Page 122

I did.

I should be sitting here figuring out how much of today’s profit can go toward the shop.

Instead, I’m trying to work out how to tell my brother that the man he hates is the one I want to go home to.

But then the memory of seeing Beau hit the ground at that game, of him in the hospital… I just can't bring myself to call him right now.

Chapter Twenty-One

Baylor

"There’s no way they need all of these," I tell Ellie as she parks behind a car that probably costs more than my future display case and commercial mixer combined.

"They don’t need them. They want them. There’s a difference."

I look at the two cupcake boxes on my lap. "You told me to bring dessert."

"And you did. Very thorough of you."

Cars fill Penelope’s circular driveway, and the house beyond it is big enough that I’m starting to understand how she hosts everybody for away games without borrowing chairs from her neighbors.

Ellie gets out and comes around to open my door, taking the top box so I can climb out.

"Come on. The game starts in ten minutes, and I want a plate before everyone gets settled."

"You’re very focused on the food."

"I’ve been smelling cinnamon rolls since five this morning. I need something with cheese."

I follow her toward the side entrance. Before we reach it, the door opens, and Penelope waves us inside.

"There you are. Come in, everyone else is here."

"We brought cupcakes," Ellie says.

"I was hoping you would. Drinks are in the fridge, food is out on the island. Help yourself."

Penelope takes my box and steps aside. She’s wearing Slade’s jersey with leggings, her hair piled on top of her head. Beyond her, the kitchen island is covered with enough food that I could’ve left both boxes at home and nobody would’ve gone hungry.

Something smells like garlic. There are meatballs, several dips, a tray of sandwiches, and a chocolate fountain surrounded by things I’d happily eat without the chocolate.

I stop beside the island.

Ellie puts her box beside mine and reaches for a plate.

"Where should these go?" I ask.

"Right here. And then you’re getting food." Penelope says.

I fill my plate while Ellie makes room for the cheesy dip Penelope takes out of the oven. By the time we get to the great room, the players are lining up for the opening faceoff.

"Over here," Natalia calls, moving her bag off the sectional. "We saved you spots."

I sit beside her, and Ellie drops onto the cushion on my other side. The television above the stone fireplace is enormous. I can practically count the hairs in Wolf’s playoff beard, although I’m hoping he plans to shave before it gets much further along.

Not that I’m complaining about where he puts his face.

"Wine?" Natalia asks, holding up the bottle on the coffee table.