She joined her parents after the game.
“Great job, honey.” Her dad hugged her.
Her mom tugged her free and hugged her as well. “Where’s the big lug?”
Marlie sighed. “We’re not joined at the hip, Mom.” She didn’t understand the look her parents shared, but her mother waited, expecting an answer. “He had to help his parents out. He wanted to come though.”
Her mom warmed. “Oh, that’s sweet. They were in a car accident, he said?”
“Yeah.” Her mother knew darn well about Damon’s parents. “His dad broke his leg and his mom her arm, I think. His sister can’t come help because she’s on active duty in California. I met Grace on Sunday at the game. She’s pretty funny. Nearly as tall as Damon too.”
“Well, at least you’ll have tall children.”
Marlie blinked. “Mom?”
Her father put a hand over her mother’s mouth. “Ignore her, Marlie.”
“Mmmpphh.” Her mom tried but couldn’t budge Irv’s hand, which made Marlie laugh.
“We just wanted to watch you girls win. Nice job. Oh, and make sure to invite Damon to our holiday party on the 23rd. His parents too.”
“Um, I guess.”
Mona finally ripped her husband’s hand away, glaring at him, and added, “Don’t guess. Do it.”
“Yes, ma’am!” Marlie whipped out a salute.
Her mother grunted and tugged Irv with her toward the exit.
Bemused that her parents seemed a little too interested in Damon, she glanced at her phone to see a few texts she’d missed. One from Jeff and two from Damon.
To Jeff she sent:
We won, sucker. See you this weekend.
To Damon, she ignored the Xs and Os but answered his question about the game.
Yes, we won. 42-36.
Yes! Awesome!
He added a few gifs of champions and victories, including one of himself holding onto the Stanley Cup.
Braggart.
An eggplant emoji followed.
She snickered.
He asked,
You busy tomorrow?
No, why?
I would ask you when you get home, but my parents want to meet you and insisted I invite you now.
Huh?
