Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain Book 4) (3 page)

Lexie

“Someone has another delivery,” Tiffany sings out, setting an envelope on my desk.

“Oh my God, if this is from
him
, I swear I’ll scream.”

Tiffany laughs. “Come on. I can’t believe this is happening to you. Look around.”

I sigh. Right now in my office are ten sets of a dozen roses. My office smells like a flower shop. I open the newest gift and roll my eyes. “Seriously?”

“What is it?” Tiffany looks over my shoulder.

“It’s an all-expenses-paid day at the spa for myself and a friend.”

“This is awesome. When are we going?”

I scoff. “We’re not. I’m sending it back.”

“No way!” Tiffany yells at me. “This would be a great way to unwind.”

I don’t say anything. I wouldn’t mind a spa day, but there’s no way I’m doing it on Ashton’s dime. “I need to go get Sadie.” I toss the certificate to the side.

“Wait.” Tiffany grabs my arm. “We need to talk.”

“I don’t.”

“You need to stop right now.” She gives me a stern look. “Are you missing the big picture?”

“Which is?”

“Ashton Campbell is trying to ask you out.”

“And you want glass seats,” I remind her, crossing my arms.

“Of course I do. I love my Bears. You’d sell your soul for playoff tickets if the Gamblers were in it.” I couldn’t argue with her on that point. “Just go out with him. One time. You haven’t been on a date in years. Sadie was like four, I think.”

I continue to not argue with her.

“Lexie, you know I love you. You’re my best friend, but it’s been almost seven years.”

“I know,” I snap at her. “I’m well aware of how long my husband has been dead. I have to go.” I jump up and run away from her.

I drive over to the school, still trying to figure why in the world Ashton wants to date me. Maybe he has some type of concussion, or possibly nearsighted blindness? Whatever it is, I’m not going out on a date with him. I park the car and pull my coat tighter around my chest as the cold breeze cuts through me.

“Lexie.” I turn to someone calling my name and see Brooke coming up to me. “Hi.”

“Hello.” I glance her up and down in her bright pink scrubs.

“Listen, Reed has been going on and on about playing with Sadie, and I was wondering if you’re free this evening. I know it’s short notice, but Reed’s dad is out of town this week, and I think it would be a perfect time.”

I’m taken aback by her abruptness, but then again, Sadie won’t quit talking about Reed either. “That sounds great. We could order pizzas for the kids.”

“Great.” Her smile is still very bright. “Text me your address. I need to run home and change.”

“Of course.”

We walk over to the door, and the kids are waiting for us. Brooke tells them about their playdate, and they jump up and down with glee. We get the kids to calm down and get them to our cars. I quickly send a text to Brooke with my address and listen to Sadie go on about Reed coming over. I can’t remember the last time she was this excited. Unless it involved ice cream or chocolate.

When we get home, I do a once-over on the house to make sure that it’s presentable for company. Sadie changes out of her school uniform and asks if Reed is here yet.

“No, it’s only been three minutes.”

“I’m going to watch SpongeBob then.”

I load the dishwasher and wipe down the counters when the doorbell rings. Before I can say a word, my six-year-old screams like she’s at a One Direction concert and bolts for the door. When she becomes a teenager, I’m going to be in a lot of trouble. Reed and Brooke walk into the house, and I welcome them. Before I can ask her if she wants something to drink, my cell phone rings.

“Hello?”

“How are you doing today, Lexie?”

“Who is this?”

“Ashton Campbell.”

My blood begins to boil. I can’t believe that he has my number. I whisper-yell at him, so Brooke doesn’t hear me. “How the hell did you get this number?”

“It wasn’t that hard. I’ll keep my source a secret and safe from your fury, if you don’t mind.”

“I’ll be sure to kill Tiffany when I see her. What do you want?”

“I just wanted to see how you were doing today and if you’ve changed your mind yet.”

“No, I haven’t, and you can stop sending flowers and gifts.”

“Someone should do something nice for you. That’s all I was trying to do, aside from wanting you to go out with me. I haven’t even begun to really convince you, Lexie.”

I take a deep breath. “Look, Ashton. Thank you for the gifts, but I’m not going to date you. So, if you don’t mind, I have company over, and I need to entertain. Delete my number, okay?”

“I’m only asking for one date. Think about it, and I’ll save your number.”

I end the call. I make a mental note to kill Tiffany when I see her tomorrow. I go back into the living room, where Reed and Sadie are laughing at the TV. I don’t know what it is about that show, but kids love that high-pitched-nails-on-the-chalkboard voice.

“Brooke, I’m so sorry. I had to take a call.”

“It’s not a problem.” She’s sitting on the arm of the couch. Her hair is in a high bun, and she looks like she belongs on a catwalk with her skinny jeans and pink blouse.

“Would you like some tea?”

“Love some.” Brooke follows me into the kitchen.

I’m not sure what to say as she stands next to me.

“Are those pictures of Sadie?” She points to the fridge.

“Yes.” I smile at the photos. “Those are some of my favorites of her.”

Brooke inspects each one. “They seem to grow up so fast. I mean, one minute I was complaining about swollen ankles, then Reed was two, and now he’s seven. It seems to go so fast.”

I nod, understanding her statement. I feel like Sadie is growing up too fast, and I’m worried that I can’t stop it. She’s a little kid. She needs to enjoy her childhood. The kettle begins to whistle, and Brooke goes into the dining room.

“This is a nice house.” Brooke sits down at the table.

“Thanks. We’ve been here for a few months, so we’re still adjusting.” I hand her a cup of tea and take the seat next to her.

“I know. We’ve been here a couple years now, and I still feel that way.”

“Where did you move from?”

“Montana. Well, I’m originally from Delaware, but Reed and I have been following his father for his job. The last several years we’ve been moving a lot.”

“Oh, well, I guess it’s hard when your husband’s job moves a lot.”

Brooke laughs. “Trust me, I’m not married to Reed’s father.”

“Oh, I’m sorry I assumed.” I shake my head.

“It’s okay. Everyone makes the same mistake. We’re best friends. Nothing more.”

I look at her, wanting to know more about her situation, but it would be rude to ask.

“You can ask. Everyone does.” She smiles.

“You’re friends with your ex? Isn’t that strange?”

Brooke shakes her head. “Nope, because I never dated him.” She takes a sip from her cup. “See, we went to college together. One night after a game, we drank. I mean, a
lot
. I woke up the next day hung over and naked next to him. Eight weeks later, I found out I wasn’t puking from the stomach flu.”

“How old were you? What did he say?” I’m shocked that she’s so nonchalant about it.

“I had just turned twenty. He was scared at first, but I was too. Then we figured out a plan together, and our friendship has remained strong since then.”

“Do you,” I stop, then decide to go ahead and pry more. “Do you date?”

“Sure,” she says, like it isn’t a big deal. “But, Reed always comes first for us both. No matter what.”

“I hate to say it, but I’m very impressed. I mean, that’s sounds almost like a dream.”

Brooke laughs. “There are moments that it doesn’t feel that way. I mean, I’m not a fan of all the moving around, but I promised to keep Reed in the same town as his dad because he travels so much with his job. But, Reed’s father paid for me to finish school, and he is the best father for him.”

“Trust me, that’s a dream.” I sip the tea in front of me.

“So, I told you my story. What’s yours?”

“Um.” I clear my throat. It’s only fair. “Tony and I were high school sweethearts. I started dating him when we were freshmen. When we graduated, we remained together. He joined the Army, and I went to college. I took as many classes as I could and was able to graduate early. Tony always wanted to be a soldier, so I wasn’t shocked when he reenlisted. I got pregnant, and he got his papers for another tour in Iraq. We decided to do a quick wedding, and it was perfect.” I can feel the tears building up. “I was about six weeks away from giving birth when we got the news that he was killed by an IED.”

“Oh my God, that’s...” Brooke stares at me with her mouth open. “I’m so sorry.” She grabs my hand.

I nod. Even to this day, I still don’t know how to react when people say how sorry they are.

“I didn’t realize.” She looks as if she’s about to bawl.

“It’s fine. It was almost seven years ago.” I try to make sure my voice isn’t cracking, but I think I fail.

Tony is my true love, and I’ve never gotten over it. I never will. However, I know in my head I need to move on, but my heart won’t let me. Yet.

I hear the front door open, and Tiffany’s voice carries through the house. “I’m here.”

“Aunt Tiff!” Sadie yells.

“There’s a strange boy in your living room.” Tiffany comes into the dining room. “Oh, sorry.”

“Brooke, this is my best friend, Tiffany. This is Reed’s mom, Brooke.”

“Oh, the famous Reed that Sadie keeps going on about.”

“Reed’s the same way about her too.” Brooke smiles.

“Tiff, you want some--” There’s no need me to finish my sentence, she’s already in the kitchen grabbing a bottle of water.

“So, Brooke, tell me about yourself.” Tiffany sits next to me.

“Tiff, we’ve already covered all that,” I inform her.

“Fine. What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a nurse,” Brooke tells us.

“Ew. No blood for me.” Tiffany shakes her head. “Lexie and I are event planners.”

“Oh, that sounds interesting.”

“It’s not as fun as it sounds.” I lean in closer to her. “It’s mainly bitchy people and cry-babies.”

“Speaking of bitchy people,” Tiffany smiles, “did anyone call you tonight?”

“I don’t want to talk about this right now,” I growl at her.

“Come on. A hot guy is trying to take you out, and you’re acting like you’re going in for a root canal.”

“I want to know more about this hot guy,” Brooke joins in.

“It’s not just any guy. It’s Ashton Campbell,” Tiffany coos.

“Tiffany. Stop,” I hiss at her.

“Wait. Do you mean
the
Ashton Campbell, the hockey player?”

If I didn’t know better, I think she becomes pale.

“Yes,” Tiffany confirms. “He sent her flowers and offered her a spa day. The whole nine yards. But, she’s stubborn as a mule.”

“Why don’t you want to date him?” Brooke asks. “Seems like a nice guy.”

“No, he’s more like a wart I can’t freeze off,” I explain. “I’m sure that he’s trying to get another notch in his belt or whatever. Besides, he’s too young for me, and I can’t fit his ego into the car.”

“Too young?” Brooke looks confused.

“Miss Old Maid over here thinks thirty is old,” Tiffany clarifies for her.

“Ashton’s only twenty-seven,” Brooke says.

“Are you a Bears fan too?” Tiffany claps.

“Um.” This time Brooke does become flushed. “Yes, you can say that.”

“Yes, more hockey fans! Miss Crabby is a Gamblers fan.” Tiffany thumbs over at me.

“That’s Uncle Jax’s team,” Reed says as he comes into the room with Sadie.

“Uncle Jax?” I’m puzzled.

“You know, I just remembered that I have to be somewhere.” Brooke jumps up. “Thanks for a lovely time.” She grabs Reed’s hand and almost drags him out the door. I barely had a chance to say good-bye.

“Mommy, why did they leave?” Sadie’s voice cracks.

“I think Reed played enough today,” I lie to her.

“Okay.” She goes back to the TV.

“What the hell was all that?” Tiffany asks.

“I have no idea.” I shrug. “Now, I love you, but you need to leave.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I know you and all you’re going to do is talk about Ashton, and I don't want to. So, I say this with love: get out.”

Tiffany rolls her eyes. “You’re bitchy, and I think you’re making a mistake, but I’ll fulfill your wish and leave. Please remember that he isn’t going to wait forever.” She kisses my cheek and leaves.

I hate when she’s right, but I’m not going out with Ashton.