Page 53 of Sweet Thing

“I can take her home.”

“No, you should stick to your routine. That’s why I’m here. We’ll see you later!”

ChapterFifteen

Adeline

The Sunny Side Up Dinerwas a Riverbrook stalwart, and where our dad used to take us as kids every Sunday for brunch. (They’d named an omelet after him that was still on the menu, so he considered it his duty to give them his custom forever.) It had feta in it, which made me think of Greece, so I avoided that and went for French toast, which made me think of Paris in the spring and eating banana and Nutella crepes with Rosie while strolling the streets of Montmartre. Perfect. Hatch ordered a Theo, Belgian waffles, and a double stack of blueberry pancakes.

“So how are things? Settling in with your new team?”

“I feel like I know them already because of Dad. So that’s made the transition smooth.”

“Cool, cool.”

He eyed me over his coffee cup. “What?”

“You tell me. You’ve been a touch moody of late. You should be on top of the world, but maybe you’re feeling some pressure being on the same team astheTheo Kershaw.”

“It’s a lot to live up to.” For a brief moment, I saw the strain in his expression. “But we don’t play the same position, so there aren’t the same comparisons. I can handle the old man. The press and fans are a different story, and they’re going gaga with this Nyquist baby story.”

His gaze sharpened, and for a moment I thought he’d heard about my crush on Lars and was worried it had the potential to make waves during this important year. But no. Looking up, I saw Dash and Summer taking seats at the counter. Summer spotted us and bounced over.

“Everyone’s got brunch on their mind, I guess!” She leaned over to kiss my cheek, then nodded at Hatch. “Hey, Dino Boy.”

My usually good-natured brother scowled at her. “No one calls me that.”

Dash had come up behind Summer and circled her waist. “Dude,everyonecalls you that now that O’Malley has filled us in.”

Summer slipped his grip and hunkered down to rub Mabel’s tummy. “Aw, aren’t you adorable?”

Her fiancé rolled his eyes. “What did I say? Not even hitched yet and she’s got baby fever.”

Hatch hadn’t let up on the glower, only now it was directed at Dash.

“How’s the wedding planning coming along?” I asked to break the tension.

Summer’s smile was tentative. “I actually wanted to talk to you about it.”

“Me?”

“She’s down a bridesmaid.” Dash rolled his eyes like this was a ridiculous “bride” problem. “You’re next on deck.”

Summer nudged him in the ribs. “Dash! I’d like to have set the scene first.”

“Uh, everyone wants to be in our wedding party, babe. Nuptials of the century, or so my mom says.”

A visibly miffed Summer turned to me, mouthing an apology. “Could I call you later?”

“Of course!”

They took their leave back to the counter.

“I can’t quite put my finger on those two.” I shook my head. “Dash is kind of?—”

“A jerk?” my brother offered without hesitation.

“I was going to say condescending. I wonder what Summer sees in him.”

---