Page 141 of Broken Saint

“Evening, William,” Letty purrs, making his cheeks turn an adorable shade of red.

Considering he’s obviously older—around fifty, if I had to guess— and greets people I’m sure are more impressive than us, he really should have a little more composure.

“Are you having a good night?”

“All the better for seeing my favorite diners. And whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?” he asks, turning to me with a kind smile.

“Ella,” I say, holding my hand out when he lifts his in greeting.

“Ella. A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”

“Careful, Will,” Peyton teases. “This one is spoken for. And by your favorite player, in fact.”

Will pauses, his eyes widening and his chin dropping in shock.

“Wait…you mean…” His eyes get even wider as recognition hits. “You’re Colt’s girl. Yes, yes. You are.”

I’ve never met Colt’s father, but something tells me that he wouldn’t be this excited to meet me.

“Oh, Ms. Ella. It is a pleasure to meet you. May I escort you to your man?”

My smile is so wide it hurts as I stare at this man in amazement.

“That won’t be necessary, Will. But thank you. We can take it from here. We’d appreciate it if you could place our usual order, though,” Letty says, innocently resting her hand on his forearm.

“Of course. I’ll have them sent over right away.”

Peyton takes my hand and tugs me away from the incredibly happy man.

“He’s—”

“Harmless. Massive Saints fan. He loses his mind every home game,” Peyton explains. “And he loves us just as much as them. Being a part of this makes his entire year.”

I glance back over my shoulder and find him watching the group of people we’re heading toward with stars in his eyes.

“Are you ready for this?” Letty asks, looking back at me.

“I—” My words falter as we turn a corner and find the half-empty table waiting for us.

Warmth spreads through my entire body as my eyes scan over the familiar faces.

I don’t need them to see me. I don’t need them to talk to me to know that the decision I made last night was the right one.

I don’t belong in Texas. I’m not sure I even really did.

I belong here.

With my friends.

My family.

Colt.

Kane spots Letty first, and a wide smile spreads across his face as he pushes to stand.

Luca is next. He’s already on his feet, talking to who I assume is another player at a different table. He moves so fast that if I blinked, I’d have missed his journey to Peyton.

My eyes land on Colt. On the wide spread of his shoulders and the way his Saints-blue shirt stretches across his frame.