Page 105 of Crazy Love

“Yes,” Weston agrees. “Sadie’s mentioned that Addy hasn’t been to the last few girls’ nights. If she’s isolating herself, that’s not good.”

Bowie nods. “And they’d love to help her. She needs to know there’s support. It’s hard to become a full-time mom overnight.”

Henley puts his hand on my shoulder and squeezes. “It takes a village, remember?”

“What if she says she can’t do it anymore?” I pick at the napkin that came with my drink.

“Then you figure it out together,” Weston says. “This is probably still just all of you trying to find your equilibrium.”

“Yeah.” I swallow hard. “Okay. Thanks. This is helping me breathe a little easier.”

After I leave the guys, I spot Coach Evans sitting at one of the corner tables. He’s alone, his hands wrapped around a mug. I hesitate for half a second before walking over.

“Hey, Coach.”

He looks up, surprised, then looks to see if Addy or the kids are with me. “Penn. Sit down?”

“Sure.” I sit down across from him and try not to tap my fingers on the table. It drives him crazy when I do that. “How’ve you been?”

He pauses before taking a drink and then says, “Actually, I’m glad to see you. I’ve been worried about Addy.”

I blink. “Me too.”

His eyes sharpen. “She tells you more than she tells me, I guess.”

I shift in my seat. “I don’t know about that. But I think she’s overwhelmed. And honestly…” I rub my jaw and lean in so he’s the only one who can hear me. “I’ve been thinking about quitting football when my contract is up.”

His eyes widen. “Quitting?”

The shock in his voice would make me laugh if this weren’t so serious.

“Yeah. I don’t want her to give up her job because of me and the kids.” I keep my voice low. “She’s worked so hard for it. If one of us has to step back, it should be me.”

He stares at me for several long beats, until I shift uncomfortably in my seat.

“You’d really walk away from football for her?” he asks softly.

“In a heartbeat,” I say without hesitation.

He leans back in his chair, his mouth opening and closing. Finally, he rubs a hand down his face. “You know, Penn…I think I may have been wrong about you.”

My brow furrows, but I wait to hear what he has to say. I can’t tell if he’s angry with me or about to cry.

He lets out a soft breath. “I owe you an apology.”

Notwhat I was expecting.

“I’ve always been hard on you because…well, you remind me of my little brother.”

“Really?” Another surprise.

Coach’s mouth lifts in a bittersweet smile. “Charismatic, too good-looking for his own good. Sounds like someone else we know, right?” He smirks at me. “He was always riding the next high, always looking for the next party and the prettiest girl in the room to charm.” His smile fades. “He died in a car accident during his senior year.”

“Oh God,” I breathe. “Coach, I’m so sorry.”

His gaze is distant. “I thought I saw so much of him in you. But you’re not him. He would’ve never sacrificed his dreams for someone else. Maybe he would’ve gotten there eventually…we’ll never know.” He sighs. “But you? I believe you when you say you’d do it.”

I nod. “I do mean it. I’m just not sure if it’ll be enough to help her.”

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