Part 16 ( Ellie )

It's been days.

Days since that night in Juliet's office. Days since I lost every ounce of self-control I thought I had. And I've spent every second since trying to erase it from my fucking brain.

Avoidance has become second nature. I haven't spoken to Bella much. Haven't even given her a decent excuse. Every time she calls, I let it ring. Every time she texts, I send short, clipped responses.

It's not like she knows anything. It's not like she's suspicious. She just thinks I'm busy.

Which, technically, isn't a lie.

I've thrown myself into football like my life depends on it. Practice, workouts, film sessions, anything to keep my mind from slipping. Anything to keep myself from fucking thinking.

The only person I've really been around is Luke. Not because I want to talk, but because Luke doesn't ask questions. He doesn't push. He just exists in the same space as me, talks shit, keeps things easy.

And right now, that's all I can handle.

The alarm on my phone buzzes against the nightstand, cutting through the quiet.

I groan, rolling onto my stomach, pressing my face into the pillow. My body is sore, but the good kind of sore. The kind that comes from training hard, from exhausting every muscle to the point of collapse.

I blink blearily at the clock. 6:00 AM.

Practice at 8.

Gym after.

Interviews in the evening.

A full day. A day that doesn't allow time for thinking.

I exhale sharply and push myself out of bed, rubbing my hands over my face before standing. I walk into the bathroom, turning on the shower.

Hot water. Steam. Silence.

I let the heat loosen my muscles, washing away the last remnants of sleep. I stay under longer than I should, letting the pounding water drown out the noise in my head.

By the time I step out, my mind is already locking into routine.

Dry off. Dress. Pack my gear.

I pull on my hoodie, tying my sneakers before grabbing my gym bag. My phone buzzes as I sling it over my shoulder.

Bella. Again.

I stare at the screen for a second before flipping it over, shoving it into my pocket.

I don't have the energy.

I step outside, the cold morning air biting at my skin as I slide into my car. The drive to the stadium is quiet, the streets mostly empty.

I like it like this. No noise. No people. Just the hum of the engine, the steady rhythm of my fingers tapping against the wheel.

When I pull up to the training facility, the lot is mostly empty. A few early risers, same as me.

I grab my bag and head inside, my steps quick.

I step onto the field, everything else fades.

The drills, the weight of the ball in my hands, the sharp cuts, the controlled aggression, it's all mechanical, muscle memory, instinct.

This is what I need.

For the next three hours, there's nothing but football.

Nothing but the burn in my legs, the ache in my arms, the rush of adrenaline every time I make a play.

Nothing but the game.

When practice finally ends, I don't waste time. I don't linger in the locker room, don't join the guys for post-practice meals or conversation.

I just grab my shit and head straight to the gym.

Because I'm not done yet.

I can't be. I need to keep moving.

The gym is practically empty when I get there, just the way I like it.

I throw in my earbuds, blast music loud enough to drown out my own thoughts, and get to work.

Bench presses. Deadlifts. Agility drills.

I push my body until my muscles scream, until sweat drips down my back, until my breath comes out in sharp, controlled bursts.

Because the second I stop?

The second I let myself breathe?

I'll start thinking again.

And I can't fucking afford that.

-

By the time I leave the gym, my body is wrecked. Every muscle aches, my limbs feel heavy, but that's the whole point. The exhaustion keeps my mind from spiraling. Keeps my thoughts from drifting where they shouldn't.

The air outside is cold, the sun already starting to dip, casting the city in soft orange hues. I sling my gym bag over my shoulder, rolling out my neck as I head toward my car.

I slide into the driver's seat. My phone buzzes.

Bella.

I stare at the screen for a second.

I could ignore it. Like I have been for days.

But something in my chest twists, I sigh and swipe to answer.

"Hey," I say, voice a little hoarse.

There's a beat of silence before she exhales softly. "Hey."

She sounds... hesitant.

Not mad. Not annoyed. Just careful. Like she knows something's off but doesn't want to push too hard.

"I was starting to think you forgot about me," she says, and there's a teasing lilt to her voice, but I can hear the real emotion under it.

Guilt settles deep in my stomach.

I rub a hand over my face. "Sorry. Been busy with practice. And training."

"I know," she says, and I can picture her small smile, the way she always tries to be understanding. "But you still have to eat, right?"

I lean back against the seat, exhaling. "Bella—"

"Before you say no," she cuts in, "I already planned a dinner. A little gathering. Just some people I thought you'd like to see. And I already told them you were coming, so don't even think about bailing."

I close my eyes. "Babe—"

"No, Ellie. I miss you." Her voice is soft but firm. "And I feel like I haven't seen you in forever. So please. Just come."

Fuck.

I run a hand through my hair, jaw tightening.

I don't deserve her.

She's patient. She's good. She's everything I should be holding onto with both hands.

I inhale deeply, finally conceding. "Alright. I'll be there."

"Good." I can hear the smile in her voice.

There's a brief pause before she adds, "Oh, and I invited Juliet Baldwin."

My whole body locks up.

"What?"

"Yeah," she says casually. "Anthony said it would be good for business. And I want to do what's best for you."

I grip the steering wheel, knuckles going white.

Juliet. At dinner. With Bella. With me.

What the fuck.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "Bella... why would you do that?"

She hesitates. "Because this is important for you, isn't it? You and Anthony are working with her. And if this deal is good for your future, then I want to help."

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

I squeeze my eyes shut, guilt clawing its way up my throat.

She's doing this for me. Because she cares. Because she wants to support me.

And I'm lying to her.

I let out a slow breath. "Bella," I start, voice low, rough, "I don't deserve you."

She lets out a soft laugh. "But you still have me. So I'll see you at dinner, okay?"

I force a smirk. "Yeah. Okay."

"Good." There's warmth in her voice. "See you soon."

The call ends.

I sit there, unmoving, the weight of it all settling over me like a lead blanket.

Juliet. Bella. In the same fucking room.

I slam my head back against the headrest, inhaling sharply.

I'm so fucked.

The drive home is quiet.

Even with the city buzzing around me, my mind is louder.

My stomach twisting the closer I get to home.

Bella and Juliet.

I exhale sharply, forcing my thoughts away. No use spiraling now. I just need to get through tonight. Play it cool. Act normal.

Like nothing ever happened.

Like Juliet isn't still burned into the back of my fucking mind.

-

By the time I step into my house, the weight of exhaustion sits heavy in my bones. The kind that has nothing to do with practice or the gym.

I kick off my sneakers, shrugging off my hoodie as I head straight for the bathroom.

The second I step under the hot spray, I let out a slow breath. The steam fills the space, fogging up the mirror, the heat relaxing my muscles.

I let my head rest against the cool tile, closing my eyes.

A few weeks ago, I was fine.

Everything was simple. Steady.

Football. Bella. My life moving forward like it always does.

And then Juliet fucking Baldwin happened.

I exhale sharply, shaking my head. I scrub my face, forcing the thought away as I finish my shower quickly.

I step out, towel wrapped around my waist, steam curling through the air.

My reflection stares back at me in the fogged-up mirror, tired eyes, tight shoulders, the kind of tension that won't loosen no matter how hard I try.

I sigh, running a hand through my damp hair before stepping into my closet.

Something nice. Casual.

Not too much. Not too little.

I pull on a black blouse, loose enough to feel comfortable but structured enough to look put together. The sleeves sit slightly rolled up to my forearms. Gray jeans, relaxed fit, nothing too stiff.

I check my reflection once before grabbing my keys.

I step toward the door, inhaling deeply as I grip the handle. I push out into the night, heading straight for Bella's house. Straight into the one situation I really don't want to be in.

The drive to Bella's place is slow. My fingers tap against the steering wheel as I drive through the city, the streetlights flickering past in a blur of gold and white.

The weight in my chest doesn't ease the closer I get.

I don't know how the hell I'm supposed to sit across from her, act normal, act like nothing happened, like she isn't still burned into the back of my fucking mind.

I pull into Bella's driveway.

The house is warm, lights glowing through the windows, the sound of chatter and laughter spilling faintly into the night.

I kill the engine, gripping the steering wheel for a second longer before finally stepping out.

The second I ring the doorbell, the door swings open.

Bella.

Her dark eyes brighten instantly, her lips pulling into a soft, genuine smile as she throws her arms around me.

"Ellie," she breathes, squeezing me tight. "I missed you."

My stomach twists.

I wrap my arms around her, holding her close. I don't deserve this. Don't deserve her.

She pulls back slightly, her gaze searching mine before she pecks me on the lips, quick, sweet, easy.

I smile at her. "Missed you too."

She beams, stepping aside to let me in. "Come on, everyone's already here."

I step inside, shaking off the cold as I take in the scene.

The living room is filled with warmth, laughter, the scent of home-cooked food already filling the air.

Luke is on the couch, drink in hand, watching Aiden struggle with one of his kids who's currently climbing onto his back.

Mia is sitting beside him, sipping from a glass of wine, looking completely unbothered as her other kid sits beside her, babbling about something neither of them seem to be listening to.

The second I step further inside, both kids spot me.

Their eyes light up.

"ELLIE!"

Two tiny bodies come sprinting toward me at full speed.

I barely have time to brace myself before one of them—fucking Owen—slams directly into my dick.

I let out a low groan, doubling over slightly as the impact reverberates through me.

Luke chokes on his drink. Mia cackles.

"Hey—" I inhale sharply, blinking through the pain. "My little weasels."

Owen and Ava latch onto me instantly, arms wrapping around my legs, giggling uncontrollably.

I ruffle Owen's hair, still recovering. "Kid, you really gotta stop doing that."

Owen looks up at me, all big, innocent eyes. "Doing what?"

Luke snorts. "Ball checking you."

Aiden sighs, finally managing to pry Owen off of me. "Owen, we talked about this."

Owen blinks. "We did?"

Mia leans back, smirking. "You really need to start protecting your assets, Crawford."

I shoot her a glare, but before I can say anything, Ava tugs on my sleeve, eyes wide.

"Ellie," she says seriously, "are you still playing football?"

I huff a quiet laugh, crouching down so I'm at their level. "Yeah, of course I am."

Owen perks up. "Are you gonna be on TV?"

"Always am."

Ava gasps. "Can I tell my friends that you're my auntie?"

I chuckle, ruffling her hair. "Yeah, kid. You can tell them that."

Owen grins, nudging Ava. "Told you she was famous."

I shake my head, standing back up. "Barely."

The kids start talking over each other, rattling off a hundred more questions, their energy endless, their excitement infectious.

I listen, I answer when I can, I nod along even when I have no idea what they're talking about.

The second the doorbell rings, my body tenses.

I knew this was coming. I knew Juliet was going to walk through that door at some point tonight, but now that it's actually happening, I suddenly feel like I didn't prepare for it at all.

Bella stands, smoothing out her dress before heading toward the door. "That must be them."

I exhale slowly, gripping my beer bottle a little tighter as I shift against the couch.

Luke, sensing my sudden shift in energy, glances at me from across the room. He doesn't say anything.

Before either of us can say anything, the door swings open.

And there they are.

Anthony Vasquez and Juliet Baldwin.

Both arrogant. Both effortlessly confident. Both standing there like they own the fucking world.

Anthony, of course, grins the second he steps in, flashing that easy charm to Bella as she welcomes them inside. "Now this is a gathering. Smells amazing in here."

Bella laughs softly. "Glad you could make it."

Juliet doesn't say anything at first, just steps inside with the same poised, smooth grace she always carries. She looks good. Too good.

Dark green blouse. Black slacks. Hair perfectly in place. Lipstick sharp and precise. Every inch of her is composed, polished, unreadable.

She doesn't look at me. Not right away.

Instead, she barely steps into the room before a shriek cuts through the air.

"AUNT JULES!"

Juliet barely has time to react before Owen and Ava launch themselves at her.

She catches them effortlessly, scooping them up like they weigh nothing, laughing as they cling to her. "Hi, my babies."

Ava kisses her cheek while Owen tugs at the ends of her blonde hair, wide-eyed with excitement. "You're finally here!"

Juliet smirks, adjusting them easily in her arms. "Well, I couldn't miss dinner with my favorite people, now could I?"

Mia snorts from the couch. "Jesus, I think they love you more than me."

Juliet tilts her head, amused. "I think you know they do."

Mia rolls her eyes, but there's no real bite to it.

Meanwhile, I'm just sitting here, gripping my beer bottle so tight it might fucking shatter.

Because what the fuck?

I don't know what's more infuriating, the fact that Juliet is here in the first place, or the fact that these kids are obsessed with her.

Owen pulls back slightly, eyes lighting up. "Did you bring us anything?"

Juliet hums like she's thinking about it. "I don't know... did I?"

Ava practically vibrates in her arms. "Jules!"

Juliet laughs, setting them down before reaching into her bag. She pulls out two small, neatly wrapped boxes and hands them over.

The way these kids light up, you'd think she just handed them the meaning of life.

Mia watches the scene unfold, then turns to me with an unimpressed smirk. "You might have some competition, Crawford."

I scoff. "She got nothing on me."

Mia raises a brow. "You sure? Because she's currently stealing your biggest fans."

I glance back at Owen and Ava, who are now absolutely losing their minds over whatever Juliet got them. Ava throws herself back at Juliet, hugging her tightly.

"You're the best ever!"

Juliet smirks, glancing at Mia. "See? I don't even have to try."

Mia shakes her head. "Unbelievable."

I roll my eyes, leaning back into the couch, doing my best to keep my expression neutral. The last thing I need is Mia catching onto anything.

Bella takes a seat next to me, curling into my side like it's second nature. Her fingers rest lightly against my arm, grounding, warm. A stark contrast to the tension still buzzing under my skin.

Juliet finally acknowledges me.

Her green eyes flicker to mine for half a second, and then, just as quick, she nods.

"Crawford."

Her voice is smooth, perfectly neutral.

Like we didn't just have each other in a way we never should've had.

Like she isn't still burned into my fucking mind.

I swallow, forcing my voice to stay level. "Baldwin."

I clear my throat, tipping my beer back to distract myself.

This is fine. I'm fine.

But when Juliet finally moves past me, effortlessly slipping into conversation like nothing ever happened, I can't shake the feeling that this night is going to be hell.

-

Okay. I'll admit it. I was tense when Juliet walked in. But the longer the night stretches on, the easier it is to relax.

Maybe it's the beer. Maybe it's the way conversation flows naturally between the group. Maybe it's the way business hasn't come up even once since they got here.

Whatever it is, it works.

The room is warm, filled with laughter and easy chatter. The smell of home-cooked food lingers in the air, mixing with the low hum of music playing from Bella's speakers.

Mia and Aiden are arguing over something stupid, Luke keeps making sarcastic comments that go just over Anthony's head, and Bella? Bella is curled against my side, her fingers absently playing with the hem of my sleeve.

It's nice. Normal.

Every time I glance across the room, my eyes still find Juliet. Not on purpose. At least, that's what I tell myself.

She's sitting comfortably, one arm draped over the back of the couch, her head laying on her fisted hand, completely at ease.

And Ava—traitorous little shit—is sitting right in her lap, tucked against her like she belongs there.

Juliet absently twirls a strand of Ava's hair between her fingers as the kid talks animatedly about something ridiculous, her little hands waving in exaggerated motions.

Owen is right next to them, clutching his new toy like it's the most important thing in the world. He leans into Juliet's side without hesitation, like she's some safe space he's always known.

I tune back into the conversation just as Mia groans, throwing her hands up dramatically.

"I swear on my life, Aiden, you do not know how to grill."

Aiden scoffs, setting his drink down. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

Aiden turns to Luke, motioning between them. "Back me up here, man. I make a mean steak."

Luke snorts, leaning back against the couch. "Yeah, if 'mean' means burnt to hell."

Mia grins, pointing at Luke. "Exactly."

Aiden gapes at them, betrayed. "Unbelievable. Owen!" He nudges his son. "Tell them who makes the best burgers in the world."

Owen, still leaning against Juliet, barely spares him a glance. "Mom."

Aiden dramatically clutches his chest. "What?"

Juliet smirks, completely entertained. "Tough break, Aiden."

Aiden groans. "This is unreal."

Mia is cackling. Bella is laughing. Luke is shaking his head.

The conversation keeps rolling, shifting between different topics, different stories, different people.

Anthony is talking about some insane event he attended last month, Mia is interrupting every other sentence with sarcastic comments, and somehow, somehow, the night feels normal.

I sink into it.

Let the sound of laughter, the warmth of Bella's body against mine, the absence of tension settle over me.

I don't think about the club. I don't think about what happened in Juliet's office.

I just exist in this moment.

At least, for now.