Page 156 of Offside Rules

Penelope comes up beside us in a dark gown, her phone in her hand. I glance at it before I can stop myself.

"Thank you. Have you heard anything else?"

"Nothing new. Slade checked in again. He’s still sleeping a lot."

"Okay." I smooth the edge of the tablecloth. "That’s good. He needs the rest."

"He does. His dad’s keeping an eye on him."

I nod. I’m glad he isn’t alone, and I’m glad he’s sleeping. I’m also aware that he must wake up sometimes. To eat. To use the bathroom. To talk to his dad.

I hate that I’m keeping track of the opportunities he might have had to answer me.

He’s recovering from surgery. Getting back to me doesn’t have to be his first priority. His phone is still off so it’s not like he’s ignoring me.

I just wish I knew whether he intends call me back.

"Come on. We have enough time to get these out of sight and get you changed," Ellie says.

Mom finds me after I’ve changed in the restroom and put on the earrings Ellie brought because I forgot mine.

"Sweetheart… Look at this."

She stops in front of the display, looking from the cupcakes to my business name. Dad comes up beside her and reads the flavor cards.

"You made all of these?"

"I had a lot of help."

Dad puts his arm around my shoulders. "Proud of you, Baylor."

I lean against him for a second. I want to enjoy this with them. Let Mom fuss over my hair, take pictures, and listen to Dad tell strangers that his daughter made everything on those tables.

Instead, I keep looking toward the entrance.

Wolf isn’t going to walk through it. I know that. Apparently, knowing doesn’t stop me from checking.

"Can we get a picture?" Mom asks.

Ellie takes her phone, and I stand between my parents in front of the display. I manage a smile while Mom asks for one more, then another with the sign in it.

Then Beau arrives.

He’s in a dark suit with his speech folded in one hand. I notice the mark near his knuckles before I look at his face.

"Hey, sis."

"Hi."

Mom reaches for Dad’s arm. "Let’s find our table."

Ellie stays beside me until I give her a small nod, then goes to check on the assistant helping replenish the display.

Beau looks over the cupcakes. "They look great."

"Thanks."

He folds the paper again, although it’s already small enough to fit in his pocket. "I’ve been trying to talk to you."