Page 18 of Full Strength

Wow. Now it was my turn to blush. I hadn’t had a girl watch me since college. I mean, of course girls watched the games, but not to see me.

“Thanks.”

She nodded. “Chloe had all the girls over and we had dinner and dessert. It was fun.”

Right. Of course. She didn’t sit down to watch me play. She was with the girls. That made sense. I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed.

“I’m glad you’ve become friends with the Pride. They can be a little much sometimes, but they’re really supportive of each other.”

She seemed to brighten up. “Yeah, they’re pretty great.”

I wanted to ask her if she’d changed her mind about going on a date with me, but it had only been a few days. I wanted to give her space to figure things out, and to forgive me. I missed her like crazy, but that didn’t mean she felt the same way.

Eli started to move and Addi cringed. “Sorry, I want to get to the car before he wakes up. He’s going to be hungry and I’d rather he not have a meltdown in public.”

I nodded, like I understood, and scooted my cart out of her way. “I’ll see you later?”

She smiled back at me. “Yeah, see you.”

I watched her walk away and the disappointment I’d felt earlier turned into loss.

6

Addison

I wasn’t used to having a big group of friends. It was a big adjustment to go from my boring routine of work, home, sleep to having regular plans with the girls. Since there wasn’t a game on Monday, they were having a family dinner at Chloe and Reese’s place.

I had to close the salon so I wasn’t able to get there until almost eight after I picked Eli up from Mrs. Jefferies.

I knocked on the door and it swung open a few seconds later. “Eli!” Noah cheered and took him from my arms.

I laughed and sat down his diaper bag. “You guys just like me for my baby.”

Noah didn’t disagree as he walked away with my son cradled against him. I couldn't really say I minded. It was inconceivable that I’d not only found a group of friends that accepted me so easily, but that also loved my son. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

Colby walked up to me and offered me a glass. “Don’t worry, it’s sparkling cider.” I accepted it while I watched her stare at her boyfriend who currently had Eli in his lap.

“It’s a pretty cute picture, huh?”

She shook her head. “It’s precious. He makes such a good uncle.”

I rolled my eyes. “You can’t lie to me. I know you’re baby hungry.”

She shushed me. “You and I may know that but Noah doesn’t. We aren’t even engaged yet, I don’t want to freak him out.”

I looked back at the couch and sighed. “I don’t think he would freak out, Colby. I think he wants that too.”

She shrugged. “We’ll see. Now come on, Chloe went all out tonight.”

Of course, she had. I’d yet to experience an event with Chloe involved that wasn’t over the top or more than I could imagine. “What is it this time?”

“Indian food.”

I rubbed my stomach. “That sounds wonderful.”

When we walked into the kitchen I understood what Colby meant about going all out. I figured there’d be rice and nann and a few entre options, but the entire kitchen island was covered with different dishes.

“You’re here!” Chloe hurried to me and pulled me in for a hug. She stepped back and handed me a plate. “We’ve got lamb and chicken options. The right side is where the mild dishes are and the farther left it is, the spicier it gets.”