Chapter 3
Addie Mae
THE MOMENT THAT MY HEAD hits the pillow I’m gone, but it’s only feels like a few moments before my alarm sounds and I’ve got to get ready for my flight. Why did I book this early of a flight? Then I remember it’s because there’s a home game tonight and I need a little time to get the final details ready for Saturday evening’s shower.
Pulling myself from the warm covers, I quickly shower and get ready as if I’m going to work. In my line of work, you must always look your best. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to the grocery store or to a red carpet event. I’m a makeup artist and I must look the part at all times because if don’t, my job could be at stake.
Straightening my hair, I put on the finishing touches, glance in the mirror at how flawless my skin looks and make sure that there are no bags under my eyes after being out a little too late last night. Tossing the last-minute items in my suitcase, I double check the apartment and then load my suitcase in my Jeep. Securing the top in place, I climb in and drive to the airport.
Arriving at the airport, I park and take the shuttle to check-in. Flashing my ticket and passport, I quickly make it through security, find the closest coffee shop, and order the biggest coffee available.
Taking the warm liquid in my hands, I grab a seat, pull out my notebook and gather my thoughts on the shower. With the tailgate theme, this has been super easy. Mom has made sure that the cake is ordered and has taken care of a few little details that I knew Sawyer couldn't handle like decorating. Then it hits me. That sweet little boy needs some Mason High apparel.
Sliding out my phone, I dial Sawyer. It rings but there’s no answer. Seriously?! We’ve got a baby shower in twenty-four hours. I leave a voicemail and go back to my list. It seems too good to be true, but I think tomorrow will go off without a hitch, then I get an idea. Maybe I can take Madelyn for a girls’ day at the salon. Shaking my head, I think that could be dangerous since it’s Mason and they aren’t exactly up on the newest trends. Searching on my phone, I’m shocked to see a quaint little salon has opened up right outside of Mason. Dialing the number, I ask for more details, what they offer, and then decide to book us an appointment for a manicure and pedicure. Madelyn deserves a day of relaxing before little man arrives.
As I hang up, my flight begins to board. I power off my phone and take my seat in first class. Once I’m situated, I finish my coffee, close my eyes, and dream of the most perfect baby shower around.
The three-hour flight is relaxing and exactly what I needed to detach from my chaotic lifestyle. As the pilot comes over the intercom, I realize I’m almost home and can’t wait to have my feet on that Texas dirt.
As the wheels hit the runway, I take my list and put it in my pocket, make sure that I have everything and exit the plane as soon as possible. Waiting at the baggage claim feels like it takes forever, but as my aqua suitcase slides around, I grab it and go straight to rentals. Walking up to the counter, I give my confirmation number and the clerk informs me that my vehicle isn’t ready.
“What do you mean, not ready?”
“We’ve got other vehicles, but not a Jeep like you’ve requested.”
“Well, what do you have?”
“We’ve got a Mercedes SUV or a Lexus SUV.”
“You’re kidding, right?”
“Sorry, but we’re not. Will either of those work?”
“I’m afraid not. I need something with some room and able to go in four wheel-drive. What trucks do you have in?”
The clerk looks at me funny. “Ma'am, they do have four-wheel dive.”
“I know, but I need something that can get dirty. Those are for city girls.” She looks at me with uncertainty and then turns to her screen. Oh heavens, here I am looking like a girl straight out of the city and I ask for a truck. I guess you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. “Just because I look like a city girl doesn’t mean I am,” I say with a smile and my strongest Mason accent.
“I’ve got a Chevrolet Silverado and an F-150.”
“Great. Either of those will be just fine.”
Once I sign a few papers, I take the keys and walk to the parking lot. Tossing my suitcase in the back seat, I climb inside, get my seat situated and put the Chevy in the wind for Mason, only making one stop in San Antonio for all the perfect party decorations, plates, napkins, and a few surprises.
After the two-hour drive, I see the most beautiful sight I’ve seen in a long time. A purple water tower with Mason written in white. Man, it feels good to be home. Glancing at my phone, I see that I don’t have a message from Sawyer yet. Looking at the time, I know I better get to him now or I’ll never get to talk to him later today with the varsity game. I text Mom and let her know I’ve made it to town and will be there shortly, but first, I’ve got to pay Sawyer a visit.
Turning toward Mason High, I take in the sights and thank God I grew up in such a beautiful place. It might be small, but this place is where my heart belongs.
* * *
Sawyer
Hanging up my office phone, I take a look around and then head toward the field. We’ve got a pep rally in an hour, and my boys are ready for a run through.
Walking out to the field, I have the boys huddle up and call for the first play. They move through it with ease, and we continue to do this for the next twenty minutes. Looking at my clock, I know it’s time for us to head to the gym when a black Chevy truck comes tearing into the field house parking lot on two wheels. Looking to Kyle, I say, “Get that kid’s tag so we can let Officer Jenkins know to call their parents.”
“You got it,” he says as he starts to walk off and that’s when the door opens, I see a pair of heels, tight as hell jeans, a shirt that would make any man look, and the whitest hair I’ve ever seen. As she closes the door and turns my way, I do a double-take. There’s no way.
“Wait a minute, Kyle. I’ll handle it.” Looking over my shoulder, I see that every male around is drooling and there’s something about this moment that makes me want to protect the biggest pain in my ass. “Boys, quit staring or y’all are running suicides.”
“Dang, Coach. I’m not sure who she is or why she’s walking toward you, but you might want to run. She looks pretty pissed,” Clark says and the other boys start to laugh.
“Run,” I say, pointing toward the track. They all grumble at Clark but do as I ask.
“Kyle, make them run half a mile then send them to the gym. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“That’s not…”
“Yes, that is Addie Mae and it’s obvious she’s gone Hollywood on us. Now, let me see what in the hell she wants so I can focus on this game.”
“Dude, I hope so ‘cause right now, the only thing I can focus on is her in that tight little outfit.”
“Shut up and make sure they aren’t dying out there.”
He turns to go to the track and I walk toward Addie Mae.
“Whatcha need?” I say quickly.
“Well, nice to see you, too.”
“Look, we’ve got a pep rally in a few minutes and a game to win. I’ve done everything you asked me to do. Why are you here?”
She crosses her arms and stares at me. “Have you listened to my voicemail?”
Pausing, I think about it and realize I haven’t looked at my cell phone all morning. “Nope, been busy.”
“I swear. Sawyer, I had a brilliant idea, but I need you to handle it.” Looking at my watch, I’m wishing she’d hurry up. “I think little man needs some Mason High apparel for the shower. Can you get me a helmet and a jersey?”
“Sure, I’ll bring it tomorrow.”
“No, like now. Well, the jersey at least. For the helmet, have all of your current players and coaches sign it. I think it would be an awesome way to remember the team that was playing when he was born.”
As much as I want to be a dick right now, I can’t because that is an awesome idea. “Come on, I’ve only got a second.” We go in the field house to the extra uniforms closet. I grab a jersey and helmet. Tossing the jersey to her, we walk back outside.
“Thanks, Sawyer, and good luck tonight. Please tell me there’s an extra seat by Madelyn in the reserved section.”
“Yeah, there is. She still doesn’t have a clue you’re coming. Tate has had to come up with a lot of shit to keep this a secret and pull off the cookout tomorrow, and that’s what she thinks it is. A cookout.”
“Great. Sawyer, thank you,” she says as she turns and walks toward the truck, and for a brief moment, I wonder what in the hell happened to little Addie Mae.