I waved to Layla when she got into her mother's car. Finally, everyone left. It was strained the rest of the night. Mom was very confused, but now I could tell her what happened.

I stepped into the kitchen and sighed. "You wouldn't believe what they did while you were gone," I said to mom. She stood at the sink, washing the dishes from breakfast.

"I knew you were mad," she said, nodding. "What'd they do?"

"They threw me in the pool with a bag over my head," I explained. I told the rest of the story to her, and she frowned.

"Why would they do that?"

"I have no idea." I paused and shook my head. "Thankfully Beckett was here."

"Oh, definitely. I couldn't imagine losing you or him."

She turned away from me, but I saw her shoulders shaking. I frowned and stepped closer to her. "What's wrong, Mom?" I asked softly.

She sucked in a breath. "Do you remember when I told you about the boy I lost?" I nodded. "His family is blaming me for his death."

"What?" I asked. "Why?"

"He started bleeding out while I was performing surgery on him."

"Mom, it's not your fault," I said, shaking my head. "There was nothing you could do."

"I know." She blew out a breath. "I hope they don't sue me or the hospital. My boss already took me off the surgery list for right now. The Board is reviewing my work."

I sighed and wrapped my arm around her. "This'll all blow over. It'll be okay."

Her smile was watery, but at least she smiled. "Thanks."

"You're welcome."

I started drying the dishes as she continued washing them. We were almost done when Dad opened the door. He looked haggard.

"I have some pancakes left," Mom called out to him. "Do you want any?"

Dad changed his course and sat down at the island. "That would be great, Ellie. Thank you."

Mom handed the sponge to me, so I washed her coffee cup. I placed it in the drainer and said, "Tell me when you finish, Dad, so I can wash your plate."

"Okay."

Mom sat down next to Dad so I took that as my chance to leave. I headed upstairs and knocked on Beckett's door. He didn't answer so I pushed it open slightly. "Hey, there's some food ready if you're hungry," I said into his dark room.

He snored, and I stifled my laugh. I shook his shoulder. It looked like he didn't have a shirt on. I hoped he had some sort of pants on.

"Beckett," I whispered. "Wake up."

I clapped once in front of his face and he jumped up. His eyes darted around before settling on me. Narrowing his eyes, he shook his head. "I'm going back to sleep."

"Okay, but Dad's going to eat the rest of the pancakes if you do."

One eye opened, to see if I was lying. That was why I didn't turn on the light. He wouldn't be able to see the grin on my face because the light was on my back. My plan worked and he grumbled as he slid out of bed. Thankfully, he had pants on.

"Are the girls gone?" he asked, his face blank.

"Yeah."

"Good."

We headed downstairs, and Beckett literally ran to the island, shouting, "Dad, don't eat all the pancakes! I want some!"

Dad burst out laughing. "Sorry, bud. I already did that."

Ooh, I was actually correct this time. Beckett usually fell for that lie almost every single time, but I was right this time. Mom wouldn't make me apologize for lying now.

"I can make some more," Mom said quickly before Beckett could complain. "How many do you want?"

"Three. And can you put chocolate chips in there?" he asked hopefully.

Mom smiled at him. "Of course."

I gasped. "But Mom, you wouldn't do that for me!"

Her eyes flicked to mine, an impish glint in her eyes. It left just as soon as it entered, though. "I didn't think we had enough for all the girls, and that would've been rude if you were the only who had chocolate chip pancakes."

"Well, can you make me one right now?"

"Cat, you ate five pancakes this morning. How are you still hungry?"

"But Mommy! I'm a growing girl!" I gestured to my body, and she laughed at me. "Mom! Please?" I jutted out my lip, hoping that would still work on her.

"Fine." She sighed but her eyes lit up. "I'll make you a small one."

"Thank you!" I launched myself at her and wrapped my arms around her waist as tight as I could. She laughed in my ear, wrapping her arms around me as well. "Love you!"

"I love you, too."

I held on for as long as I could. She needed to know that I was here for her. She finally pushed me off of her, so I sat down next to Beckett at the island.

"I'm up early," Beckett said suddenly. "Why did you wake me up early, Cat?"

"Dude, it's eleven in the morning. That's not early."

"It is when you go to bed at three in the morning."

"Beckett, why did you go to bed at three in the morning?" Dad asked, setting his cup of coffee down.

Beckett suddenly seemed interested in his nails. He wouldn't meet Dad's eyes as he said, "I was playing video games."

Dad sighed. "How many times have your mother and I told you not to play video games before bed?"

"A lot."

"Do we need to say it again?"

"No."

"Good."

Mom handed me a plate from across the island, and I took it gratefully. I stuffed my face with my pancake and sighed in delight. Nothing could beat Mom's pancakes, not even Hotcakes pancakes. "Thank you, Mom," I said with my mouth full.

She gave me a look. "Why do you always speak with food in your mouth?"

"Because I love food, and I have to announce it."

"You have to?"

"Yes."

Mom turned back to the stove with a roll of her eyes. Dad snuck up behind her and snatched some chocolate chips. Mom batted at his hands with a laugh. "Really, Will? These are for your son!"

"And? I made him, so I can do whatever I want."

"It wasn't just you," Mom commented. "It took both of us to create these perfect little humans."

Dad snorted. "Perfect?"

"I am perfect!" I said, nodding. "Thanks for that compliment, Mom!"

I hopped up before anyone could disagree. I set the plate in the sink before racing upstairs. A nap sounded perfect after that great breakfast. I slipped into my bed and sighed. Me and the girls stayed up until midnight watching a movie, and we woke up at five in the morning and chatted. I was exhausted.

---

I woke up to my phone buzzing right next to my ear. That was strange because it was still Sunday. My alarm wouldn't be going off. I didn't think anyone would be texting me, but I could've been wrong.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes. Had I really slept for three hours? I guess I needed the rest after enduring the softball girls.

My phone vibrated again, so I picked up and glanced at it. My eyes widened. Today was our basketball game! How could I forget? Literally Chris talked about it on the way to the baseball game on Friday.

I jumped out of bed and stripped down. At least I set out my outfit for today. I slipped my old soccer jersey on and a pair of shorts. The girls were right last night when I kicked them. I had played soccer, but it was only in middle school. I cared more about softball than soccer.

I grabbed my purse and pulled my tennis shoes on before sprinting down the stairs. Mom and Dad were sitting on the couch, looking like they were in a heated debate. The TV was discarded as they faced each other. But they jumped when I thundered toward the door.

"Where are you going?" Mom asked, frowning.

"I'm gonna go play basketball with my friends," I replied as I took my keys off of the coffee table. "I'll be back in a few hours."

"Drive safe!" Dad called before I shut the door behind me.

I hopped in my car and immediately took off. I had at least ten texts from each of them, and Sophia even tried to call me. I dialed her up and she answered on the first ring.

"Where are you?" she asked.

"Sorry," I said. "I took a nap after my softball girls left. But I'm on my way now."

"Good because we're all waiting."

"I'll be there in five minutes."

"Okay."

She hung up on me. I threw my phone onto the passenger seat and pressed the gas pedal down a little more. I was already going ten above the speed limit. The park was close to my house, so I really didn't have to worry about police. They didn't come out here much, only if people complained about noise or something.

I turned onto the road for the park and spotted my friends standing at a basketball hoop. Someone else stood with them, and I cursed when I realized who it was.

"Hey guys!" I jumped out of my car and ran over to them. "I'm so sorry. I took a nap after everyone left, and I didn't set an alarm."

"Did you forget about this basketball game?" Ethan asked.

"Maybe."

"Did you forget your brother?" Sophia asked.

I rubbed my head. "Yeah. I'm sorry. There's been a lot on my mind lately."

Harvey smiled at me, and I knew he didn't mind that I was late or that I forgot Beckett. Chris didn't look too made either, so that was good.

"Let's just play basketball," Ethan said, gesturing to the hoop.

Sophia said something to her sister before turning toward us. She nodded. Chris started bouncing the basketball as he looked at all of us. "Are you guys ready to go down?" he asked.

"Of course not," Harvey replied. "We're ready to win."

"Amelia will be the scorekeeper," Sophia said, nodding toward where her sister sat on the ground, looking very bored.

Harvey and Chris checked the ball and Chris threw the ball through the air. It swooshed through the net.

"Chris one, group zero!" Chris sang out, a grin on his face.

"Stop gloating," I said, rolling my eyes. "You're gonna get whooped just like the baseball team that went against Harvey."

He chuckled. "Yeah, listen to our personal motivational speaker."

Sophia laughed and so did Ethan. I just crossed my arms over my chest and shook my head. A smile cracked on my face, but I grabbed the ball and said, "Let's go, Chris."

I checked the ball with him and rushed forward, getting as close as I can. He balked when I tried to swipe the ball.

"Cat, do you really think you can get the ball?"

I glanced behind me to see Harvey running up to my left. "No. I'm just the distraction."

I jumped forward and to the right to make sure Chris couldn't bounce the ball that way. Harvey ran behind Chris and swiped the ball right out from his hands. Harvey cheered and shot the ball to Ethan who stood near the net. He did a layup and it swooshed through the hoop.

"You two planned this, didn't you?" Chris asked with a smile.

Harvey and I looked at each other. "Of course not," I said. "We just work well together."

"Yeah," Sophia said, appearing at my side. "You two work so well together that -"

"Let's get back to the game," I replied, giving her a look. "Chris, are you ready to lose?"

"Definitely not."

This time Sophia checked the ball with Chris. She had her concentrated look on, and I knew she wouldn't go easy on him. Especially after me cutting her off.

I jumped in surprise as the ball flew at me. I caught it quickly and shot at the hoop. However, I shot too hard and it sailed over the hoop.

"Cat, what is wrong with you?" Ethan yelled as he ran after the ball. Chris was right on his heels.

"This is why I am not on the basketball team!" I yelled to him.

He threw the ball wildly, but Harvey caught it. He jumped and the ball soared through the hoop.

"So far, Sophia's team is winning," Sophia's sister said from the sidelines. "Chris, do you want to drop out of the game?"

Chris shook his head. "No. I know I can beat them."

Ethan checked the ball with Chris, but Chris managed to grab the ball from Ethan. Sophia jumped onto Chris's back and wrapped her arms around his neck gently. She covered his eyes and yelled, "Someone get the ball!"

I laughed and grabbed the ball out of Chris's hands. He didn't look mad. Instead, he just smiled and held onto Sophia's legs. Sophia pressed her cheek into his with a smile of her own.

I handed the ball off to Harvey and he threw the ball into the hoop.

"I think we beat you today," Sophia said as she jumped off Chris's back.

"Okay, yes, you guys did," he admitted. "I am not as good by myself against four people."

"Now, I think we should do girls against guys," Ethan said, grinning.

"It's still not fair for us," Sophia said, gesturing to the both of us. "Unless my sister wants to join. Amelia, come here!"

Her sister grumbled but trudged toward us anyway. "What?"

"Do you want to join in on the basketball game?" Sophia asked.

"Who do you think I am?" Amelia asked. "No, I don't want to play. I want to go home."

I snickered. I was glad that Beckett was nice to me. "It's okay," Chris said. "Me and the boys can play."

"What about me?" I asked him.

"You are part of the boys," he answered with a laugh.

"Thanks." I rolled my eyes. "Give me one second, though. I need to get my water from my car."

"Okay."

I turned on my heel and caught up with Sophia and Amelia. "Hey, Soph," I said, touching her shoulder. "I'm sorry I forgot my brother."

"You were the one all excited about it," she replied.

"Yeah. I know. But at the baseball game, this dude told me that all I care about is myself. That has been stuck in my mind the whole weekend. Plus the softball girls threw me in the pool with a bag over my head."

She stared at me and shook her head. "Why would they do that?"

"No idea."

"It's fine, Cat," she finally said. That was good because we made it to her car.

"Okay." I paused. "Could you stop pestering me about my feelings for Harvey? You know that he's just a friend."

She nodded. "Of course."

"Thank you!"

She laughed and hugged me. "You're welcome."

I smiled into her neck before pulling away. "Be careful!" I said to her as she got in her car.

"I will."

I waved and turned to my car. I unlocked it and grabbed my water bottle. "Didn't you steal my sunglasses?"

With a frown, I turned around. I was surprised to see Nick behind me. A smile was situated on his face. "I mean, someone left before I could give them back," I replied.

"Maybe that was because I wanted to see you again."

I smiled, but it didn't feel right. My heart wasn't hammering in my chest now that I was seeing him again. Maybe it was because he wasn't in front of me during golden hour. That always seemed to make guys hotter.

"Well, I don't have them on me right now," I said to him. "So you're gonna have to see me again."

"I'd like that." His smile grew. "Would you like to go to the go kart place on Polk Road?"

"Odd question, but can I bring my brother with me?" I asked. "He doesn't have a babysitter right now."

He looked disappointed, but I was happy. This way I could make Beckett feel better about dating while also going on a date myself. I didn't need Harvey to help me, especially with his attitude the last time we spoke about it. "Yeah. That's fine."

"Do you want to text me the details?"

He frowned. "I don't have your number."

I took his phone out of his hand and punched in my number. With a grin, I handed it back. "Now you do."

He nodded. "Well, I have to go, but it was good to see you."

"You too, Nick."

I stayed put for a second before shaking my head. I headed back to the basketball courts and dropped my water bottle next to the court.

"Who was that?" Chris asked.

"Someone I met at the batting cages," I replied. "Who is my teammate?"

"Me," Harvey said, raising his hand.

"That's good. We work great together."

"Yeah, but I got stuck with the shortest person here." He looked sad as he gazed at our friends.

"No fair."

"And you suck," he said teasingly. "So, I don't like my teammate."

I rolled my eyes and stuck out my tongue. "Sucks for you. We are stuck together."

"I guess so." He slung his arm around my shoulders for a second before standing in front of Ethan to check the ball.

I watched him. He seemed to be happy, but I knew something was off. I didn't press, though. Ethan had thrown the ball to Chris so I jumped at him.

"Cat, you really think you can block me?"

"Well, I got stuck with you, so yes."

He chuckled before shooting. I jumped up and slapped at the ball. It fell to the ground and I grinned. "Yes! I blocked it! Go me!" I grabbed the ball and threw it at the hoop. It swooshed through.

"Yes! That's my girl!" Harvey said, crashing into me. I giggled and ignored the heat travelling to my cheeks. I pulled away from him and high fived him. He took that opportunity to link our hands together for a split second. "Let's beat these two, okay?"

"Okay."