Page 50 of Crazy In Love
“A long-distance relationship?” I asked.
“Yep. My uncle Ro, he’s only the best boxer in the whole wide world, well, he’s got a brother, you’ve probably heard of him, his name is Lincoln Hendrix.”
“Yes, he’s a quarterback for the New York Thunderbirds, right?”
“Yes, ma’am. And he’s married to Brinkley, and her brother Cage is Gracie’s dad.”
“Wow. This is like the six degrees of Kevin Bacon.” I laughed, and Emerson joined in, but Cutler just stared at us like he was proud to be talking about his girl.
“It sure is,” Emerson said. “And sweet Gracie comes every summer to Magnolia Falls, and now we all make a trip to Cottonwood Cove every winter. We’ve all become fast friends.”
“Sounds like Gracie is a lucky girl,” I said as I took another sip of my tea.
“She’s just my girl, that’s all.” He smiled so big it made my chest squeeze.
He really was adorable.
“So you two flew here just to check on my head?” I asked as Emerson finished off her tea.
“Yes, and we’re going to have dinner at my parents’ house before we head home.” She got to her feet and rinsed the mug in the sink before reaching for Cutler’s empty mug.
“Leave that. I’ve got it.” I carried mine to the sink and paused to hug them both. “I really appreciate this. You went above and beyond.”
“Are you Uncle Bridger’s girl?” Cutler asked, his brows cinching together.
“Oh, no. Definitely not. The man can barely stand me. We’re finally being cordial for the first time in years.” I chuckled as I followed them to the door.
“It’s a bit more than cordial, isn’t it?” Emerson said with a smirk. “I heard he gave you a real apology, which is a first outside of my mother. That’s a win in the Chadwick world.”
Clearly this family was close, because they all appeared to know everything going on with one another.
I wondered what that was like.
I loved my brother, but he lived on the other side of the country. He didn’t know much about my life, and vice versa. My parents knew even less.
It made me wonder what it was like to have a big family.
A close family.
“I think anyone would be lucky to call you their girl, Emilia.” Cutler hugged me one more time.
“Thanks, Beefcake. I appreciate it.” I kissed his cheek and then stood, turning to give Emerson one more hug. “Thank you for doing this. I really appreciate it. Get home safely.”
“We will. And just text me if you have any questions,” she said, handing me her business card. “That’s my cell on the back.”
“I definitely will. Thank you. Drive careful.” I waved as they got into an SUV that I assumed was one of Bridger’s many cars and pulled down the driveway.
I made my way to the bathroom and started the water in the tub, making it extra hot. I set my phone on the antique wood stool beside the bathtub, tied my hair up in a bun on top of my head, got undressed, and slipped into the water.
I groaned at the feel of my shoulders relaxing.
I reached for my phone, chewing on my thumbnail as I thought about what I wanted to say.
Bridger and I weren’t friends. Not really. I mean, he’d gotten things arranged with Bert to pick up my car, and he’d flown his sister here to check on my head.
Friends or not, I should thank him.
Hey. I just wanted to thank you for having your sister stop by to check on my head. It wasn’t necessary, but it was very kind of you.
