Page 59 of Full Strength

“You’ve just got to remember not to freak out when he freaks out.”

I sighed. “I'll try.”

“I know that’s easier said than done, but if it doesn’t help give me a call back.”

“Thanks, Zach.”

“I know it’s tough man but you can do this.” He hung up and I continued swaying back-and-forth until Eli had settled down and eventually closed his eyes. I laid him down on the couch, turning down the volume on the TV. I didn’t want to disturb him or make any movements that would wake him up now that he was asleep.

I took my laptop and went to the kitchen and grabbed a pair of headphones so I could watch game footage without disturbing him. He had had one tiny meltdown and I freaked out and considered calling one of the women for backup. I shook my head. I wasn’t as ready for this as I thought that I was. I thought that I could be there for Addi and help her but I wasn’t ready. I wasn’t qualified. I don’t know how I thought just after a few months of being with them that I would be prepared for something like this.

I watched the games while glancing at him every thirty seconds. Everything was fine until it was time to head over to Olli and Emma‘s for dinner. Everyone was getting together to see Elena before she left. A little vacation reunion of sorts. I packed up Eli‘s bags and got him in the car seat without any fussing from him. He seemed in a much better mood thanks to his nap.

When we got to my car I cringed. I hadn’t ever had a car seat in it before, but luckily the back row of my BMW was just big enough to fit him safely. I texted Addi that we were on our way to Emma’s and that we would meet her there when she got off work. I didn’t tell her about my moment of weakness. If she asked, I decided I’d tell her, but until then she could continue thinking everything had been just fine.

When I walked through their front door, I set the diaper bag and car seat next to the door and pulled Eli out. We walked into the living room where I heard everyone gathered. All eyes seemed to turn on me when I entered the room.

“Hey there, baby daddy.” Chloe said with a smirk. I rolled my eyes and walked over to her handing Eli off to her open arms. “There is my favorite guy. I missed you, Eli.”

I’d never admit it out loud, especially to Addi, but I was relieved for the pass off. I finally understood why Addi handed Eli to me the second I got to her house each time. It wasn’t so much that I was tired of him or didn’t want to hold him. It was just nice to know that someone else could take him for a second to give me a break. I couldn’t imagine being a single mom and having to do this all on my own. My respect for Addi grew exponentially. I spent half a day alone with him and was already looking for help. She was so much stronger and more courageous than I’d ever be, all single parents were.

18

Addison

I was exhausted by the time I was able to leave work. News about the photoshoot with Threads had spread like wildfire, and the article hadn’t even been published yet. It was great that things were picking up, but it meant I was busier than ever managing inventory and staffing. I sat in my car and debated whether or not I should text Grant and tell him I was skipping the dinner at Emma’s. I knew everyone would be understanding, but did I really want to be that person?

I shook my head and started the engine.

I pulled into her packed driveway less than twenty minutes later. It seemed like at least half the team was there, and I felt better about coming. If everyone else could make the effort, with their crazy schedule and contrast traveling then I could too.

I let myself in through the front door and followed the sound of voices to the living room.

“Hey Addi!” Kendall was the first to see me. She jumped up from the couch and hurried to give me a hug. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in ages.”

I hugged her back and it was like that simple gesture recharged my depleted battery. It was just what I needed after my day.

“I missed you.” I took a step back and examined her left hand. It was something I did whenever I saw her, and despite her jokes I knew she was even more impatient about it being empty than I was. There was an unofficial bet going on with the girls to see if Colby or Kendall would get engaged first.

“Still nothing.” She rolled her eyes and led me to the kitchen.

A few others called out their greetings and I waved as we passed. Even Coach Romney and Rust were here. That wasn’t entirely unusual, but from what Grant told me, they only came to special occasions. They left the rest of the dinners and birthdays to the team.

“Addi’s here!” Kendall announced to the kitchen before heading off in the direction of the food. Suddenly all eyes were on me. I waved, happy that everyone was here. This would have been a bummer to miss out on. Lucy walked toward me with the beautiful blonde from the news in tow. She was impeccably dressed in a cream jumpsuit. She looked ready to walk down a runway. I stood up straighter, wishing I’d thought to change out of my black jeans and black sweater before coming.

“Hey Addi, I want you to meet my friend, Elena.” The blonde offered her hand and I tentatively shook it.

“Nice to meet you. I’ve already heard a lot about you.” I tried to keep my jealousy out my voice, but was pretty sure I failed.

“Me too! I’m so glad I got to meet you. The girls have been telling me all about you and how you’ve managed to catch Grant’s attention. I’ve got to tell you. I didn’t think that one would ever settle down.”

I smiled but was cringing on the inside. How well exactly did she know that one? I looked to Lucy for help and nearly kissed her when she took control of the conversation.

“You won’t believe who caught Elena’s eye.” I glanced between the two women praying it wasn’t who I was thinking.

“Who?”

Elena smacked Lucy. “Shh.” She looked around like she had a reason to be self-conscious. I was almost one hundred percent sure any man she had her eyes on would give his left arm for a chance with her.