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It took over an hour, and we were late for the event.
“Tonight, I’m not taking any pictures.” I warn. “You will have to find someone else to do it.”
He claps me on my back. “You have more pressing issues to attend to, but make sure you get at least one picture taken with Alexandra. It might be nice to look back on when you’re an old married couple.”
I roll my eyes. “She has to accept my apology and forgive me first.”
“I’m sure she will. Do you think Francesca and Savannah would set you up to fail?”
“I hope not.” I grab my keys off the kitchen counter and check my phone for any missed calls or texts before turning it on silent. There’s only one person I want to talk to tonight, and I’ll be sitting across from her.
“Don’t leave just yet,” Dad calls out to us from the living room. He meets us in the kitchen.
“What’s going on?”
“I just wanted to see both of you all dressed up for tonight. Is that too hard to believe?”
“Yes.” Rhett and I say at the same time before laughing.
I add, “Did you get some news? Has Giuseppe popped up?”
Dad frowns. “No, but even if he did show back up, I wouldn’t tell you. Both of you deserve a night off. Enjoy your night, and use protection. We don’t need another surprise baby.”
Dad stares at Rhett for a moment before adding, “Take a picture of my girls. I want to see them all dolled up.”
Rhett nods. “We can video call once we are at the apartment so you can see them before anyone else.”
Dad grins. “Alright, go now. You don’t want to be late like last time.”
We say our goodbyes and drive to the apartment building. Several teammates are chatting in the foyer as we walk in.
Gage whistles. “Damn, you two look like you stepped right out of the cover of GQ.”
He’s wearing a fitted navy blue suit with a matching tie and a light blue shirt.
“And you look like the fucking Hulk, Gage. Seriously, though, how’d you get your jacket on?”
The guys laugh and tease Gage, who flips me off.
“Coach said I needed to be a brick wall.” He rolls his eyes and laughs. “For real though, this is an old suit, and I forgot to go buy a new one.”
Rhett shrugs. “Well, at least the ladies will appreciate your hard work.”
The elevator dings and Spencer and Savannah step out wearing matching black and forest green attire.
I glance over at Rhett. “This is feeling very prom-esque, but I guess we shouldn’t keep our dates waiting any longer.”
We excuse ourselves and head upstairs.
“Wish me luck.” I mumble as I head down the hallway to Alexandra’s apartment.
“You’ll do great.” Rhett says to my retreating back.
I stop in front of Alexandra’s door and take a deep breath. The flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears have been removed. Hopefully by her, and not Darla.
Lifting my fist, I knock on her door and wait. After several moments, I knock again. She still doesn’t answer.
“Alexandra, I know I’m the last person you want to see, but please come out for dinner with me. If you hate my company, then dinner is all it will be and you can move on with your life, but please give me one dinner.”