"Thanks for picking them up." I said, "And for dropping them here instead of my parents. I thought for sure I'd be back by now."
Blakely ruffled Lewys's hair. "No worries. I was dropping my in-laws at the airport anyways. Oh, is your ex's family OK?"
"They're…" I paused, hearing whispering and shushing from Antonio's room.
I jumped when a colossal thud followed by a groan came from Antonio's office. What was that? Antonio never left co-workers in his office unsupervised, and all our family was accounted for elsewhere. No one was supposed to be in there.
I gave Blakely a warning look, and she nodded. Turning to Cruz and Amen, I pointed to the office and down the hall toward the reception desk. Cruz nodded, leaving with Lewys in one hand and Felicity in the other. Amen followed behind Cruz, leaving Blakely and me to deal with whoever was in Antonio's office.
My heart pounded in my chest as I gripped the door nob. I turned to Blakely and waited for a signal. When Blakely nodded towards the door, I gently pushed it open. The shades in the room were down, so there wasn't a lot of natural light in the room. In fact, the room was kind of dark, with only part of the sunlight. Trying to find what was different took real effort.
Keeping my hands by the door, I glanced around the dark, trying to see what was different. Giving up on the idea that we could do anything in the dark, I motioned for Blakely to hit the lights. At first glance, everything looked normal. Nothing was out of place or missing.
"Everything looks….." I started before turning around. "AAAHHHH," Blakely and I screamed, seeing two people face-planted and tangled on the floor.
The woman sat up immediately, reaching around her. 'This….this isn't what….what….it looks like," She stuttered, with her back to us as she felt around on the ground. "We…uuuhhhh….we…"
Spotting a pair of glasses on the floor by the desk, I picked it up. Studying the glasses, my glance darted from the glasses to the woman and back again.
I handed the glasses back to the woman. "Here, I think…"
I stopped when she turned around while putting her glasses back. "Kelsie?"
Blakely whipped her head in my direction. "Wait, you know these whack jobs?"
I stared at Kelsie for a long moment. "I don't do back of heads, but I knew Kelsie in high school and college. But we haven't talked since Troy, and I broke up."
Blakely gave Kelsie a once over. Slowly the dots started connecting. "Don't tell me this thing is one of your so call friends from East High."
She put air quotes around the word 'friend,' and I nodded.
Kelsie struggled to untangle herself from her friend. "I'm not the one who abandoned my friends in the first place."
I was about to say something, but Blakely beat me to it. "Maybe we should just call security and let them deal with these two whack jobs."
Kelsie groaned, trying to move. "Sure, get us all hauled away by the police and possibly charged for trespassing. Great idea."
Blakely glared at Kelsie, folding her arms across her chest. "Hey, brainless, the only two people who don't have permission to be in here are you and your lifeless friend on the floor."
Kelsie finally stopped struggling and looked up at us. "Say what?"
"Blakely and I know Tony, so they're not going to throw us out," I explained, kneeling on the floor and giving her a hand. "But I need to know what you're doing in this office without permission if you don't want to get in trouble."
Kelsie stared at me long and hard. It was almost like she was trying to get a read on me and decide if I was trying to really help her. I wasn't too hopeful she would trust me, though.
She dropped her gaze. "Just call security to haul us out. Like you'd really us unless you get something out of it."
My heart sank as those words left her mouth. I knew those words were coming, but it didn't hurt any less. The fact behind her word still stung, and part of me wondered if I should just give up.
I was tired of fighting a losing battle, and I wasn't sure what more I could do. Nothing I did seem to prove to Kelsie that I was her friend and that I was sorry. Maybe I was better off accepting that Kelsie's friendship was one that I couldn't fix.
"I'll be happy to call security," Blakely announced, picking up the landline on the table.
"Wait," I stated, getting back on my feet. I took the handset from Blakely and hesitantly set it back on the base. "You two can leave; I'll take care of Tony."
Kelsie looked at me like I had suddenly grown another head. "You're not going to press charges?"
"Just leave with your friend, and remember the Doctor's Offices are off-limits to visitors," I reminded her in a whisper, avoiding her gaze.
She narrowed her brows. "Why are you helping us?"
I shut my eyes, trying to ignore how much those words hurt. A feeling of devastation hit hard as the hopes of Kelsie being my friend again diminished completely.
I whispered in a shaky voice. "I'm helping Jason. We may no longer be friends, but Jason is still my friend. As for your friend, there's no point in calling security on one of you but not the other. So just leave."
Kelsie stared at me with a blank expression. After a moment, she shrugged with a sigh. "Fine. As a courtesy, I guess I should at least say thanks."
She nudged her friend with her foot. "Troy, we're safe; let's go before they change their minds. Can you get up?"
My head shot up as my eyes grew twice their size. "What," I choked out, dropping beside him. "Why can't he get up."
Keslie shrugged. "I don't know. We rammed into each other just outside of the office, and he's been dizzy since."
"Blake, get help," I cried, checking Troy for a pulse. Blakely ran off as I shook Troy, trying to get him to respond. "Troy. Troy, wake up. Kelsie, why on earth were you two on the floor?"
Kelsie got down beside me and helped me roll Troy onto his back. "I tried to help him up, but he knocked us both down."
I checked him for apparent injuries. "Did you guys hit your heads?"
She rolled her eyes, "We rammed into each other, and he was knocked off his feet literally. What do you think, Sherlock?"
My eyes drifted to the vomit on the floor. "That's not good."
Kelsie followed my gaze. "Yeah, that's new to me," She commented, pointing to the vomit. "I honestly didn't know he threw up, just that he was feeling nauseated."
I shook my head. "Thanks for the heads up," I replied, the sarcasm clear in my voice.
She gasped, scrunching her face in anger. "What, you're blaming me? I didn't see you caring enough to ask who was lying here half-dead earlier. But why would you? Three years ago, all you cared about was yourself, and that hasn't changed in three years."
My chest tightened with sadness. I knew Kelsie's words weren't true, but it still hurt. It was going to take some time for me to accept that's how Kelsie saw me.
"Someone is coming," I whispered, hearing the thundering footsteps down the hall. "It's probably Blakely back with help."
Bridgette came bursting in right on cue, with Blakely right behind them. "What happened here?"
I stood up and moved out of the way. "Troy hit his head and is now unresponsive. But he does have a pulse."
Bridgette sighed, rolling up her sleeves. "Of course he did."
Bridgette checked Troy over and determined that he had a concussion. Once she determined it was safe to move him, they took him to get scans before admitting him to the hospital to monitor his brain clot. I sighed and followed them out. This had been quite a day, and now I just wanted it to be over. I wasn't sure how much more I could take.
I paid the cart vendor for the food and drinks while Blakely was grabbing the stuff. We made sure we had everything and grabbed a seat at a nearby picnic table with Amen, Cruz, Lewys, and Felicity. The second the food hit the table, the kids attacked, making a grab for everything before we could even sit.
"Thanks," Amen and Cruz chorused with a mouth full of sandwich.
"Yeah, thank you," Lewys and Felicity replied in unison, prompted of their manners.
I handed Blakely her drink. "You're welcome."
Blakely gave everyone napkins and a paper plate. "So, have you heard from Lukas or Esme?"
I took a bite of my sandwich and shook my head. "Not yet, but no news could be good news."
She shrugged. "I guess. So, what's next for you?"
I tilted my head. "What do you mean?"
Blakely sipped her drink. "I mean, you finally quit that dead-end company and dumped that worthless fiancee. You're free, and that means a fresh start. You must have thought about what's next."
I gasped, pretending to be surprised, and gently whacked on the arm. "Nice to know my BFF thought I made some horrible choices and didn't tell me."
Blakely shrugged. "You're extremely bright. You would have figured it out. And you're avoiding the question."
"I'm not avoiding anything," I stated casually.
Blakely nodded, "Mmmmhhuummm."
I sighed. "OK, maybe I'm avoiding a little."
"Why?"
I took a french fry, dipping it in my smoothie. "Because I've thought about it but still haven't totally figured out what's next for me."
She raised a brow at me. "But you have a really good idea."
I nodded, sipping my smoothie. "It was actually Teagan's idea, but instead, I talked her out of it."
Blakely's forehead wrinkled. "Not sure I follow."
"Tea mentioned partnering up and opening our event planning company a few months ago. But I talked her out of it and into joining Fantasy Event Planning as my assistant. Which clearly didn't work out so well."
Blakely's face lit up. "Oh, that's right. I remember you both mentioning that. Starting your own planning company isn't a bad idea."
I frowned and blew out a raspberry. "What if it doesn't work?"
"You're both extremely talented. Plus, you have a business minor and took courses in hospitality management. Teagan has amazing decorating skills and minored in interior design. You two would make perfect partners."
Cruz reminded me of her sweet sixteen party. "My friends are still talking about my sweet sixteen that you planned. Event planning is your calling, sis; I don't think talent is one thing you need to worry about."
"There's just a lot to think about. Starting a company takes a lot of time. I might not have that much time, and it wouldn't be fair to Tea if she did more than her share."
"Have you talked to Teagan about it," Blakely asked.
"Well, no. I'm…." I stopped suddenly feeling creeped out.
Two shadows stopped next to me. "Hi, may we sit?"
"There are…" Blakely started saying, turning around. Blakely rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed. "You two, and we were having such a nice lunch."
I bit my lip, debating for a second. They didn't want to sit. What they really wanted was to have a few choice words with me.
Sighing, I stood. "Keep an eye on them; this should be fast."
Blakely grabbed my arm and whispered. "You sure you got this?"
I glanced back at the two guests and nodded.
"Yeah, they're mostly harmless." I pointed to them. "You two follow me if you want to talk."
The three of us moved to the benches at the end of the courtyard. I wasn't entirely sure what Chad and Taylor wanted, but I had a pretty good idea.
"Look, if this is about Troy, I found him that way in Tony's office," I started, wanting to put a quick end to this before the insults really started flying. "So, I wouldn't know what happened if you paid me."
"We know," Chad replied. "Kelsie told us what happened. That's not why we wanted to talk to you."
My brow arched as I studied them. I wasn't sure what they wanted from me if they weren't there to yell. Which meant I had to be extra careful.
I folded my arm across my chest, fully alert to their every move. "OK. Then what do you suddenly want to talk…." I corrected myself. "I mean, insult or yell at me about?"
Taylor winced. "Alright, we deserved that, I guess."
An awkward silence lingered between us as they avoided my eyes. My eyes went from one of them to the other, waiting for either of them to say anything. When neither of them said anything else, I threw in the towel.
"Alright, great talk. If there's nothing else, I'll see you guys later," I turned on my heels.
Chad reached out and touched my shoulder before I could take two steps. "Wait, we wanted to say thanks."
I turned around, narrowing my eyes at them. What game were they playing? "What for?"
Taylor sighed and dug for something in her bag. "Jason told us," She showed me the packet in her hand. "You were the one who gave him this packet."
Dropping my head, I placed my hands on my hips. I closed my eyes and took some deep breaths. I picked my head up and explained calmly in one breath. "Look, it wasn't a big deal. The Director is a family friend, so when Zeke told me you guys were having a little trouble finding a nursery school, I mentioned C.J. to her. The interview is more of a meeting so the Director can meet you two and C.J. It's your call whether you want to accept the offer. But, there's no catch or anything if you do."
I turned and started leaving again before the fireworks began. Taylor stopped me. "We know; that's why we want to say thanks."
I bit my lip, darting my eyes from Chad to Taylor. "Wait, you're not mad at me?"
Chad shoved his hands in his pockets and lifted his head. "No, and we're hoping you're not too mad at us."
I dropped my hands to my sides, still confused, trying to figure them out. "Alright, I'm listening."
Taylor picked her head up with an apologetic look. She sighed and started in full honesty. "Jason called us out on being bad friends three years ago, and he was right. Three years ago, you left because you were dealing with stuff, but as your friends, we should have, at the very least, known something was bothering you. But we didn't, and that was on us. We shouldn't have made it your problem or treated you as our enemy. But we did, and we are sorry."
Chad nodded, looking just as apologetic. "Yeah, you were our friend three years ago, and you still are. As your friends, after you apologized, we shouldn't have treated you like we did, even if we weren't ready to hear you out. It wasn't just as simple as not being your friends; we let our hurt feelings turn us into bullies. And that's never OK."
My mouth dropped open a bit, not sure how to respond. But I didn't have to know.
"They're right."
I turned, nearly bumping into Ryan. "Sorry, Ryan."
Ryan shook his head. "No, I should be apologizing to you and saying thank you."
My forehead wrinkled, feeling confused again. "Huh?"
Ryan shoved his hand in his pocket and smiled. "After you talked to Sharpay, she talked to our parents and me. Whatever you said to my sister, thank you not just for getting her to open up but for helping her accept it. She isn't ready to talk to everyone about it, but at least she knows she has people to talk to if she needs them. And I'm sorry for not being a better friend."
I opened my mouth to say something but closed it when no words came out. My mind was still trying to process what they were saying. All my thoughts were fuzzy and incomplete at best.
I took a breath and tried again.
"Incoming trouble," Blakely interrupted before I could say anything, handing me my cell phone.
Groaning, I took my phone. A photo with a caption underneath showed on the screen.
Dad and I found your ex's in-law's heated off court
My eyes widen a bit at the picture. This was not good. Was there no end to this terrible day? What else could go wrong?
Sighing, I checked everyone's pin location and speed-dialed Lukas's number. With each ring, I willed him to answer.
I felt physically ill until he finally answered on the third ring. "Gabby, I'm headed to Joel's workplace now."
"Forget that," I replied. "Troy's in-law came back into town. Dad and Miguel spotted them at the local gym with Joel in a really heated b-ball game. Can you get there before fists start flying for one reason or another?"
I heard Lukas sigh on the other end of the line. "On my way, but no guarantees."
I blew out a breath. "Thanks. Keep me posted."
I ended the call and slumped my shoulders. This day was starting to catch up with me.
"Is Joel OK?"
I threw my hands in the air in defeat. "Who knows? If you want to find out, no one is stopping you from coming with us to stop an impending fistfight at the local gym."
"What," They screeched in unison, giving me a look like I'd just grown two heads.
I rolled my eyes. "Or you can cross your fingers and hope you're not trying to explain to Troy why Joel and his family were possibly charged with assault."
Chad nodded. "Right, we'll come with you."
We could hear yelling in the gym from the parking lot. Surveying the parking lot, I found Miguel's car, but there were no signs of Lukas.
"What's the plan," Blakely asked, helping Lewys out of the car.
I blew a raspberry, glaring at the gym entrance. "I'll let you know when I come up with something. Right now, we're flying by the seat of our pants."
Ryan stopped in front of our car. "That's bad, right?"
I sighed. "Well, it can't be good," I replied, pointing to the sidewalk. "Lici sidewalk, please."
Felicity hopped onto the sidewalk and jumped when a loud crash came from inside the gym. "Aunt Gabby, what was that?"
I locked the car and took her hand. "I'm not sure. But we're about to find out."
Miguel stepped between some of the heated players I didn't recognize. "Guys, maybe we should just take a breather," He suggested.
The players chuckled at the suggestion. "Like a breather will help with his lame guarding skills."
"Maybe you should stop worrying about how I guard and start making some actual shots," One of the players accused as we stepped into the gym.
"Well, maybe if you stop worrying about my shooting, you'll actually be able to guard," The other player challenged back.
Felicity let go of my arm hand with a squeal. "Uncle Miguel. Poppi," She raced for the crowd with Lewys right behind her.
We followed them.
Chad pulled me to a stop, letting out a gasp. "No way, it's Alexander Montez, the captain of the San Francisco Warriors. He's the best basketball player of all time. He's my idol; I learned everything I know about basketball from watching him."
The corners of my lips went up slightly when I nodded. I shoved my hand in my pocket and replied. "Yeah, I've heard he's an idol to many people. Will you be OK, or do you want to wait in the car?"
Chad shook his head. "I'm good; I just needed a moment. I can be around him. No problem."
Cruz nodded, heading for the crowd. "Great, then let's go."
Ryan stopped me. "Wait, Gabby, best basketball of all time. Aren't you at least a little nervous?"
Taylor agreed. "Yeah, I'm not into sports like them, and I'm feeling a little nervous."
Lukas came up behind us. "Well, we have no reason to be, and neither do you. Come on. Let's see if we can de-escalate a crowd and help your wonderful ex's in-laws."
Cruz, Blakely, Amen, and I followed behind him. Chad, Taylor, and Ryan trailed behind us, stopping at a distance.
"Yeah, if that was your team's only problem," A heated player yelled.
Lukas cleared his throat. "What's going on?"
Joel explained. "We were playing a game of two on two when these guys asked if we wanted to play four on four. They started getting really angry after they missed a couple of shots."
"So you don't know them," Lukas clarified.
Joel shook his head. "No."
"We never met these guys until today." One of the players added.
One of the other players scoffed. "Yeah, and thanks to them, we now know what a lame basketball player you are. If you could even call yourself a player."
There was fire sparking in the player's eyes. "That's it," He growled, and before we could do anything, he punched the other player right in the nose.
We all stopped back, shocked by what had just happened.
Lukas shrugged and rolled his eyes. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out a pair of handcuffs. "OK, see, that's what we call an assault. Which is a bad move because it lands you in jail."
"What? You can't do that," The player who threw the punches cried, struggling with Lukas's grip.
He lifted his coat. "Badge says I can. It also says I can take anyone else who wants a felony or not if they start throwing punches. So anyone else wants to take a little ride?"
Everyone started backing away as they mumbled, shaking their heads. "Good, then let's see some temper control or disperse. Are you OK, sir?"
The guy with a nosebleed nodded. "Yeah, thanks, officer."
He nodded and turned to us. "Everything should be OK now. You better get down to the hospital."
Joel stared at him with a confused look.
"Why should I get to the hospital?"
"Troy's in a comma; his great-grandparents and his dad are in surgery," Taylor told him.
Joel's eyes widen. "What? Why? What happened?"
Chad shook his head. "That's a long story."
My phone went off, and I checked to see who messaged me. I groaned, reading the message. "Troy's blood clot turned into a brain bleed. We need to go now."
"Any chance you might know where your wife is?" Lukas asked.
Joel scrambled to gather his stuff. "Work conference out of town. I'll call her and everyone else on the way."
"No," I blurted out. "Trust us; you wouldn't be able to reach your in-laws. Plus, your wife should stay where she is, and you should get to the hospital with your family."
Joel frowned at me. " Trust you? Why should I trust you?"
I sighed. "Please, can we not get into that now? I'm only trying to help you. I wouldn't be here trying to find you otherwise."
Joel narrowed his eyes at me. "Fine, but this is far from over. Let's just all go. Maybe one of you who knows what on earth is going on can fill me in on the way."
