Page 17 of Full Strength

“So, I just let her go?”

“That’s not what I’m saying. You have to give her the time and space to decide. She’s the one with everything to lose. You need to respect that.”

“Okay.”

“I’m not saying it can’t work. I’m saying it’s going to be really hard and take a lot of work on your part. If that doesn’t interest you, it’s good to know now. Cause if you can’t handle the stress and how she puts her child first then you have no business dating her. You have to understand that you will always and forever be number two.”

I nodded. I knew that from being around her. Eli would always be her first priority and I wouldn’t have it any other way. That’s what made her such an incredible mother.

“Thanks.”

“No problem little bro. Now rest up so you can beat Detroit.”

I smiled and hung up before setting my phone down on the bed. I was grateful Zach hadn’t told me to run for the hills or that there was zero chance of this working. I just needed to remember Addi’s perspective. She had the most to lose.

I laid back and turned on the TV in hopes of finding something to distract me from my thoughts so I could fall asleep.

* * *

We won the game and were back home by Sunday morning. I was in desperate need of restocking my fridge. Some of the guys on the team had their assistants run errands for them, or they were lucky enough to have wives, but I only had my assistant work on managing my schedule and appearances. I didn’t want to give up the little things, not yet. I wasn’t famous enough to get stopped on the street, unless the person was a fan. If I did get approached, I was more than happy to take a picture or give a signature.

I wasn't anywhere near the level of Hartman or Erik. They had to plan ahead anytime they left their homes.

I’d gladly remain in this place where I could still live my life like a normal human, while also doing what I love. It was a blessing.

I had to repeat that to myself when I pulled into the parking lot of the grocery store. The parking lot was a battle zone, and every man was out for themselves. I finally gave up and parked two stores down. I pulled on my baseball hat, and headed into the store preparing for the crowds.

I kept my head down and plowed through the aisles grabbing what I needed and not lingering for a second more. The produce section was all that stood between me and the finish line.

My eyes zeroed in on the bananas and I headed for them when a cart leaving the next aisle slammed into mine.

“Sorry!” I heard her voice before I looked up. Addison was blushing until our eyes locked. “Oh.”

I smiled and glanced down at Eli sleeping in his car seat. “Hey.”

Her smile wavered for a second before she tucked a lose strand of hair behind her ear. “Hi, sorry I crashed into you.”

“It’s okay. As long as we exchange insurance information, we should be fine.”

She shook her head and laughed. “Clever.”

I shrugged. “I thought so.”

She looked around and I could feel the glares from people passing around us. We were likely causing a traffic jam, but I couldn’t care less.

“How are you?” I asked before she could wander off.

She sighed and I took a second to take in the purplish bags under her eyes. Her normally silky hair was twisted up in a messy bun with pieces falling out. She looked exhausted.

“I’m surviving.”

I wanted to offer to help. I wanted to fix things for her, but the last time I tried was our demise. I missed her. I missed Elijah. I hadn’t realized just how much until I stood in front of her now. Zach’s words flashed through my head. Addison had the most to lose. She had the most risk in this situation. How could I let her know I understood that now?

“How about you?”

I blinked, clearing the thoughts away. “I’m okay. We won last night, and we had a late flight back, but I’m happy to be home.”

She smiled. “I watched the game. You did really well.”