Let's Be Crazy

by Lindsay Paige

  “So…what are you doing?” I ask once the usual pleasantries are exchanged.

  “Getting ready to go meet Nate. Why? What’s going on, Ashton?”

  “Nothing that I can’t handle,” I reply smoothly. “Just wanted to know what you were up to today.”

  “You’re a sucky liar. Now, tell me.”

  I sigh. “Reed has a stomachache, and he wanted me to call you. But don’t worry about it. I can handle it, and you can come after your date.”

  “You have your fundraiser today and he doesn’t need to go if he’s not feeling well. I can be over there in thirty minutes.”

  “It won’t be a big deal if I stay here with Reed instead.” He’s more important anyway, and I don’t want to leave him if he’s sick.

  “No, you can’t miss it. I know that. Give me a little bit, and I’ll be there. Don’t worry about it.”

  There’s no other way around it. “Okay, if you’re sure, then I’ll see you soon.”

  We hang up, and I go lie next to Reed while we watch cartoons and wait for his mom. True to her word, Brooke is knocking on my door thirty minutes later. Reed fell back asleep before she arrived, so I lift him in my arms to carry him out to the car. He wakes up, but is still in a sleepy daze.

  “Give me a hug,” I tell him softly. His little arms tighten around me. “Feel better, and I’ll see you soon, okay? I love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  I settle him into Brooke’s car, let her know that I’ll call later to check in, and then I go back to get ready for this fundraiser.

  ~

  As I scan the area of the dog park where everything is happening, I have to admit that I’m impressed with what the planners were able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. Everyone seems to be gathered in groups of three or four, chatting away. They all seem relaxed and happy until suddenly my gaze backtracks to a particular angry and familiar redhead. What is she doing here?

  I can’t help my grin at the sight of Lexie arguing with someone, a phone pressed to her ear and a hand over her forehead. I may as well go make her day even better. Just as I come to stand behind her, she furiously hits the end button on the screen and huffs in frustration.

  “It’s a beautiful day, and you’re still unhappy.” At the sound of my voice so close behind her, she jumps as she swivels to face me, her face looking even more annoyed than seconds ago.

  “I was hoping to avoid you today. And I’m upset because the food was supposed to be here twenty-five minutes ago.”

  Ah, she must work with the company I hired to plan this thing. “Now, why would you want to avoid me? Your best friend is my biggest fan. That has to work in my favor somehow.”

  “That helps Tiffany, not me. Don’t you have to go mingle, or take pictures with the famous people, or just get away from me?”

  “I’m starting to think you don’t like me, Lexie, and that’s very disappointing.” I make a show of frowning. “You don’t even know me. I think you should give me a chance.”

  “Mr. Campbell,” she starts very professionally, “I’m sure, in some parallel universe, you’re a great person. However, in my world, you’re the captain of the one team I hate more than any other hockey team. So, I don’t need to give you a chance. I need your check to clear.”

  I ignore the check comment. “So, what you’re saying is that you are prejudiced and you discriminate based on hockey team preference?”

  “Well, that is true, and I don’t like your arrogance. Other than that, I’m sure that you have a lovely personality,” she deadpans like she’s trying to say whatever she has to to make me go away.

  I laugh. “I don’t believe you truly think that, but for now, I’ll let you get back to your crisis.”

  As I’m about to turn away, the woman I hired, Tiffany, walks up to us with a big smile. “Ashton, it’s so great to see you in person.”

  “It’s great to meet you as well.” I shake her hand. “You’ve done a great job with what I’ve seen so far.”

  “Thank you, but I have to give most of the credit to this lady right here.” She points at Lexie with admiration in her eyes. “She’s an amazing planner and my best friend.”

  I grin. “You are her best friend? Well, I’m glad to see you’re feeling better. Maybe you can talk Lexie into giving me a chance to show her that she shouldn’t have such hard feelings towards me.”

  “Wow, you remembered that I was sick,” she says, giddy. “And as far as Lexie’s feelings toward you, that’s a lost battle. She’s a Gamblers fan through and through.”

  “Why are you both talking about me like I’m not here?” Lexie is annoyed, but I don’t pay her a lick of attention.

  “I don’t want her to switch loyalties,” I explain to Tiffany. “Just have her go out with me once.”

  “Wait,” her eyes widen, “you want to take her on a date?”

  “How could I not, with that bright personality of hers?”

  Tiffany smiles.

  Lexie speaks up. “Am I invisible?” She could hardly be invisible.

  Tiffany keeps her focus on me. “Let’s say if I happened to have a set of tickets to a game next Friday in the glass section, then Lexie here would love to have dinner with you after the game.”

  “Are you both high?” Lexie exclaims. “I’m not having dinner with him.”

  “Done,” I nod. “And if a little extra convincing is needed, I’m sure you could happen to land yourself some tickets to a game in Vegas, all expenses paid?”

  “Wait? What?” Lexie looks at me, on the verge of being pissed if she isn’t already. “Are you trying to buy a date with me by sending me to Vegas?”

  I turn towards her. “No, but I figured if you were going to consider spending time with me as say, suffering, then the least I could do is something that would actually make you happy in return.”

  “Perfect,” Tiffany chimes.

  “No.” Lexie shakes her head. “You’re both crazy. I’m not going out with you.” She points her finger at me, then aims it at Tiffany as she continues talking. “There’s no way in hell I’m going to a Bears game with you either. Now, I’m leaving to check on the vendors, and I’m going to pray that I wake up from this crazy dream I’m in.” She turns and walks away.

  I watch her once more before looking at Tiffany. “Help your favorite hockey player out?”

  “You’re very sweet, but are you serious about this?” The skepticism is loud and clear in her voice.

  “There’s not a doubt in my mind that I want a date with Lexie,” I answer honestly.

  “Not just a one-night stand?”

  If she wasn’t being so serious, I would laugh. “I haven’t had a one-night stand in a long, long time, so no.”

  “Then I’ll help you,” she decides. “Here’s my first piece of advice: she hasn’t been flirted with in a long time.” How is that possible? “I can’t even remember the last time a guy sent her flowers. Oh, and be patient with her. If you haven’t noticed, she’s hardheaded.” Tiffany smiles.

  “Thanks for the advice. Looks like having a lot of patience is about to come in handy.”

  She excuses herself to go check on the issue Lexie is dealing with, and I take a moment to check in on Reed before I lose my chance. My worry increases when it takes Brooke a bit to answer, the call almost going to voicemail.

  “Did you give him fast food, Ashton?” she asks. “I swear, what have I told you? I -”

  “How is he feeling?” I interrupt.

  “A little better. His stomach is probably upset from not being used to eating that junk!”

  “What makes you think I did that?” Surely, Reed wouldn’t have told on us.

  “He threw up, and I asked what he ate. I knew as soon as he looked guilty what you did. He told me and asked me not to be mad at you. Ash -”

  “I’m sorry, okay? Tell him to feel better, that I love him, and I’ll see him soon. I need to go.”

  Brooke gives in. We hang up, and I figure I b
etter start mingling.

  Chapter Five

  Lexie

  “Someone has another delivery,” Tiffany sings out, setting an envelope on my desk.

  “Oh my God, if this is from him, I swear I’ll scream.”

  Tiffany laughs. “Come on. I can’t believe this is happening to you. Look around.”

  I sigh. Right now in my office are ten sets of a dozen roses. My office smells like a flower shop. I open the newest gift and roll my eyes. “Seriously?”

  “What is it?” Tiffany looks over my shoulder.

  “It’s an all-expenses-paid day at the spa for myself and a friend.”

  “This is awesome. When are we going?”

  I scoff. “We’re not. I’m sending it back.”

  “No way!” Tiffany yells at me. “This would be a great way to unwind.”

  I don’t say anything. I wouldn’t mind a spa day, but there’s no way I’m doing it on Ashton’s dime. “I need to go get Sadie.” I toss the certificate to the side.

  “Wait.” Tiffany grabs my arm. “We need to talk.”

  “I don’t.”

  “You need to stop right now.” She gives me a stern look. “Are you missing the big picture?”

  “Which is?”

  “Ashton Campbell is trying to ask you out.”

  “And you want glass seats,” I remind her, crossing my arms.

  “Of course I do. I love my Bears. You’d sell your soul for playoff tickets if the Gamblers were in it.” I couldn’t argue with her on that point. “Just go out with him. One time. You haven’t been on a date in years. Sadie was like four, I think.”

  I continue to not argue with her.

  “Lexie, you know I love you. You’re my best friend, but it’s been almost seven years.”

  “I know,” I snap at her. “I’m well aware of how long my husband has been dead. I have to go.” I jump up and run away from her.

  I drive over to the school, still trying to figure why in the world Ashton wants to date me. Maybe he has some type of concussion, or possibly nearsighted blindness? Whatever it is, I’m not going out on a date with him. I park the car and pull my coat tighter around my chest as the cold breeze cuts through me.

  “Lexie.” I turn to someone calling my name and see Brooke coming up to me. “Hi.”

  “Hello.” I glance her up and down in her bright pink scrubs.

  “Listen, Reed has been going on and on about playing with Sadie, and I was wondering if you’re free this evening. I know it’s short notice, but Reed’s dad is out of town this week, and I think it would be a perfect time.”

  I’m taken aback by her abruptness, but then again, Sadie won’t quit talking about Reed either. “That sounds great. We could order pizzas for the kids.”

  “Great.” Her smile is still very bright. “Text me your address. I need to run home and change.”

  “Of course.”

  We walk over to the door, and the kids are waiting for us. Brooke tells them about their playdate, and they jump up and down with glee. We get the kids to calm down and get them to our cars. I quickly send a text to Brooke with my address and listen to Sadie go on about Reed coming over. I can’t remember the last time she was this excited. Unless it involved ice cream or chocolate.

  When we get home, I do a once-over on the house to make sure that it’s presentable for company. Sadie changes out of her school uniform and asks if Reed is here yet.

  “No, it’s only been three minutes.”

  “I’m going to watch SpongeBob then.”

  I load the dishwasher and wipe down the counters when the doorbell rings. Before I can say a word, my six-year-old screams like she’s at a One Direction concert and bolts for the door. When she becomes a teenager, I’m going to be in a lot of trouble. Reed and Brooke walk into the house, and I welcome them. Before I can ask her if she wants something to drink, my cell phone rings.

  “Hello?”

  “How are you doing today, Lexie?”

  “Who is this?”

  “Ashton Campbell.”

  My blood begins to boil. I can’t believe that he has my number. I whisper-yell at him, so Brooke doesn’t hear me. “How the hell did you get this number?”

  “It wasn’t that hard. I’ll keep my source a secret and safe from your fury, if you don’t mind.”

  “I’ll be sure to kill Tiffany when I see her. What do you want?”

  “I just wanted to see how you were doing today and if you’ve changed your mind yet.”

  “No, I haven’t, and you can stop sending flowers and gifts.”

  “Someone should do something nice for you. That’s all I was trying to do, aside from wanting you to go out with me. I haven’t even begun to really convince you, Lexie.”

  I take a deep breath. “Look, Ashton. Thank you for the gifts, but I’m not going to date you. So, if you don’t mind, I have company over, and I need to entertain. Delete my number, okay?”

  “I’m only asking for one date. Think about it, and I’ll save your number.”

  I end the call. I make a mental note to kill Tiffany when I see her tomorrow. I go back into the living room, where Reed and Sadie are laughing at the TV. I don’t know what it is about that show, but kids love that high-pitched-nails-on-the-chalkboard voice.

  “Brooke, I’m so sorry. I had to take a call.”

  “It’s not a problem.” She’s sitting on the arm of the couch. Her hair is in a high bun, and she looks like she belongs on a catwalk with her skinny jeans and pink blouse.

  “Would you like some tea?”

  “Love some.” Brooke follows me into the kitchen.

  I’m not sure what to say as she stands next to me.

  “Are those pictures of Sadie?” She points to the fridge.

  “Yes.” I smile at the photos. “Those are some of my favorites of her.”

  Brooke inspects each one. “They seem to grow up so fast. I mean, one minute I was complaining about swollen ankles, then Reed was two, and now he’s seven. It seems to go so fast.”

  I nod, understanding her statement. I feel like Sadie is growing up too fast, and I’m worried that I can’t stop it. She’s a little kid. She needs to enjoy her childhood. The kettle begins to whistle, and Brooke goes into the dining room.

  “This is a nice house.” Brooke sits down at the table.

  “Thanks. We’ve been here for a few months, so we’re still adjusting.” I hand her a cup of tea and take the seat next to her.

  “I know. We’ve been here a couple years now, and I still feel that way.”

  “Where did you move from?”

  “Montana. Well, I’m originally from Delaware, but Reed and I have been following his father for his job. The last several years we’ve been moving a lot.”

  “Oh, well, I guess it’s hard when your husband’s job moves a lot.”

  Brooke laughs. “Trust me, I’m not married to Reed’s father.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry I assumed.” I shake my head.

  “It’s okay. Everyone makes the same mistake. We’re best friends. Nothing more.”

  I look at her, wanting to know more about her situation, but it would be rude to ask.

  “You can ask. Everyone does.” She smiles.

  “You’re friends with your ex? Isn’t that strange?”

  Brooke shakes her head. “Nope, because I never dated him.” She takes a sip from her cup. “See, we went to college together. One night after a game, we drank. I mean, a lot. I woke up the next day hung over and naked next to him. Eight weeks later, I found out I wasn’t puking from the stomach flu.”

  “How old were you? What did he say?” I’m shocked that she’s so nonchalant about it.

  “I had just turned twenty. He was scared at first, but I was too. Then we figured out a plan together, and our friendship has remained strong since then.”

  “Do you,” I stop, then decide to go ahead and pry more. “Do you date?”

  “Sure,” she says, like it isn’t a big deal. “
But, Reed always comes first for us both. No matter what.”

  “I hate to say it, but I’m very impressed. I mean, that’s sounds almost like a dream.”

  Brooke laughs. “There are moments that it doesn’t feel that way. I mean, I’m not a fan of all the moving around, but I promised to keep Reed in the same town as his dad because he travels so much with his job. But, Reed’s father paid for me to finish school, and he is the best father for him.”

  “Trust me, that’s a dream.” I sip the tea in front of me.

  “So, I told you my story. What’s yours?”

  “Um.” I clear my throat. It’s only fair. “Tony and I were high school sweethearts. I started dating him when we were freshmen. When we graduated, we remained together. He joined the Army, and I went to college. I took as many classes as I could and was able to graduate early. Tony always wanted to be a soldier, so I wasn’t shocked when he reenlisted. I got pregnant, and he got his papers for another tour in Iraq. We decided to do a quick wedding, and it was perfect.” I can feel the tears building up. “I was about six weeks away from giving birth when we got the news that he was killed by an IED.”

  “Oh my God, that’s…” Brooke stares at me with her mouth open. “I’m so sorry.” She grabs my hand.

  I nod. Even to this day, I still don’t know how to react when people say how sorry they are.

  “I didn’t realize.” She looks as if she’s about to bawl.

  “It’s fine. It was almost seven years ago.” I try to make sure my voice isn’t cracking, but I think I fail.

  Tony is my true love, and I’ve never gotten over it. I never will. However, I know in my head I need to move on, but my heart won’t let me. Yet.

  I hear the front door open, and Tiffany’s voice carries through the house. “I’m here.”

  “Aunt Tiff!” Sadie yells.

  “There’s a strange boy in your living room.” Tiffany comes into the dining room. “Oh, sorry.”

  “Brooke, this is my best friend, Tiffany. This is Reed’s mom, Brooke.”

  “Oh, the famous Reed that Sadie keeps going on about.”