Love You Anyways by Mj Fields

stepped it up just in case she wasn’t. I’d had all I could take of her cuteness today. If she did that I may be forced to move quicker than I had planned. Tessa was worth the wait back then. I was a complete fucking idiot.
    Jose walked out and I gave him a big hug. He immediately recognized Tessa, how could he not? She hadn’t changed a bit. He picked her up and hugged her, twirling her in a circle and she laughed the most beautiful laugh. Lucky bastard.
    I introduced everyone and he chatted awhile before Ava and Harper started getting to o much damn attention from the players leaving the locker room and Maddox looked like he had had enough of that shit. I completely understood.
    “Long day?” Jose asked looking at everyone.
    “Yeah actually it has been.”
    “Logan, you play ball?”
    “Hell yes I do.” He stuck his hand out and shook Jose’s.
    “College ball?”
    “No sir, high school.” Logan answered.
    “Why the hell are you shit faced then?”
    “Why the hell aren’t you?” Logan laughed. “After an ass beating by the Cowboys I would be if I were you.”
    Tessa threw her arm up on Logan’s shoulder. “Ass. Kicked.”
    “Logan I hope to see you play someday.” Jose looked at me. “You know your boy is drunk don’t you?”
    “Not sure how that happened.” I looked at Ava and she started laughing.
    “Grounded, both of you,” I pointed at them.
    Jose laughed, “Can I take you all out to dinner?”
    “Look at them; do you think they should be out in public?” I laughed when Tessa slugged me in the arm. “Stop by the hotel. After the drunks are all tucked in we can have a drink and something to eat there.”
    “Sounds good. Tess you in?” Jose asked.
    “Sure am.”
    “Give me an hour. I have some more ass to ream.”

Chapter 9
     
    Old Friends
     
     
     
    Harper wasn’t looking good sitting in the backseat.
    “Harper that boy loves you and you love him so don’t fight.”
    “I told him not to go.” She sniffed and wiped her face.
    “I know you did. But I’m pretty sure he couldn’t help himself. If it makes you feel any better I told him to go home and he didn’t listen to me either.”
    “It doesn’t make me feel,” she hiccupped, “Any better.”
    “I bet sleep will. How much did you drink Harper?”
    “Four,” she pouted.
    I had to stop myself from laughing. Four drinks and she was spent. Poor kid.
    As soon as I pulled into the underground parking garage Harper unbuckled and rolled down the window. She stuck her head out the window and I pulled into an empty spot next to the elevator. Shit. She leaned out the window and hurled. Ava started laughing and so did Logan.
    “Alright there girl.” I opened the door and tried to avoid the puke as her head wobbled.
    “Sorry, I...”
    “Don’t worry about it. Let’s get you up to your room.”
    I caught her as she fell out the door.
    I picked her up. “Okay Harper, you need to throw up again you tell me okay?”
    I looked back to make sure my little drunks were following and then Harper threw up on me and her head flopped against my chest.
    Ava started laughing hysterically and so did Logan.
    “Shirt Logan.”
    “It’s cold Dad.”
    “I need something to clean her up. Ava pull my shirt over my head.”
    “I don’t wanna touch it.” She whined but she did as I asked.
    I heard feet racing from behind us when Ava pulled my shirt over my head.
    “I’ll take her.” Maddox went to grab her.
    “I’m already soiled pal.”
    “Oh my God,” Tessa gasped when she saw the barf on my shirt. She covered her mouth, “I’m so sorry.”
    “Your kid ’s a lightweight Tessa. Must be genetic. She only had three or four drinks and she’s wasted.”
    Maddox took her and I pulled my shirt the rest of the way off and tossed it.
    “Mom?”
    “Right here Harper. Tell Ma. Ma. Maddox to let me down…” and she passed out again.
    “Alright looks like two of us need a shower before Jose gets here.”
    “I’m probably gonna