“Yeah. Why don’t you go lie down for a bit, and I’ll call her?”
He makes no comment as he slides out of his seat and drags his feet down the hall to his room. I empty our bowls, set them in the dishwasher, and call Brooke.
“So…what are you doing?” I ask once the usual pleasantries are exchanged.
“Getting ready to go meet Nate. Why? What’s going on, Ashton?”
“Nothing that I can’t handle,” I reply smoothly. “Just wanted to know what you were up to today.”
“You’re a sucky liar. Now, tell me.”
I sigh. “Reed has a stomachache, and he wanted me to call you. But don’t worry about it. I can handle it, and you can come after your date.”
“You have your fundraiser today and he doesn’t need to go if he’s not feeling well. I can be over there in thirty minutes.”
“It won’t be a big deal if I stay here with Reed instead.” He’s more important anyway, and I don’t want to leave him if he’s sick.
“No, you can’t miss it. I know that. Give me a little bit, and I’ll be there. Don’t worry about it.”
There’s no other way around it. “Okay, if you’re sure, then I’ll see you soon.”
We hang up, and I go lie next to Reed while we watch cartoons and wait for his mom. True to her word, Brooke is knocking on my door thirty minutes later. Reed fell back asleep before she arrived, so I lift him in my arms to carry him out to the car. He wakes up, but is still in a sleepy daze.
“Give me a hug,” I tell him softly. His little arms tighten around me. “Feel better, and I’ll see you soon, okay? I love you.”
“Love you too.”
I settle him into Brooke’s car, let her know that I’ll call later to check in, and then I go back to get ready for this fundraiser.
~
As I scan the area of the dog park where everything is happening, I have to admit that I’m impressed with what the planners were able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. Everyone seems to be gathered in groups of three or four, chatting away. They all seem relaxed and happy until suddenly my gaze backtracks to a particular angry and familiar redhead. What is she doing here?
I can’t help my grin at the sight of Lexie arguing with someone, a phone pressed to her ear and a hand over her forehead. I may as well go make her day even better. Just as I come to stand behind her, she furiously hits the end button on the screen and huffs in frustration.
“It’s a beautiful day, and you’re still unhappy.” At the sound of my voice so close behind her, she jumps as she swivels to face me, her face looking even more annoyed than seconds ago.
“I was hoping to avoid you today. And I’m upset because the food was supposed to be here twenty-five minutes ago.”
Ah, she must work with the company I hired to plan this thing. “Now, why would you want to avoid me? Your best friend is my biggest fan. That has to work in my favor somehow.”
“That helps Tiffany, not me. Don’t you have to go mingle, or take pictures with the famous people, or just get away from me?”
“I’m starting to think you don’t like me, Lexie, and that’s very disappointing.” I make a show of frowning. “You don’t even know me. I think you should give me a chance.”
“Mr. Campbell,” she starts very professionally, “I’m sure, in some parallel universe, you’re a great person. However, in my world, you’re the captain of the one team I hate more than any other hockey team. So, I don’t need to give you a chance. I need your check to clear.”
I ignore the check comment. “So, what you’re saying is that you are prejudiced and you discriminate based on hockey team preference?”
“Well, that is true, and I don’t like your arrogance. Other than that, I’m sure that you have a lovely personality,” she deadpans like she’s trying to say whatever she has to to make me go away.
I laugh. “I don’t believe you truly think that, but for now, I’ll let you get back to your crisis.”
As I’m about to turn away, the woman I hired, Tiffany, walks up to us with a big smile. “Ashton, it’s so great to see you in person.”
“It’s great to meet you as well.” I shake her hand. “You’ve done a great job with what I’ve seen so far.”
“Thank you, but I have to give most of the credit to this lady right here.” She points at Lexie with admiration in her eyes. “She’s an amazing planner and my best friend.”