“Yeah, can’t let him get away with that.”
He glanced in the rearview and gave her brother a sly smile. “Remember that phone trick you played on me?”
“No,” Kenzie said before her brother could answer. “He is not getting into trouble again.”
“No, you’re right. I just meant he could teach me how to do it.”
“Ha.” She didn’t believe that for a second but pretended not to see Evan and Daniel both grinning. She loved the fact that the pair had bonded. It made her feel so good inside. Because when it came to her feelings for Evan, she was still all over the place. Ecstatic, scared, unsure.
Take your pick.
“Um, something I need to tell you guys,” Evan said. “I didn’t know until earlier today, and I hope it’s okay.”
“What? What is it?” She must have sounded odd because both Evan and Daniel were looking at her strangely.
“Nothing major. I just wanted to let you know we won’t be the only guests there today.”
Thank God.Feeling a load of pressure off her shoulders, she let out a silent breath of relief. “No problem, Evan.”
“Yeah, no problem. Who else is coming?” Daniel asked.
“Jerome, my mom’s boyfriend, and maybe my cousin, Smith.”
Daniel asked, “Smith? That’s his first name?”
“Yep. He’s big and loud, curses a lot, and can look pretty mean. But he’s a nice guy inside.”
“Oh, sure.” Kenzie wondered if this was the secret cousin she’d heard about.
“He’s new to the family.” So it was.
Then she realized Jerome would be there. “You never did tell me about Jerome,” she said to Evan and was instantly reminded of why they’d been so distracted. Telling each other of their buried pain, then going at it like rabbits.
A heated gaze met her own. “Yeah. Well, you’ll meet him this morning and can make your own judgment. And remember, this is my mom. Not my grandmother. She has white hair and is older than me by a lot. But she’s mymom.”
“Evan, I see you looking at me in the mirror.” Daniel fiddled with his collar as they pulled into the driveway of an older but very nice house in Queen Anne. “I’m not deaf. I swear not to call her your grandma.”
They walked to the door, Kenzie’s men—Evan and Daniel—wearing nice collared shirts and jeans. Daniel even wore boat shoes, not the ratty sneakers he normally wore everywhere.
She caught Evan’s knowing grin and smiled.
He grabbed her hand and squeezed just as the door opened and a pretty older lady with Evan’s smile stared at them.
“Hey, Mom.” He leaned in to kiss her on the cheek but kept hold of Kenzie’s hand. “This is Kenzie, and this is Daniel.”
“Hello.” Kenzie tugged, but he wouldn’t let her go.
Daniel nodded. “Hi, Mrs. Griffith.” He held out the box. “These are for you from us.”
“Call me Jane, dear. Oh, that’s so sweet.” She took Daniel by the arm and gently pulled him inside. “You’re a tall one, aren’t you? It’s so nice to meet you. I’ve heard all about your soccer skills, young man.”
“Yeah?” Daniel sounded pleasantly surprised.
“Oh, yes. Evan’s told me how good you are. I hear you scored two goals at your first game too.”
Daniel gave her a shy smile. “I did.”
“Well, then you have to tell Jerome all about it. He’s a big Sounders fan, you know.”
