Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 51427 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 257(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51427 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 257(@200wpm)___ 206(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Gabe nods toward the booth in the corner. “There they are,” he says, a touch of excitement in his gravelly voice. It’s sweet how he wants to do this for me.
As we head toward the table, bits of their conversation drift into my ears. Brooke and Drew are debating—from the sound of it—what baseball flick to watch that afternoon.
I smile when we arrive. “Hey there. I’m Ellie.”
“Hey Ellie. So good to meet you,” Brooke says warmly, then pops up to give me a hug.
I like her already. “I’m so excited to meet you.”
After Gabe makes quick intros to Drew, we sit down and I slide right into the conversation. “So the debate is Sweet Spot, Ace and what was the other movie?”
Drew clears his throat. “High and Tight,” he says in a serious tone.
My spidey senses tingle. I arch a brow. “High and Tight? I feel like that’s a trick name,” I say and Brooke cracks up.
Drew laughs too. “I made it up,” Drew says, with a casual shrug. “But it sounds plausible.”
Gabe shakes his head in amusement, then stage whispers. “He’s such a clown.”
Brooke nods in agreement. “Drew is the biggest clown,” she says.
“Also, I think High and Tight’s probably a different kind of movie,” I offer.
Brooke laughs, then adds, “Maybe not such a bad one either.”
“Oh, we’re going to get along well,” I say to Brooke. I rub my palms. “All right. I have my vote on what movie you should watch.”
Brooke beckons with her fingers. “Lay it on us.”
“Sweet Spot,” I declare.
Brooke’s brown eyes light up. “Yes, because it’s–”
“Based on a book,” Brooke and I say in unison.
Then I shoo Drew away from his spot, so I can switch with him. “Move, I need to sit next to your fiancée. I’ve already decided she’s fabulous and I adore her.”
Brooke smiles. “I adore you too.”
“And we need to talk about this book right now,” I add as we switch seats. With a harrumph, Drew takes my seat, but I don’t think he’s really mad.
“Yes we do,” she says.
“Told you so,” Gabe says to Drew.
“Yup. They like each other,” Drew replies.
I smile, then I focus on Brooke. We spend most of the meal discussing our favorite books.
When we’re done with the meal, the four of us wander through Santa Monica, the guys chatting about their next poker game, Axel’s whereabouts, and who’s looking strong on the pro basketball team.
With the guys a few steps behind us, Brooke shares insider tips with me on Venice, from the best bookstores to the best shops, since she’s lived in that neighborhood for some time. “Bling and Baubles is my favorite. My friend Rachel owns that shop,” she says offhand.
My jaw drops. “Wait. Jewelry shop Rachel is your friend too?” I ask in excitement.
“Yes. I’ve known her for a while.”
“I already adopted her,” I say, then tell Brooke how I met Rachel.
“Then that’s perfect. Do you want to join us for ping-pong later this week?” Brooke asks.
I want nothing more than to play ping-pong with new friends. “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” I say.
“Me too,” Brooke seconds.
I love LA.
32
MY CHEERLEADER
Gabe
First game of the season, and I am pumped. In the locker room before kickoff, the energy is bright and noisy.
Coach comes in and gives a no-nonsense this is our time to show what focus is speech.
When he’s done, I smack palms with most of the guys, another one of our pre-game rituals. Then, when it’s time to hit the field, our running back, Rand, chimes in with let’s go, whooping and clapping as we trot out.
I’ve got my helmet in one hand, and my hacky sacks in the other.
Well, rituals matter and this is my streak ritual. “Let’s put these to use all season,” I say to Drew as we reach the mouth of the tunnel.
He offers a fist for knocking. “You know we will.”
Then, the announcer calls my name and number, and I run out on the field, Drew following shortly behind, as the last one, since he’s the quarterback.
And when we win the coin toss, he’s fast and lasered in on the target—me. I connect on the first pass of the opening drive, then gain another twenty-two yards.
A few plays later, I put it in the end zone.
And like that, we set a rhythm for the game. When I jog to the sidelines as special teams comes on, I look to the stands.
And I grin. There she is. At least, I think it’s Ellie. We’ve got a packed crowd here.
But I snagged her seats on the fifty-yard line. I squint, just making her out next to Rachel and Maddox, I think. Brooke is here too since she’s part of their crew now, and Ellie’s become fast friends with her.
That’s my woman. She knows how to get along with anyone—she’s outgoing, friendly and unafraid.