Page 14 of Let's Be Crazy (Oh Captain, My Captain 4)

“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 goodbye.

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