Page 21 of Crazy Love

He shakes his head. “You’ll probably talk to her before I do, but I’ll try.”

I laugh. “You’re probably right. She seems nervous to travel since the car accident, but she’s doing so much better, right?”

“Yes. Everyone’s assured me that she’s fine. I had to see for myself like you when it first happened, but since then, this place has taken over every brain cell I have. I call to check on her, but then ask everyone else to tell me if she’s telling the truth or not.”

I sigh. My best friend doesn’t love everyone fussing over her. “I’ve done the same thing, calling your dad when I don’t hear back from Goldie as soon as usual. It’s driving Goldie nuts.”

He snorts. “She can just deal with it. We all love her. What’s the crime in that?”

“Exactly.”

“It’s so good to see you. I better get back in the kitchen. You staying for dinner?”

“Yep, with some new friends. I’ll come find you before I leave though.”

“You better. And your meal’s on me.”

“Absolutely not,” I argue, but he just winks before heading toward the kitchen.

Still smiling, I turn to join the girls at the table—only for my stomach to drop. Because sitting there, surrounded by my new friends and their partners…isPenn.

Dammit.

I had no idea he’d be here!

And from the look on his face?

He isnothappy to see me.

CHAPTER SEVEN

THE LAYERS OF HUGS

PENN

I start to relax when we get to the restaurant, excited to see the girls. I didn’t get enough time with them today at the picnic, since I hightailed it out of there when I saw Adeline Evans. They’ve become my best friends too and I need a night out with my friends. I called Sam on the way over here to see if he could come to dinner with us and he had homework to finish, so it looks like I won’t be seeing him this weekend. He’s been to alot of the family events with me and I missed having him there today. The family he’s with doesn’t allow me to see him as much as the last one, and it’s just another reason that I’m anxious for the meeting on Tuesday with the social worker.

When we walk in, the chef and owner of the restaurant, Camden Whitman, walks out to greet us. He’s a class-act dude, and we love everything he makes, so ever since we found out about this place recently, we’ve been looking for excuses to come back.

“It’s great to see you guys again,” he says, standing at the head of the table.

“Great to see you,” Henley says. “Thanks for fitting us in at such short notice.”

“I’ll always try my best,” he says, smiling around the table. “I hope you’re not too cramped here. You’re expecting more, I see. Can I get you started on appetizers?”

“Our wives will be here shortly,” Weston says. “And I’m starving. Should we do one of each of the appetizers?”

“Yes, two of the salmon tartare,” Rhodes says.

“Yes,” I jump in. “I don’t know what you put in that thing, but it’s amazing.”

“I appreciate that, man,” Camden says. He looks up when the server walks to the table, poised to take our order. He nods at her and glances at us once more. “I’ll leave Josie to it. She’s the best.”

“That’s what he says about all of us,” Josie teases.

“It’s true, I do,” he says, laughing. “But it’s also true.” He tilts his face and gives her a playful look. “Just let me know if you need anything. I want to make my favorite players happy.”

Such a cool guy. He makes what must be an insanely stressful job look effortless. He taps the back of the chair and walks away, while Josie takes our drink orders.

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