Page 74 of Draft Pick
Can I balance the ending of my career? An injury? Co-parenting with Hilary? And the restaurant, all while being in a new relationship?
“You think I can juggle it all?” I ask, searching the small room for any sign telling me I haven’t lost all chances.
“Listen, your elbow will heal. There’s no doubt about that. Juniper has a career for herself, which means we know she’s not a moocher,” Gus chimes in, causing everyone to laugh. “Addie’s doing fucking awesome in school and will only do better from here. You said Hilary already met Juniper and loved her, right?”
I nod. “Yeah. Actually, they’ve hung out a few times. Something about hot yoga and acai bowls.”
Not gonna lie, that threw me off. I knew Juniper did yoga occasionally, and so did Hilary, but Hilary inviting her that day at the office seemed like a fluke. Like something they’d plan in passing, but never actually follow through with. One class turned into two, and before I knew it, they were getting these weird fruit bowls together once a week and likely talking shit about me.
“Even better. No one’s saying marry her yet, but fuck, don’t let someone else snatch her first. Women that special are few and far between, man.”
For once in his life, August Graves is right.
All of my fears of Addie being neglected in my busyness, and taking on more than I can handle, are just that—fears. It seems like somewhere over the last few years, I’ve forgotten who I am. I’ve lost confidence in what I deserve and have a right to have.
And that’s my own personal happiness.
I want it. I’ll damn near chase it if I have to.
“I can do this. I can be what she needs. What Addie needs. I can do it all.” I feel the belief in myself rise in my chest. All this time…I could have spent loving her instead of pretending she was simply just my friend and staying distant.
The way I feel about Juniper and the thoughts I have about her are nothing close to friendship. That’s the honest truth.
Fuck distance. I want suffocation. To be so close to her that nothing can tear us apart.
“You can because you’ll be a team. You, Juniper, and Doodle. Just like the Strikers. It’s in our blood to have each other’s backs and cheer on the ones we love. You’ve got this, man,” King tells me kindly and without reservation.
Suddenly, I understand why they felt the need to corner me. I’ve been an idiot all along.
This extraordinary, intelligent, and fearlessly charming woman could be my person. My vice. My teammate. My everything.
I need a plan, though. I can’t just show up at her house and beg her to love me. She deserves better than that.
“I need a game plan.”
King rubs his palms together, a cheesy smile plastering his face. “Hell yeah. If there’s anything us boys know how to do, it’s come up with an efficient game plan.”
Bodhi claps. “Operation: lock the doctor down.”
Cal’s hand finds Bodhi’s back as he mutters playfully, “Always knew you were a big softie.”
“Help me keep my girl, boys,” I plead, proving how serious I am. Guess I needed a little push. Or a big one if the boys have anything to do with it.
“It would be our pleasure.” Gus’s voice, laced with thrill and pride, closes out their intervention, and despite how unconventional this encounter is, I’m grateful for the accountability.
That’s what family does. They root for each other.
23
JUNIPER
“Delivery for Doc?”
I eye the tall older gentleman at my front door, recognizing him from the past three days. “Another one? We should be on a first-name basis by now, don’t ya think?”
“Seems like it. I’m Todd.” He nods, handing over a brown paper bag with a familiar label on it. “This one smells good enough to eat.”
I reach for the bag, already salivating from the sugary smell floating between us. “Thanks. I’ll see you tomorrow, Todd?” I ask, smiling brightly.
