Page 10 of I Could Be Yours

So am I. Give me edit access and I’ll fix it.

Essie

Say please.

Nate

Please.

Essie

In a voicememo. Three times.

Nate

*shifty eyes GIF* Why?

Essie

*bats lashes GIF*

Ipocket my phone. As fun as this is, I don’t have time to pander to Nate. My tablet is in hand, checklist ready for ticking—I love a good checklist—as I survey the hall. The decorations are on point, everything looks perfect, and guests should start arriving soon.

“What can I help with?” Tally, the Toronto Terror’s head coach’s daughter and good friend to me and my younger sister Cammie, appears at my side with her friend Fee. She’s the younger sister of Terror assistant coach Lexi Forrester. Well, Lexi was a Forrester until she married the team’s recently retired goalie, Roman Hammerstein. Now they are both Forrest-Hammers.

“Put us both to work,” Fee insists.

“Can you two help Rix’s mom with the centerpieces, please? There should be one for every table. They come in two parts, and there is some assembly required.”

“Absolutely.” They turn toward the table behind me. “Oh! Oh my gosh! Did Rix’s mom make these?”

I nod. “Hand painted every single one.” Wooden figurines of Rix and Tristan sit on a flat wooden circle, cut from a birch tree, surrounded by mini flower wreaths.

“They are adorable,” Tally gushes.

Rix’s mom, who everyone calls Muffy, appears. She’s wearing a pretty summer dress, with hair and makeup done by yours truly, looking nervous and excited. My own mother is right behind her. She’s dressed in pants and a pale blouse, also fitting for the summer weather.

“Everything looks wonderful!” Mom pulls me in for a quick hug. “You’ve done an amazing job, honey.”

“Thanks, Mom.” I grew up in a home full of love andsupport. “I have two volunteers to help you and Momma Muffy with the centerpieces.”

“This is so fantastic, Essie.” Muffy is on the verge of tears, and has been for the past hour. “You really went above and beyond.”

“Rix deserves the best and more.” I kiss her cheek and turn toward our friends. “Tally and Fee, this is Muffy, Rix’s mom and Athena, my mom.”

The girls wave hello.

“Tally and Fee.” She glances between them. “Are you part of Rix’s Babe Brigade?” She looks to me for confirmation. “Isn’t that what your group of girlfriends is called?”

I grin. “That’s right.”

“It’s so lovely to finally meet you.” She hugs both girls, her smile wide and soft, eyes a little watery. “Rixie is surrounded by so many wonderful people.”

“She’s an amazing friend.” I give Muffy another little squeeze.

“And an incredible daughter.” Pride lights up Muffy’s face. “Always so responsible. Dinner would have been a sad affair in our house without her.”

“She could make a gourmet meal out of onions, bread, and cheese,” I agree.

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