Page 97 of Sacrifice
THIRTY-NINE
JULIA
“What’s going on?” I ask.
Crew comes into the kitchen after work, followed by Olivia.
She’s grinning ear to ear.
“Crew called me this morning and asked if I could sit with Everleigh this evening.”
“Why?” I look between them, not understanding. “Did I forget something? Did something happen?”
Crew chuckles. “I want to take you somewhere. Just the two of us.”
A small flutter begins in my belly, reminding me of a time long ago. I feel almost giddy that he wants to take me somewhere. He looks tired and worn down. His hair has started to grow back, a couple of days’ worth of stubble dotting his face. He’s incredibly handsome. The boy I fell in love with years before grew up into one fine man.
Even so, I hate the idea of leaving Everleigh. “Do you think we should?”
He nods, biting his lip. “We are.”
“But what if—”
“Julia, I’m here. She’s been fine today. You said so yourself when I called earlier.”
“You set me up.” I look between them and they laugh. “Crew!”
“Take it easy on him.” Olivia chuckles. “He wants to do something nice for you and it’s exactly what you need right now.”
“When did you get on Team Crew?”
She grins at him and then looks back at me. “I never said I wasn’t.” She turns on her heels and heads to the living room. I hear my daughter squeal when she sees Olivia. I hope it helps her spirits. She was so sick last night, throwing up and complaining of stomach pains and a headache. It was a long night. I called the doctor and they said it was normal, but if she seemed at risk for dehydration or got a fever to bring her right in.
I feel Crew’s gaze resting on me and I know this isn’t a battle I’m going to win.
“Just an hour or so, okay?” I ask carefully. I don’t want to offend him, but I can almost not bear leaving her.
He kisses the top of my head, smelling all dirty from work. “Yeah. I’m gonna grab a quick shower and then we’ll go.”
“Where are we going?” I ask.
“For a little drive.”
“Don’t you have to train tonight?”
“Night off.” He winces as he rolls his shoulder. “Gotta rest the body a bit.”
“Should I change?” I look down at my jeans, a rip tearing through one knee, and my Boston Red Sox shirt.
“If you’re gonna be seen out with me, that shirt’s gonna have to go.”
I roll my eyes. “The shirt goes or I don’t.”
He growls playfully. “Fine, but it’s a good thing you’re pretty.”
* * *
JULIA
