“Okay,” Mom interrupts.
“That’s just Steak’s birthdays. I’m not even sure which of those words I want to emphasize. Maybe we should talk about what she pulled for his grad school graduation. Or the day Sugar gave birth to your grandbaby. Don’t get me started on her long list of offenses against me.”
“Okay, okay,” Mom says. “Don’t you have practice?”
I smirk. “I do. Thanks for understanding.”
She huffs. “We’ll talk later, Lem. Have a good practice.”
I hang up with a sigh. Part of me gets it. Mom loves and supports all her kids. But she’s also a single child and has no idea what it’s like having a sibling, never mind one like Saffron.
Before I head out, I step into my bathroom and look at myself in the mirror. Then cringe. “Jesus,” I mutter. I look like I’ve just been fucked. It takes me several minutes to get myself straightened up where I look presentable. Smudged makeup. Hair wild. I’m still fucking pink and flushed!
Oh, and don’t forget Hansley’s hoodie. I can’t believe I’m going to wear this stupid cartoon bugle horn in public! It’s not like I can pretend it’s just a random hoodie, either.Everyoneknows this logo belongs to RDU hockey.
Grabbing my bag and packing up my office, I shut it down and head for the field. I dare anyone to say anything. It’s just a hoodie. I’m supposed to support other teams, too.
Norman immediately looks at my hoodie and raises a brow. I glare. “Something you want to say?”
He smirks and looks onto the field. “Nope.”
“I didn’t think so.”
His smile widens, and I try my best not to scowl. I drop my bag on the bench and move toward my kids. I love football. Nothing is better than getting myself lost in this.
Thankfully, it’s easy to immerse myself in my job. I wasn’t lying to my mom—this has been an amazing season so far. We’re not quite halfway through and we’re looking really fucking good. The best we have in years!
I pause next to Peyton. He’s taking turns with Collin on the agility quick ladder. Right now, he’s standing next to me, drinking water. He glances at me a few times and I’m just waiting for whatever comes out of his mouth.
“The festival is coming,” he says.
“Still have two weeks,” I answer.
“You’re coming?”
I glance at him, trying not to let my cheeks heat at the words. It feels almost like he’s calling me out for my earlier activities. “I always make an appearance,” I say.
It’s a quick appearance. I walk from one end to the other, making sure several people see me, and talk to a couple deans. And then I leave. Forty minutes tops.
“You going to be there for the auction?”
I look at him with amusement. “I don’t know. My presence isn’t required for that event.”
“Required, no,” he agrees.
Collin taps out at the end of his run, and Peyton takes his turn while Collin drinks. I should walk away now and notencourage Peyton’s crush. He’s a good kid, but seriously, what does he want with me? I’m twice his age.
The idea makes me shiver. I’m getting so fucking old!
Several minutes later, he trades out again. Once he catches his breath, he looks at me once more. “They’ve lifted the age restrictions they’d initially imposed.”
“Have they?”
He nods, grinning. “I like older men. Maybe not grampa but definitely daddy.”
Collin nearly trips as he chokes on nothing. I can’t help myself when I sputter with laughter. “Peyton, honestly!”
He shrugs.
