My phone chirps. The muscles in my neck and shoulders tense, most likely because I was thinking of Chase and still livein perpetual fear of the creep working his way back into my life again. I check the screen and exhale my relief—it’s from Wade.
Wade: Looks as if we’ll be entertaining tonight. You okay with that?
Bree: Define ‘entertaining.’
Wade: The guys are coming over to “cheer me up.” Guess I looked like a sad sack during PT today.
Bree: You did seem kind of off earlier.
Wade: Sorry. Can’t stand being sidelined.
Here I’ve been concerned about helping Wade with things like running errands for him or going to the grocery store so he can rest, but I didn’t think about the emotional toll this is taking on him. Probably because Wade rarely shows that side of himself. He’s always held his emotions close, making him difficult to read. His sisters and I have had many discussions about this.
Bree: I can stop at the store on the way home to pick up pizzas and beer.
Wade: The guys have it covered.
Bree: Okay. I’ll stay out of the way.
My phone buzzes again, only it’s not a text this time—Wade’s calling me.
After a moment of hesitation, I hit the accept button. “Hello?”
“Why are you going to stay out of the way?” His words sound clipped and rushed.
“I just figured it was guy time.” Chase and his buddies had a regular card night. Only guys. No girlfriends or wives allowed.
“We’re just hanging out.” He clears his throat. “Wives and girlfriends are coming, too, so you’ll get to meet Sophie, Mia, and Lily.”
Chase never included me in events like this since our relationship was a secret. Come to think of it, that’s when I started feeling like I didn’t fit anywhere.
“If you’re sure…”
“Bree, you’re my best friend. Of course, I want you there. Besides, it’s your home, too.”
Wow. Wade wants me to get to know his teammates and friends. But he isn’t my boyfriend…just my best friend. That must be why. He wants me to make friends here, too, especially since we work together. I’m sure he doesn’t want the job of my only friend in this cozy beach town.
“In that case, count me in. I’ll take care of the dessert. Any special requests or no-nos?”
He snorts. “No-nos?”
“Yeah, anything you and your teammates won’t eat because you worship your bodies with healthy food.”
His laugh makes me smile. “A little indulgence here and there is okay. Besides, Ethan devours donuts like a police officer, and I have it on good authority that Barbie-man eats bonbons.”
“Who wouldn’t with that nickname?” I throw back.
Wade’s chuckle fades into a sigh. “I really missed you, Bree. I’m glad you’re here.”
Now, why would my cheeks suddenly feel like they’re on fire? Most likely residual embarrassment left over from being a horrible friend for the last year. “Me, too. Sorry again?—”
“Don’t.” He clears his throat. “That’s in the past. What matters is here and now, right?”
“Right.” I don’t deserve Wade’s friendship, and I’m glad he’s such a forgiving guy. I’m not sure how understanding I’d be if the tables were turned.
“Okay, gotta go. See you when you get home.” He ends the call, leaving me alone again with my thoughts.
Not my favorite place to be these days, so I open my laptop and get busy uploading the new videos I took during practice. Ethan and Elias jumped in to do their latest rendition of the ‘E-team.’ Luke just skated away, which was an improvement since he didn’t glare at me. I think he’s warming up to the idea that this is my job, and it helps the team. Maybe I can pick his girlfriend’s brain tonight for ideas on how to break through his grumpy facade.
