Page 8 of Secret Love (The Single Dad Playbook #2)

CHAPTER EIGHT

UNICORNS AND CELEbrITIES

TRU

My meeting with the Wards went better than I anticipated. I could tell they were shaken by the conversation. I was surprised that Henley was the one who went to bat for Cassidy. Bree seemed apprehensive about the whole thing, but that's understandable. I couldn’t tell if she didn’t believe me or just didn’t like what she was hearing. It clearly threw them, realizing their daughter was having this much trouble reading.

Bree Ward is gorgeous. She's tall, with long blonde hair, sun-kissed cheeks, and hazel eyes. She looks like the girl next door, only a little more glammed up. I can't help but wonder why the two of them aren't together anymore, but it seems like they're on good terms.

I clear out of the classroom and head home, excited to see the kitten. I checked on him earlier in the day, and he was sleeping, but it was still hard to leave him behind. He’s so sweet and cuddly. When I walk in now, he's still sleeping, but I pet him and he opens his eyes and moves toward me.

“Hi, little guy. How did your day go? We've got to come up with a name for you. I still can't believe you're a little prince. What shall we call you?” Only funny names come to mind like Ralph or Steve. “Hmm. Maybe Earl.” I giggle at the thought. “Earl of Silver Hills. I like it. Funny, but also a big name to live up to. I think you can handle it.”

He stretches and curls into my lap. I carry him into the kitchen and get some formula ready. He drinks it, and then I put him in the litter box, and he takes care of business. I smile like a proud mother, and then snap a picture of him and send it to my mom.

Your new grandkitten.

She texts back within seconds.

Mom

You're kidding. Oh my goodness, that is the cutest kitten. He’s tiny!

How did you know he was a he right away? I assumed she because—LOOK HOW ADORABLE HE IS.

Mom

Boys can be adorable too.

If you say so. In this case, it applies.

Mom

I’m sorry. Are you twelve or twenty-four? I feel like I’m being transported back in time.

LOL I guess I’m channeling middle school. Ooo, I have news for you! But first…his name is Earl. What do you think?

Mom

Well, I was thinking you’d pick something a little cuter for that sweet face, but…if you say so. Crying laughing emoji

The Earls of the world would be so offended by this conversation.

Mom

Well, they can hardly be offended if you’re bequeathing such a cutie with that name. What other news besides a kitten? That’s a big deal. You’ve never owned a pet…well, except for that mouse you tried to bring into the house when we lived in Minnesota.

It was cold. Sad emoji But yes, you’re right. It’s a big deal. He showed up at my house and it felt like a sign that I’m in the right place. And then, even better…I got a full-time job at Silver Hills Middle School as an eighth-grade teacher.

Mom

Trudi Eloise Seymour! I knew you’d get a job there! This is so exciting! I’d call you right now, but Dad has the morning off and is still asleep, but I AM ELATED!

I can tell by all those exclamation points. Huge grin emoji

I set my phone down, sadness creeping in through my excitement because my mom is on the other side of the world, tiptoeing around her life. And I’m here, attempting to create a new one.

I look down at Earl and pet his soft head. “I need more friends. Not that you don’t count. You will be the best friend I’ve ever had, I can already tell. But I need some human ones too.”

Moving a lot has taught me to make friends quickly, but I haven’t learned to hold on to many. I have a couple of friends that I keep in touch with occasionally. It just sucks that we all live far apart. I met Maria in Guatemala. She’s three years older than me and took me under her wing when I lived there. We started out writing letters when I moved and then switched to email, and we’ve kept that up. And Krystal, my roommate during freshmen year, is in New York, so we’ve seen each other a couple of times since then, but not much.

Even in college, I changed schools several times, moving when my parents did. I didn’t want my mom to be stuck with my dad and still held onto the hope that she’d realize she was worth more than the way he treated her, the way he treated us.

My dad never lifted his hand to hurt me. That would have taken too much effort. Instead, he pretended I didn’t exist…until some invisible switch would go off, one I invariably wouldn’t see coming, and then he flung his words, lazily slinging them like darts to see what would sting the worst.

You look like a cow in that dress.

You’ll never get a boyfriend with that face.

Why are you so stupid?

And the list goes on and on.

For years, I tiptoed around him like Mom did, but when I got my driver’s license at sixteen and had a taste of freedom, I got louder. I defended Mom when he berated her. I rolled my eyes when he insulted me. Once, I laughed when he said no man would ever want me.

“Fine by me,” I said.

It shocked him so much, he was stunned silent.

He didn’t mean the things he said was my mom’s argument…and it still is. At this point, I don’t really care if he means the things he says or not. I had to get away from him before I started believing it.

“Ugh,” I tell Earl. “I don’t want to go down this dark spiral. How about we go for a little walk? It feels like spring out there. You can ride in my sweatshirt.”

Earl blinks up at me and I decide that’s answer enough. I grab my zip-up hoodie draped over the chair and put it on. My tennies are by the door and I tuck Earl in my hoodie where he can still see out if he wants.

I end up walking longer than I expected to and end up at Luminary Coffeehouse. Peeking in the window, I see a neon sign that says The Celestial Donut hanging behind the counter and that convinces me to go inside. I love a good cinnamon roll and a good donut.

I walk inside, already loving the vibe. I look down to make sure Earl is hidden, and he is. The ceiling is detailed wood painted in black and the walls are white with sunny-yellow touches that cheer everything up. Local artwork is displayed on the walls and it ranges from wildlife and fairies coming out of the forest to monsters that look friendly enough to sit down next to. I love the place already.

A cute older lady is behind the counter—Clara, her name tag says—and she grins when she sees me.

“Welcome to Luminary. What can I get for you?” She makes me feel at ease instantly.

“Well, The Celestial Donut sign caught my eye from the window. I had to find out what that's about. What else is here?”

“Oh, we just added The Celestial Donut to our menu. It’s a passion of mine…beyond coffee, which is another great love of my life.” She laughs. “There’s any kind of coffee imaginable, and if it’s not on there, tell me what you want and I’ll try to make it.” She points to the chalkboard where the drinks are displayed in flourished handwriting and the names are fun with whimsical names that fit the place.

“I’m enchanted,” I tell her.

She beams. “Take your time if you need to think about it, but I'm here if you need me. It's slow this evening.”

Just then I hear laughter and I turn to see a stunning woman with long dark hair and a gorgeous man next to her. They're laughing at something their little boy has said. I overhear the women sitting at the table behind me gasp.

“Oh my God, he has the best laugh. I can't believe Weston Shaw actually comes here.”

I turn and look at the three women. They’re staring at the couple I couldn’t tear my eyes from, completely starstruck.

“I told you,” the woman in the middle says. “That's why we’re here. You didn’t believe me, but I heard they all come here. Well, our favorites anyway. Henley, Rhodes, Bowie…PENN. Oh my God, can you imagine seeing Penn and Henley in real life?”

Of course, my ears perk up when I hear Henley’s name. That’s not a common name around here, right? It’s gotta be my Henley. I mean, the one I’ve met. He’s obviously not mine.

“I’m more of a Bowie and Rhodes’ girl myself, but damn, they’re all hot,” the third woman says.

“Weston and Henley all the way,” the first woman says. “You know what? All of them. I don’t know what I’d do if I had to choose.”

They all laugh. What are they talking about?

When I turn back to Clara, I must look confused because she laughs.

“Are you a Mustangs fan too?” she asks.

“Mustangs?”

Her eyes widen. “Colorado’s football team? Winners of the past three Super Bowls?”

“Oh, football …” I laugh awkwardly. “I could only imagine wild horses galloping by.” I shake my head like silly me .

“That is their logo,” she says, still laughing.

I crinkle my nose. “I’m afraid I’m not up on the sports. I usually have my nose in a book or I’m outside…with my nose in a book.” I wave my hand and laugh with her this time. I lean in. “So, is that guy over there on the team or something?” I whisper.

“He’s the quarterback,” she whispers back.

My mouth falls into an O.

Wait. Does that mean Henley is?—

Earl chooses that moment to make his presence known. His head pops out of my sweatshirt and Clara yelps. I rush to apologize for bringing a pet inside without asking permission but she’s gushing about how adorable he is.

“I wasn’t planning to do anything but walk…but the donuts.” I point to the sign, still feeling bad. “Hopefully no one is allergic.”

“True,” Clara says, looking around. She winks at me. “I think we’re okay.”

“Thank you. In that case, I’ll take that unicorn donut right there. I can’t resist. I got a job today. Actually two jobs this week! Feels like I should celebrate.”

“Congratulations. That’s amazing! Where are you working?”

“Wiggles & Whimsy and Silver Hills Middle School.”

Her eyes widen. “That’s wonderful! That means you’re a Silver Hills resident, not just passing through. Welcome to our town. I hope you’ll love it here.”

I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so wide. “Thank you, Clara. I think I already love it here.”

“I’m sorry to interrupt. Can I sneak past you for some napkins?”

I turn and the pretty woman who was with the quarterback is smiling at me.

“Oh, sure.” I take a step back and she grabs a handful of napkins.

“Sadie, you should meet our new resident,” Clara says. She holds out her hand and pauses. “Well, I don’t even know your name yet...” She laughs.

“I’m Tru.” I smile and then look at Sadie, who’s looking at me with interest.

She reaches out and shakes my hand. “Tru,” she says, her eyes lighting up with her smile. “It is really great to meet you. I’m Sadie.” She nods as she looks at me, and it’s almost like she wants to say more, but she just stands there smiling. “Weston,” she calls, glancing over her shoulder. “Come meet my new friend, Tru .”

Weston’s eyebrows lift and he picks up the little boy and hurries over. I don’t know what to think about this star treatment, but they seem really nice.

“Hi, Tru,” Weston says, smiling wide. “I’m Weston, and this is Caleb.” My knees get slightly weak because he’s almost as hot as Henley, and I just haven’t been around many men that are this good-looking in such close succession. “Welcome to Silver Hills.”

“Thanks so much,” I say. “Hi, Caleb. You are adorable.”

He gives me a toothy grin and leans his head on his dad’s cheek.

“Eep,” Sadie gasps. “You have a kitten in your sweatshirt. That is the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Okay, it’s official. Can we be friends?” She laughs. “I mean, if that’s okay with you.”

I laugh, too happy and surprised to do anything but stutter, “Y-yes, please.”

“Caleb, look at the kitty,” Sadie says.

When he realizes there’s a tiny kitten in my shirt, he starts bouncing with excitement. I unzip my sweatshirt a little bit so he can pet Earl, and Earl’s eyes drift shut in contentment.

“He likes to sleep,” I tell them. “Maybe that’s normal for kittens? This is my?—”

“You should come to our house for a barbecue,” Sadie blurts out. She presses her fingers over her lips. “I promise I’m not a complete weirdo. Only slightly.” She holds up her fingers to show how slight. “But say yes. It’ll be so fun.”

“I’d…yes, I’d love to.”

“Amazing.” She pulls her phone out of her pocket and hands it to me to put my number in. Once I do, she looks at her phone and then smiles at Weston. “Tru Seymour,” she says, nodding. “I like that name.”

“Great name,” Weston agrees.

I can’t help but feel like I’m missing something, but again…I have so few friends, what do I know about these things? I’m stunted in this area.

“I don’t even know what to do with all this niceness,” I finally say, laughing.

“Friday night, seven. I’ll text our address. We’ll introduce you to some of our friends, and you can bring the kitten if you’d like,” Sadie says.

“Okay. I’ll be there. Can’t wait.” Does that sound too eager? I think it does, but they seem even more eager than me if that’s possible.

Weston tugs Sadie into his side, making me swoon even harder, and Sadie remembers the napkins. She waves them, reaching up to wipe a bit of chocolate off of Caleb’s cheek.

“Here’s that unicorn donut. You sure you don’t want something to drink with that?” Clara asks.

“I’ll come in another time for that Lunar Latte. I’m obsessed with Lavender Lattes, but I’ve gotta pace myself.” I hold up the unicorn donut and laugh.

“I’ll be here.” Clara leans against the counter, smiling. She looks at Caleb wistfully. “I swear he’s bigger every time I see him.”

“I know. It’s crazy how fast he’s growing.” Sadie gives me an apologetic look. “I wish we could chat longer, but we’ve got to get him to bed. He seems angelic right now, but lately when he doesn’t get to bed on time, he wakes up extra early and is a handful .”

“Oh no,” I say. “It’s hard to imagine him being anything but angelic, but I trust you.” I wave at Caleb. “Have a good night. It was wonderful meeting all of you.”

“See you Friday,” Sadie says.

I nod, unable to contain my excited smile.

Weston, Sadie, and Caleb walk out the door and I take a deep breath. Wow. Such nice people in Silver Hills. I’m so glad I decided to explore tonight.

The three women look at me like I must be a celebrity. One is lowering her phone. I’m pretty sure she went snap-happy with Weston so close.

I glance back at Clara. “You’ve made my night. I’ll be back…probably more often than you want.”

She laughs. “Not possible.”

Later, I get in bed and google the heck out of Henley Ward. I cannot believe he’s been on countless magazine covers and is a huge football player and I didn’t even know who he was. He’s been on Jimmy Fallon, for crying out loud. I flirted with that man. I told that man off .

I make a face in the dark, cringing, but in the next second I’m laughing about it. I’d do it again. Hell, yes, I would.

I’m still smiling when I fall asleep.