Page 45 of Fumble Into the End Zone

I giggled at the “from Daddy and Harley” message on the card. Opening it, I covered my mouth at theI miss you, Ms. Miamessage. I assumed the blue water and stick people were us in the pool. My eyes watered and I sniffled at the picture.

“Where do you want the first set of flowers?” the guys asked.

“How many flowers are we talking about and what kind?”

The guys smiled, and I squinted as a response.

“Mr. Allen bought every pink and white rose within a 15-mile radius,” he said, and I blushed in disbelief.

I stood by the door and scanned my living room to assess if I held enough space.

“Put them in any open space you can find,” I said.

The delivery driver waved at the other vans as I moved out of the way. As vases of pink roses entered my house, I stood in the kitchen, watching in awe. The white roses were brought in next, and I offered the table and then soon, the kitchen island. I tried tipping the drivers, but Marcus handled that as well. He disclosed they would receive a higher tip by turning me down on my offer.

I stood in the living room, examining my living space. Vases ranged from tall and narrow to short and wide. My eyes glossed over as I videoed the space. No man had ever gone out of their way to express their affection for me. The men I’d dated did the bare minimum, and I accepted it. Why, the question bounced in my head. Finding our text thread, I uploaded the video to Marcus.

Me

You are too sweet, but I think this was Harley’s idea. Have her call me later. I love my card. Thank you for the roses.

Being it was nine, Marcus should be at practice, letting me off the hook.

Next I loaded it into my friend’s group chat.

Stacie

Addison did his big one.

I rolled my eyes at her message, letting out huff of annoyance.

Kindness

Wow, Addison is making it known he is interested.

I scoffed before I corrected them.

Me

These are not from Addison. Be serious.

Three bubbles jumped on the screen, including I’m sorry GIFs from both Stacie and Kindness.

Stacie

Well, do tell because you jumped to protect the sender real quick.

I covered my mouth as the realization of my anger came to the forefront of my brain. Shit, I was defensive.

Kindness

Stacie, she did get a little testy and I love it.

Me

You guys need to relax. I’m trying to credit the right person.

As I moved to my bedroom with a vase of pink roses, I tried processing how I could get around telling them all my business.

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