“Hello, Mother, Father.” I descended the staircase to greet them. Neither had ever been called Mom or Dad. Certainly not Mommy and Daddy. The idea made my lips twitch. I couldn’t imagine the horror on their faces if I ever called them that.
Thinking of Brody’s mother and the close relationship they had, I made myself promise to try harder with them. Maybe now that I was older and successful, they would understand how I wanted to live my life.
“Devlin. Hello.” My mother gave me her cheek and air-kissed mine. The stark contrast between this greeting and the hugs and sugar-scented kisses I received from Brody’s mom couldn’t have been more apparent.
“You’re looking lovely as always, Mother. And Father, how are you, sir?” No back slaps or hugs. Merely a handshake and a brief nod acknowledging my presence.
“I’m well. You seem…healthy.”
I grinned. “My last three away games were in the South, so I managed to grab a little pool time in between training and practices.”
He grimaced. “I see.”
My mother put a hand on his arm. “Why don’t we sit in the living room? Hugo, could you bring some tea, please?”
“Of course.”
I followed them into the pristine living room. Ebony wood floors offset the stark white walls and sofa. Oil paintings portraying still life hung on the walls. All as untouched as a museum. As a child, the only time I’d ever entered this room had been to receive a tongue-lashing from my father concerning my failures as a Summers.
“When did you arrive?” my mother asked.
“About an hour ago. Hugo said you were at a charity luncheon.”
“Yes, for the library. We’re giving a large donation to the science wing. Your father is gifting all his books and papers from the commencement of his career.” Her lips curved in a smile. “We’re very proud of him, aren’t we?”
I realized I was included in that “we” and nodded. “Yes, of course. It’s very exciting and a great honor, Father. Congratulations.”
“Thank you, Devlin. There’s an event being held Saturday night. I’d like you to attend.”
Was it silly of me to be hopeful that this could be the start of a reconciliation between us? I was willing to put the hurtful past behind us if they were.
“I’d be happy to. Thank you for inviting me.”
I could see my mother eyeing my arms, and I bit my tongue so I wouldn’t make a flippant remark.
“It’s formal attire. I can assume you have a tuxedo?” she questioned. “We did request for you to bring one.”
“Yes, of course. I’m not always in uniform, you know. I’ve been to many events where a tux is required, including the ESPY awards that took place in Hollywood. Remember? I invited you to come because I was getting an award for the best play in a football game.”
“We couldn’t make it.” Dismissive as always when I brought up my career, she sipped her tea. “But in reference to the dedication, we’d like you to promise that you won’t speak to the press about football. Only about how proud you are of your father.”
My brow furrowed. “How am I supposed to stop them from asking me? And why does it matter?”
My mother set her cup on the tray and fixed me with that steely gaze she was famous for in her lectures. “Because the night is about your father and his accomplishments. Not about you and football.”
I hadn’t wanted our discussion to turn acrimonious, but I couldn’t resist a clapback. “Don’t worry. I know you’re not interested in my life. I’ll make sure not to mention it at all.”
“There’s no need to get defensive, Devlin. Your mother is only looking out for me. I’d thought you’d be happy to attend as a family.”
I wanted to shout that it wasn’t my fault we hadn’t been a family in years. I’d tried everything possible to get them to come to my high school and college games, but they were always away lecturing or too busy writing or at speaking engagements. Father’s obligations were in Connecticut, and he would only come home on the weekends, while Mother remained in the city but was never available.
There was always an excuse, and when they’d failed to show for my graduation, I’d given up hope. This invitation could be the cornerstone for building a new relationship, one that I wanted, despite how they’d turned their backs on me. I’d seen how it should be, not only with Brody and his mom, but my other teammates and their families—always there. Always supportive and encouraging. And while it was nice to have my friends’ families in my corner, even to see them attending my games if I happened to play close enough to where they lived, it wasn’t the same as having my own parents cheering me on.
“I am happy that we can attend together,” I told them, “and I appreciate the invitation. I promise I won’t do anything to take the spotlight off you.”
The shadow of a smile played around my father’s lips. “Good. We’ll leave at six p.m. The car will be waiting.”
I nodded, unsure what to say next. They sat, comfortable in their silence, while my restlessness grew. Had I been dismissed? They hadn’t asked a single thing about my life—personally or professionally.
