“If you’re ready to go, I’ll go get the car.”
“Yeah. In a sec. I’d like to say goodbye to Eli.”
“I’ll go get the car. It’ll take me fifteen minutes. I’m parked a mile away.”
“It’s getting dark. I’ll walk with you.”
Carley stares at Cody for a minute or two, then gives him one nod. “Sure. Thanks.” I know why she sounds so tentative. She’s not used to anyone, guys in particular, making that kind of gesture. I mean, her father definitely doesn’t. Cody’s being rather chivalrous.
I watch the pair walk out together, then I turn just as a deep voice snaps, “You.” I know who that voice belongs to. Eli’s dad.
When I look up, the man is pointing right at me. Without meaning to, I point to myself. “Me?”
“Yeah,you.” Jack’s voice hasn’t softened. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“I’m…” God, what do I say to this man? “He….”
Mocking me, Jack repeats my words in a way that instantly makes me angry. “I’m…. He….” He pauses. “You’re what? He what?”
Clearing my throat, I push my shoulders back in a feeble attempt to grow a pair. “He asked for me.”
“The fuck he did.”
My God, the man likes to cuss. “Cody said—”
“Cody said…,” he mocks again. Then the man scoffs as he runs his fingers through his hair. Hair that reminds me a lot of Eli’s, except his dad’s has a lot of gray running through it. Still, he looks distinguished. It hints at what Eli will look like when he’s older. Handsome. It’s too bad Mr. Baxter has that look on his face. You know, an angry one.
“He was delirious.”
Was he?
Mr. Baxter takes a step closer to me and I take one back. I don’t like where this conversation is going. “I don’t know who you are, but you need to leave. Eli doesn’t have time to deal with hangers-on.”
“Hangers-on?” What does that even mean?
Jack Baxter scoffs. “I know your type. You’re just hoping to get knocked up because Eli’s destined for the NHL. He’s your gravy train.” He looks down at my worn-out T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. “Yeah, I know your type. You’re after the money.”
I’m now staring at the man, blinking. Because… “What are you talking about?”
Jack Baxter laughs or scoffs, I’m not sure which. A little bit of both really. “You’re not only homely, you’re dumb too?”
I believe that’s the most offensive thing anyone has ever said to me. “I’m not dumb.”
“Then don’t look shocked that I figured out your game.”
I’ve had enough of this conversation––enough of Jack Baxter. I’m just going to do it. I’m going to tell this big jerk the truth. “There’s nogame. I’m Eli’s girlfriend.”
Uh-oh. Maybe I shouldn’t have said theGword because I swear his face has turned magenta since hearing my confession. His nostrils flare, and his teeth are visibly gritting. He’s angry. No. I shake my head. He’s more than that. He’s pissed.
“That’s bullshit. Eli knows better. He doesn’t have time for fucking distractions likeyou.”
I shrug because I don’t know what else to say. Well, I could tell him that he’s out of touch. That he can’t expect his college-age son to go without relationships in his life for a stupid sport. If I say that, I’m not sure what he’d do. He’sthatangry.
“Don’t you fucking shrug me off, you little—”
“Jack.” We both turn our heads toward a woman’s voice like we’re synchronized.
Eli’s dad speaks, “Helene.”
