Page 19 of Crazy Love

I miss my parents all the time, but we see each other often and I’ve learned to deal with it, but during weeks like this, I’d give just about anything to go hang out with them.

“You know what? Yes. Please come,” I say. “It would really help.”

“We’ll get to work on that right away, honey.”

CHAPTER SIX

IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME

ADELINE

Twinkle Tales is exactly the kind of bookstore I’d dream of owning if my life had gone a different way. I’m happy with my choices, but this…it’s magical. Cozy and charming, with that comforting scent of books and coffee and candles. Growing up, I came here often, and even during school breaks, I’d stop in, but I haven’t been in since Calista took over the shop from her aunt. I loved it before, but it’s even better now.

A massive orange tabby meows and swirls its tail against my leg, and I bend down to pet the beauty. “Hello. You’re so pretty,” I whisper.

I spot Elle, Tru, Poppy, and Sadie near a display of romance novels, all of them mid-laugh. They’re the wives of some of the Mustangs’ best players. I’ve met Elle before, but I’m not sure she’d remember me. I’m younger than her and Calista but remember what a good dancer Elle was when we’d go to the high school games. She’d graduated by the time I got there, but they talked about her on the cheer team because she’d gone on to be a cheerleader at Stanford, which was a big deal in our little town. I knew Calista better because I loved coming to Twinkle Tales even when her aunt owned it, and Calista was often here, working behind the counter or stocking the shelves. As far as the rest of the group, I’ve heard about them from my parents. My mom has enjoyed getting to know them at the family events, and I met them briefly at the picnic earlier. They were the bright spot in my anxiety-filled day.

“Adeline!” Elle calls, waving me over. “Good to see you. We’re probably being so loud.” She laughs.

“Sounds like you’re having fun.” I grin, stepping into their little circle. “I heard you laughing from outside.”

They crack up even harder at that, and my shoulders relax another degree.

“Guilty,” Elle says unapologetically.

“These girls know how to have a good time,” Calista says. “Hey, Adeline! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. You look great. And looks like you met Hank.”

“I know. It’s been forever. Twinkle Tales looks amazing.” I look at where Calista is pointing and Hank the cat is sitting at my feet.

“I was wondering what his name was. Hank, I love it,” I say, leaning down to pet him again. “Yes, we met. He’s gorgeous.”

“So you’re the team’s new dietitian, I hear?” Calista asks.

“Yes, I’m the new RD. Back from California finally and ready to get to work.” I smile at her and then get distracted by a little squeak coming from one of the babies.

Both Poppy and Tru have their babies in little slings across their chests, looking like the most fashionable moms I’ve ever seen.

“Cutest babies ever,” I tell them both.

“Aw, thank you. Jonas is exhausted from missing his nap at the picnic. He was too interested in everything to settle down,” Poppy says, shifting so I can see him better.

“Oh,” I coo, when I get a better look. “Total baby envy right now.”

Tru smiles when I look at her little one. “This is Avery, and she’s pretty dreamy…until she’s hangry and then her face turns the brightest shade of pink. Even that’s cute though,” she says, and we all laugh.

“We’re getting our baby fix through them,” Sadie says.

“You don’t have baby envy yet?” Tru asks her, eyebrows lifted.

“Okay, yes. I do have baby envy. Caleb would love a little brother or sister…I’m maybe ready to start trying soon,” she admits.

“Ahh, best news ever!” Tru says and then looks at Elle.

“Don’t look at me,” Elle says, laughing. “I’m so glad you’re here, Adeline.Save me.” Her eyes meet mine and I laugh at the mischievous glint in her eyes.

“I’m happy to get the baby talk off of you anytime,” I say, and she squeezes my arm.

“Thank you,” she whispers dramatically.

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