Page 34 of Draft Pick
Addie’s hands find her hips, a small tarantula stuffie tucked safely under her arms. “Accounabifity,” she answers in determination.
“Accountability. Yes,” Crew tells her. “Do you remember what that means?”
“Saying sorry when I make really bad choices.” She squeezes the stuffie to her cheeks.
He nods to me again as Hilary instructs her, “Chop, chop, miss mermaid.”
In the blink of an eye, blue orbs meet mine, reminding me of my own. “Sorry, Dr. Wilde,” Addie says, arms finding my neck in a gentle hug.
“Thank you for the apology…” I draw out and I can’t help myself. “Mermaid Addie of Emerald City.”
“What is Emerald City, anyway?” Hilary asks, and I think we’re all curious about that answer.
“It’s magical,” Addie coos. “Where mommies and daddies and fish and hyenas are all happy. We all love each other. It’s my favorite place in the whole entire world.”
“Jesus Christ. Hyenas?” Crew chuckles before the room falls silent. “Sounds like a beautiful place, Doodle.”
To be young and have a childlike imagination again. To also see the world so clearly, that a place where that kind of happiness can truly exist.Thatis how I know that, despite having a broken family on paper, Crew and Hilary have raised Addie well.
I quickly stand. “I hope I get to go there someday. I’ve always wanted to see a hyena.”
Addie makes a face of terror, despite just saying how happy they were, and her voice changes to a frightened tone. “Oh, they’re very scary. With lots of big teeth and sharp claws?—”
“Okay. I think that’s enough for today, Addie,” Crew presses before steering his attention to me. “Anything else you need from us, Doc?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think so. Vitals all look great, and as long as she’s not having any known side effects, I’ll go ahead and prescribe the next dose. Hopefully in time, we’ll be able to see little bits of progress and victories for Addie. These things can take some time, so stay patient, Mom and Dad.”
“Thank you, Dr. Wilde,” Hilary says at the same time her phone rings. “Oh! If you’ll excuse me,” she insists, showing thescreen to Crew. “Hi, babe.” Her feminine voice echoes down the hall.
Crew points toward Hilary with a lazy smirk. “Girlfriend.”
“Mom likes girls,” Addie giggles. “And so does Daddy.” Her eyebrows jump up and down, and I can just tell she makes herself laugh daily. Love a girl who doesn’t take herself too seriously.
I send them a big thumbs up, my elbow flying in and out like I’m ready for a hoedown or something. “Nice.” Because what am I supposed to say? Yay? I’m so happy your baby mama isn’t getting first-class access to your penis anymore, which means you’re single? Yay me? Absolutely not.
Even if I weren’t Addie’s doctor, I can tell Crew is not in a place to date right now. He’s got too much going on and has already told me Addie is his number one priority—which she should be.
I think seeing him again at the office, being exactly what he was created to be—a great dad—serves as my physical confirmation that it’s time for me to get out there again. Take Valentina up on her request to set me up on blind dates and give some other men a fair shot.
My attraction and respect for Crew Briggs happened before I had a chance to experience dating in Atlanta for myself. It’s time I do that.
“Daddy, will Dr. Wilde be at the roller-skating rink?” Addie perks up, busting at the seams for an answer right away.
“Uh,” he says, looking toward me for a moment. “I don’t think so, sweetie. Dr. Wilde works here. The fundraiser is for Makers staff and players, plus any sponsors that want to attend.”
“Fundraiser? At a roller rink?”
Crew stands, tucking Addie into his side. “Yeah. The Strikers—well, Makers Park—is hosting a charity fundraiser to support Headspead, the mental health foundation close by for teens andyoung children. It’s not until the end of the year, and I tried to keep it a secret, but her little buddy, Apollo, has a loud mouth.”
Hmm.
“Are they still looking for sponsors?” I ask. Maybe it’s my career that’s stirred a fire for helping the unreachable, or maybe it’s my neglected childhood, but this is exactly what I’ve been looking to help with. I know I don’t necessarily have tons of time outside of work, but if I can contribute to an incredible cause financially, then I’m gonna do it.
“I’m not really sure,” Crew answers. “I can find out for you. Let me text Coach, and then I’ll call to let you know. It’s not until November, so I’m sure there’s a free booth if you’re interested.”
“Very interested. I’ve been looking for a way I can give back to the community, while also hopefully making some new connections while I’m at it.”
“Sure thing. I’ll call you.”
