“Why the hell would I be angry about something like that?” She asks, confusion evident in her tone. “I would be more mad if you didn’t go. You not going toCassie’s dad’s funeral out of spite would just be completely out of character for you. And I would be a shit person if I made you feel like you couldn’t go.”
I can’t help but smile at the conviction in her voice. “Thanks” I say, my voice thick with emotion. I wasn’t expecting her little speech to make me emotional, but it did.
“Do you want me to come over?” as the words leave her mouth, I realize that she hasn’t been at my apartment yet. We’ve always gone to her place which is a little ironic considering my place is downtown.
“That… that would be nice yeah. I’ll text you the address.” After we hang up. I look around my apartment realizing it’s not necessarily tidy. So, I spend the time I have before she shows up cleaning the apartment.
Chapter 15
Elle
Ipull into the parking garage of Archer’s building. I showered and packed an overnight bag just in case I ended up spending the night. Archer seemed sad, but overall okay, my overnight bag is just a precaution.
I grab my purse, leaving my overnight bag in the car and walk into the building. I’m greeted by a doorman, who I find out is named Phil. Phil leads me to the elevator, and I take the floor to Archer’s place. This building is incredibly nice. It’s got a modern look throughout and it makes me wonder what Archer’s place will look like. I don’t have to wonder long as I step onto the floor that houses his apartment. I knock on the door and he answers almost immediately. The smell of pizza and his laundry detergent greeting me as I walk in.
“You ordered pizza?” I smile as I set down my purse taking in the sight of his apartment. The floor to ceiling windows are the main focus of the living area that overlooks the river. Through the windows I can see the outdoor sitting area with a fire table and comfortable looking lounge chairs. Turning my attention back into the interior I see the living room blend seamlessly into the kitchen and dining area. It’s very industrial and modern with the color scheme mainly being earth tones. I turn myattention to the hallway off to the side of the kitchen that houses a door to what looks like a half bath and another door that houses a laundry room, further down the hall I assume leads to the bedrooms.
“I didn’t feel like cooking, I hope that’s okay.” Archer replies as he pours us both a drink.
“Pizza is great. It smells phenomenal.” I accept the glass but put it down on the island counter almost immediately. I look at him and open my arms like I do when my students need a hug but are too cool to ask for one. He, as predicted, walks into the embrace. He has to duck his head to me but he sinks into it all the same.
We stand there for a while in silence until I finally ask “Do you want to talk about it?”
“I don’t really know how to put it into words.” He replies, his voice thick.
“That’s okay. Just know if you do, I’m here for you.”
He takes a deep breath and steps out of my embrace. “Let’s eat. I know you’re hungry. I could hear your stomach.” A ghost of a smile crosses his lips as he points out my stomach.
“I will never say no to margarita pizza.”
“I know, that’s why I ordered you a large.”
I laugh. I will not have to pack my lunch tomorrow and for that I am grateful. It’s my least favorite part of getting ready for my day. I don’tknow why, but it just is.
After we finish our dinner, Archer grabs a blanket and leads me out to the balcony where he starts the fire table.
We spend most of our evening out there and I decide it’s probably my favorite spot in his apartment. I didn’t see the hot tub earlier when I was looking out from the living area. But it’s a spacious thing that overlooks the river. I have no idea how I missed it initially, but I am in love with this outdoor space.
I’m curled up against him contemplating if I can get s’more supplies delivered at this time. When a thought occurs to me. “Do other Wolves players live in this building?”
“Yes, as well as a few Crows players and I think we have one Thunder player that just moved in.” He’s referring to our professional baseball team the Crows as well as our professional hockey team the Thundersnow.
“Wow! All my favorite sports sharing one roof.” I muse. “Does Ty live here?”
“No.” Archer smiles. “He lives close to his mama. She’s not in very good health so he likes to be close in case he’s needed.”
“That’s incredibly sweet.” I smile. “I can’t wait to meet him soon. He’s like your Sadie.”
“Speaking of that, he wants to meet you and Sadie as well. He suggested a haunted house next week; would you guys be up for that?”
“Oh, Sadie will for sure be up for that. Me, on the other hand, I think I might have to wear a diaper. I’m afraid I might pee myself. I’m a big scaredy cat.”
Archer chuckles. “I’ll protect you from any scary clowns with chainsaws.”
“Just the scary clowns with chainsaws?”
“Oh yeah, if they have anything else you’re on your own.”
