Page 14 of Reckless With the Rookie
“Yeah, definitely.”
“Good.It always looks good when players show up to that stuff.We always have a good time.It’s a bunch of couples, you, and Jules’s sister Blair.That okay?”
“Of course.Blair seems great.”
“Thanks, man.I’ll text you the details.You got a tux?”
“Yeah.Just let me know where and when.”
My tux has gotten too tight in the shoulders with all the rehab, but I can get a new one in time for next Saturday.Putting my best foot forward with the team’s front office people and Hudson McClain is worth the investment.
“See you tomorrow,” Carter says over his shoulder as he walks away.
“See you, man.”
5
Blair
All the graphic wound photos I studied paid off.I got a ninety-five on my exam, and I’m celebrating by spending all of Saturday doing fun things with my kids.
We started the day with donuts at our favorite local place, then painted pottery and went indoor golfing with Jules.For lunch, we went to a noodle place, and then we got the groceries we needed to make pizza for dinner and have movie night this evening.
“We just watchedStar Wars,” Eli argues to Coop.“Let’s watchThe Iron Giant.”
“I loveThe Iron Giant,” I say, even though the ending makes me cry every time we watch it.
“Okay,” Coop agrees.“As long as I get the big popcorn bowl.”
“You guys can’t watchThe Iron Giantwithout me!”Jules calls from the living room.
“You could be here with us and our many blankets,” I remind her.
“I don’t think Noel would be pleased if I dropped out of the event.And I love these things anyway.Anything I can wear a gown to is a yes.”
I wrinkle my nose.“You enjoy that.I’m about to change into my Tom and Jerry flannel pants.”
“Actually, no you’re not.”
I walk to the edge of the kitchen, where I can peek at her from around the corner.She’s in the middle of the living room, a garment bag in her hand.
“You need my help getting into your dress?”
She scoffs.“After all the noodles I ate, only shapewear can help.Since we’re getting ready together, though, I may need you to zip me up.”
I furrow my brow.“Since we’re what now?”
She unzips the garment bag, glowing with excitement.“Surprise!You’re getting your Cinderella on tonight.”
I laugh heartily.“Nice try.I’m spending the next several hours inhaling pizza and watching a movie.”
She shakes her head, her expression sheepish.“No ...you’re not.I hoped you’d be excited about this.Chloe’s coming over to babysit the boys.”
“Chloe!”Coop bounces with excitement.
Noel’s youngest daughter is seventeen, and both of my boys adore her.She doesn’t make them go to bed and she always brings them candy.
“Oh.”I try to look happy about my sister changing my plans, but I can’t force my mouth into a smile.
