“Holy crap.”
“And then Tiffany missed the game because she broke her jaw and had to get it wired shut.”
We look at each other, and a slow giggle builds between us.
I clear my throat. “I would never wish anyone an injury…”
“No. Of course not. But…”
“But if it had to happen, I suppose Tiffany has some bad juju coming to her. Maybe she’ll want to hire Baylee to sage her.”
Paige cackles. “Baylee wouldn’t sage Tiffany if she offered her a million dollars.”
Just then, her phone buzzes with a call. I glance at the screen. “It’s Rhett.” That name rings a bell. “Isn’t that the guy you were in love with in high school?” Her brother’s best friend, I think.
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” She sends it to voicemail. “Leave me alone, Rhett Walker!”
When it rings again, and she turns off the ringer, my eyebrows lift. “So… you’re never planning to talk to him?”
“Not if I can help it. Abby, I grew up in a small town, the kind of town where everyone knows your business. Literally every single person knew I had feelings for him in high school. It was so humiliating. I have no idea why he’s calling now, but he can leave a message instead of hanging up like a weirdo, and if it’s important, I’ll text back. Besides, Marcus will go crazy if he finds out I talked to Rhett. He’s so jealous all the time. I don’t get it. I didn’t think we were that serious, but if a guy so much as talks to me, he gets incensed.”
That’s concerning. “Maybe y’all should break up.”
“I tried, and he was like, ‘Paige, baby, I need you in my life.’ He was so thoughtful and sweet for, like, a week. And then he became aloof again. I don’t get it. He confuses me.”
“If you change your mind, Nick and I can help you figure out a place to stay until graduation. I don’t want you living with Marcus if he’s unpredictable.”
“I’ll probably move in with one of the cheer girls next month. We’re gearing up for nationals. I’ll tell him I need to focus.” She glances at the clock. “What time is your brunch?”
“It’s getting late. We’d better go. And act surprised when I tell everyone I’m pregnant.”
She squeals again with excitement and hugs me.
We bring down her luggage, and Nick and Hazel meet me in the lobby. He leans over to kiss me, then greets Paige while Hazel holds her arms open to me.
“Hey, Hazelnut.” I lean down to hug her. “Did you have a good night?”
“Yup. Miss Gail gave me some coloring books and new crayons.”
“Ohh, fun. You’ll have to show me your work later.”
My parents wave to us from the entrance of the attached restaurant. I take Hazel’s hand and introduce Paige to my parents. Then we grab our seats at a round table.
Nick tells us about his conference call with Coach and the former Broncos. “They gave me some great advice about picking an agent and the draft. I’ve narrowed it down to three possibilities.”
My dad sips his coffee. “Have all of those agents reached out to you already?”
“Yes, sir.”
On the TV screen over the bar, ESPN is recapping yesterday’s game. Jinxy, Maverick, and Bowser are sitting in one of the booths, and they ask the bartender to increase the sound.
The sportscaster says, “Nick Silva not only had the game of his life, he had the best season of his college career. He’s a strong contender for the Heisman this year and likely a first-round draft pick.”
Jinxy points to my boyfriend. “Yeah, baby! Who’s the man?” Their teammates hoot and howl in agreement.
Nick chuckles. I grab his hand under the table. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, buttercup.”
