“I’m not sure,” I say. We didn’t make plans, but I hope I can see her again.
“Claire and I are going to the movies. You and Lacey should come.”
“How cute, a double date.” Rowan finally pipes in. He is one of the guys who drank too much and dragged at the start of practice. But in typical Rowan fashion, he bounced back fast and pulled it together. He’s so talented, he doesn’t have to work as hard to be a contributing member of the team. There’s no telling how good he’d be if he actually tried.
“You can come too,” Austin tells him.
“I love being the fifth wheel,” he says dryly. “No thanks. Have fun, lovebirds.”
“Torrance and one of her friends are coming too,” Austin says, and then he looks back to me. “Are you in?”
“Sure. Yeah. I’ll ask her.”
Austin grins widely. “She’ll say yes.”
* * *
After practice I head home, text Lacey about tonight and confirm she’s free, shower, eat, and then take up residence on the couch to relax. I must fall asleep because I wake up late in the afternoon to Dad watching video of Pacific on his laptop in one of the matching chairs.
I sit up, and he glances over at me.
“There’s chicken and rice in the kitchen,” he says before moving his attention back to the screen.
“Thanks.” I stand and go into the other room. I fill a plate and grab a glass of water.
He places the laptop on the coffee table. While I eat, I watch the game with him. He doesn’t say much, just scribbles notes down on his notepad.
It’s hit me how similar my house is to Lacey’s with a dad who’s always working. I spend more time with my dad than she does with hers, but if it weren’t for soccer, would we ever interact?
Dad clears his throat. “Your mom said you two have been talking on the phone.”
“Yeah.”
He nods and studies me carefully, or at least that’s how it feels. “I’m glad.”
“You are?” I can’t hide the surprise from my voice.
“Yeah, of course. Why wouldn’t I be?”
“I don’t know. You don’t ever talk about her.”
“Your mother and I didn’t work out, but she’s still your mom.”
“Yeah,” I say, then, “Why not?”
His brows pinch together and then the intent of my question must hit.
“Too many reasons to list.”
“Can I have one?” I ask, feeling exasperated. No one in this family talks and it’s frustrating.
“Location, for one. She wanted to stay in London, and I thought it would be better to start new here, away from the media and spotlight.”
I smirk.
“What?”
I glance around the room. “Kind of ironic considering you’re filming a documentary in the house.”
