Page 55 of Undone

Sawyer groaned dramatically. “Yeah, preseason’s started, so we are getting back into the swing of things.”

“Uncle Sawyer, can I come to one of your games?”

Sawyer grinned. “Of course, kiddo. But…” he paused, giving me an apologetic look. “What if I could do you one better?”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“You know, I know some really important people who happened to give me tickets to Ellie Miles’s tour.”

Here we fucking go.

“And if it’s okay with your dad, we can all go. It’s right after Dotty’s wedding.”

I groaned.

“Wait, what about me? I thought I was getting married too?” Trent teased.

Noah, sitting quietly beside Dotty, smiled through most of the conversation, occasionally glancing my way.

I could sense her gaze on me, but I didn’t meet it. Not yet.

Instead, I focused on Gracie, still perched in Sawyer’s lap, firing off questions about the concert.

Gracie turned to Noah, tugging at her sleeve. “Noah, will you come see Ellie Miles with us?”

Noah smiled, though there was hesitation there. “Oh, I don’t know about that, Gracie. I bet your uncle only got enough tickets for your family.”

Sawyer’s grin stretched wide, smug as ever. “Actually, I have a whole suite. Perks of the job.”

Gracie’s eyes lit up. “See! You and Aunt Dotty can come, and we can have so much fun!” she squealed.

Dotty laughed. “You know I’m not missing it,” she said, a playful smile on her lips.

“Where’s the concert?” I asked.

“San Francisco. Vista Stadium,” Sawyer replied, clearly pleased with himself.

The last thing I wanted was to travel, stay in a foreign city, and go to a pop concert.

But I’d do it for G.

Trent gave him a suspicious look. “Why do you look so damn happy about this?”

Across the table, Colt didn’t miss a beat. “Because he’s got a crush on Ellie Miles.”

Sawyer flushed red, running a hand over his buzzed head. “I do not.”

“Oh shit, you totally do.” Dotty burst out laughing.

“She’s just really cool, okay?” Sawyer shot back defensively. “She donates to good causes, she’s great with her fans, and she’s got a solid vibe. That’s it. Leave me alone.”

Gracie leaned forward and started singing, “Sawyer and Ellie, sittin’ in a tree, K-I-X-X-I-N-P!”

We all erupted in laughter as my dad shook his head. “That’s not how you spell kissing, G.”

Gracie huffed, crossing her arms. “You know I’m not very good at spelling! I’m working on it. Right, Noah?”

Noah looked at my daughter with so much love, my heart threatened to bottom out. “You are, and you are doing so well, G.”