Page 13 of Crazy Love

If you need someone to write a character reference or show up at a meeting or hearing, I’m there.

Weston

Same. Whatever it takes.

I appreciate it. Seriously, thanks, guys.

CHAPTER FOUR

I’M A SURVIVOR

ADELINE

“What do you mean, you’re not coming to the family picnic?” Dad asks, sounding so hurt.

“I just…I’m still unpacking and trying to be ready for Monday.”

“This is important. You have plenty of time to unpack. And I know you, sweetheart—you’ve been ready for Monday for weeks.”

He’s not wrong. I already have a full presentation ready to go for Monday. I know it backwards and forwards and all I need to work on before Monday is finding my nerve.

“I’ll be by to pick you up in an hour,” Dad says and he hangs up.

“Ugh,” I yell, tossing my phone on the bed.

And then I get up and scramble to get ready.

My parents are so pleased I’m here, and I’d be happy to be too, if I wasn’t a nervous wreck. Every year before training camp, the entire Mustangs team and staff meet at one of the coach’s houses for a huge party. This year it wasn’t at my parents’ house, so I thought I could get out of attending, but here I am at Coach Crawford’s large estate, stuck under the bright afternoon sun, pretending to enjoy myself as my eyes scan the crowd.

Please don’t let Penn be here. Please let him have better things to do today.Please.

“Come on, sweetheart,” my dad calls, gesturing for me to follow him toward a cluster of people.

I force a smile and trail behind him. I’ll need to remind my dad not to call me sweetheart at work events. We chat for a few minutes before I’m taken to the next group of people.

And then I see him.

My stomach twists, my breath catches, all those things I thought I might be imagining after so much time has passed come rushing back with a vengeance. No, it’s all still there.

He turns just as I try to move away, and our eyes meet. His whole face lights up. Sunshine breaking through the clouds.

“Addy?”

I freeze. He’s already walking toward me, that familiar swagger in his step. His grin stretches wide, so genuine it makes my heart hurt just a little. The rest of me is so happy to see him though. So happy.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” he says, stopping in front of me. “What are you doing here?” His voice is warm, happy,relieved. Not a trace of anger for me bailing on him.

It’s more than I deserve.

Before I can answer, my dad’s booming voice cuts through the air. “Everyone, can I have your attention?”

I sigh, glancing at Penn, and his eyes are steady on mine as the crowd quietens.

“I’d like to introduce someone special to the team,” my dad announces, clapping a hand on my shoulder. “My daughter, Adeline Evans. While some of you may remember her from when she was younger, a lot of you probably haven’t gotten to know her yet. She’s back from California and has decided to join the Mustang family. We are so excited that she’s the Mustangs’ new registered dietitian. Lorelai, our director of nutrition, will have more to say about Adeline on Monday, but I wanted to be the first to introduce her to you all today. Make her feel welcome…but I am looking at all you single players—don’t even think of making a move on my little girl. Got it?” He laughs andI. Am. Mortified.

His words hang in the air like a grenade. There’s a loud cheer, but the only thing that registers for me is Penn’s face. His smile vanishes, his face going blank and then falling as the realization hits.

“Thanks, everyone!” I say, waving and forcing a smile. “I’m looking forward to working with all of you!”

---