of her mouth, and her cheeks are a deep red, like she applied blush while in the bathroom.

“I’d like that very much.”

I respond to Nora, but the words are for Addie.

CHAPTER 18

The Alchemy – Taylor Swift

Addie

Maren: Hi, Addie! Welcome to the club.

Maren: We kicked Declan out.

Maren: You’re much cooler.

Nathalie: Please don’t tell him we made this, he will get jealous and pester me to add him.

Sawyer: STAY STRONG.

Maren: Does Nora have any plans on Sunday?

Me: She’s with a babysitter since we have a home game.

Nathalie: Can you cancel the sitter?

Sawyer: We’d like to take her to the game with us, if it’s okay with you.

Maren: We’re kinda obsessed with her.

Nathalie: We wanted to ask before we get another ticket.

Me: How much are the tickets?

Sawyer: Oh, don’t worry about that!

Maren: No cost associated. We just want some time with Nora. It’s selfish, really.