“Wait until tomorrow. Let’s go in, I’m starving and I don’t know what we can actually eat that conforms to that damn plant based diet.”
“We’ll order out or something. Maybe soup. That can’t be bad can it?”
As soon as we enter the house, the smell hits us. It’s aromatic and makes my mouth water. But then all seven guys sitting around in the living room are in the same boat, sniffing every few seconds. I see Daisy in the kitchen at the stove. She’s standing on a step stool, stirring whatever she’s cooking. The pot reminds me of something you’d see in a soup kitchen where they feed hundreds. It’s huge.
“Girl, tell me it’s something I can eat!” Collin runs to the kitchen and leans over the pot. “Fuck me, I’m starved.”
“Hey, Hutch.” Dylan nods toward me. “You guys have a good first day?”
“Dude, we didn’t even see the ice. We spent all day doing paperwork and meeting with the coaching staff and the dietician and more staff I can’t remember.”
“That sucks.” He looks as put out as I feel.
“We’re supposed to start working on the ice tomorrow, so there’s that at least.” I shove my keys in my pocket and make my way toward the kitchen. “I need to go check on my girl.”
Dylan holds his hand up and motions for me to go back outside. I’m instantly on alert. What could have happened now?
“The judge signed the order as soon as it hit his desk. We got word a couple hours ago Ayers was served with the paperwork. He’s been blowing up her phone since. I told her to shut it off.”
“I thought it would take a couple of days.”
“Your lawyer knew the judge and he took one look at the photos and the recent call logs and signed the order without hesitation. He has daughters apparently.”
“That’s something at least.”
“My dad called a security firm who has a branch here in town. They’re coming out tomorrow to professionally install the cameras. They’ll use cameras that won’t be easily detectible. They just need a card to pay for it.”
“You gonna be here?”
“I’m skipping classes to make sure they do it right.”
“I’ll leave my card with you then. Tell your dad thanks for me. I’d rather all the girls in the house be safe if asswipe decides to do something.”
Dylan nods. “She’s pretty shaken up. It’s weird to see her so scared since she’s always so sassy. Makes me want to go beat his head in.”
“Let’s hope it doesn’t get that far. Neither of us can afford bad publicity right now, but if he shows up, we will take out the trash, bad press or not.”
“Agreed. Go on in and check on her. She’s been cooking to take her mind off things.”
The scent in the kitchen is more concentrated and smells even better. Whatever is in that pot is a slice of heaven, I guarantee it. But none of that is what matters most. I can see the slight vibration in her frame. She’s shaking and trying to work through her fear. My girl is the bravest fucking woman alive.
“Hey, sweetheart.” I say the words before I touch her, not wanting to startle her. I slide my arms around her, pulling her to me until she’s flush against my chest. “I heard your day hasn’t been so great.”
She snorts. That sounds more like the feisty woman I know, despite the trembling in her body.
“It’s been something alright.” She turns around and I’m shocked at how bruised she looks. That’s the only word I can find for the haunted expression marring her face. Anger coils inside, but I fight to keep it out of my own expression. I never want her to be afraid of me.
“Whatcha cooking? Smells good.”
“A stew for you and Collin, but I knew the rest of the house would want some, so I made enough to feed them and you two for a couple of days.”
“Stew?” Doesn’t stew imply meat of some kind?
“It’s tofu based so no meat.”
Tofu? I guess grossed out is hard to keep off my face because she actually cracks a smile.
“Does it smell like it’s going to taste bad?”
