“Oh, I’m not hungry yet,” he replies smoothly. “But thank you.”
“Jayne, you should go apologize to your father for making a spectacle of yourself in front of his colleagues.”
My chest knots with frustration but I nod as pleasantly as I can. “Of course. See you later, Bodi.” I wave and turn my back on them because I’m about ready to strangle Lourdes.
I didn’t think it was possible to hate someone as much as I hate her.
From the moment we met, I knew she didn’t like me. At first, I told myself it was because I missed my mom, but even after nine years, I’ve never been able to shake the feeling that she’s after something. Money is the most obvious answer, and while my dad does well, it wasn’t until this job with the Thunder that he really jumped up in salary. I know he’s making over a millionnow, which is why we bought the huge house and they decided to send Lindy to a private academy.
“Dad.” I join him at the grill. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you.”
It’s always easier to lead with an apology.
He grunts. “Not your finest moment, but you were just trying to keep Lindy out of trouble.” He shakes his head. “I told Lourdes she needed a play date today, but Lourdes insisted she be here for the party since other kids would be here.”
“Can I go to a play date?” I joke.
He cuts a glance at me and arches a brow. “You don’t have any friends. Who would you play with?”
“We just moved here,” I protest, mildly embarrassed and more than a little frustrated. “And I’ve been busy working and going to school.”
“That’s all you ever do.”
“You’re the one who said you thought going straight into a graduate program was the best move.”
“I know. You’re just costing me a fortune, Jayne. Between you, Lourdes, and Lindy, I don’t know how much more I can keep dishing out without—” He cuts off as West joins us at the grill.
“Anything I can do to help, Coach?”
He shakes his head. “Not at all. I’ve got it under control. Go have a good time.”
“I wanted to talk to you about something, actually.”
“Jayne, could you…” Dad’s tone is dismissive and I quickly nod.
“See you later!” I wave and then move to the buffet table. I’m going to get a plate of food and go back to my room.
I’ve had more than enough excitement, embarrassment, and frustration for one day.
Chapter
Eleven
Bodi
Jayne is Coach Morrison’s daughter.
How the fuck did we not talk about this stuff?
We’ve both been playing things close to the vest, so I understand it emotionally, but intellectually I feel like an idiot. This is basic stuff when you meet someone new. You talk about what you do for a living, exchange full names…instead, I was trying to make a girl like me without telling her I’m a professional athlete. And on some level, she was probably doing the same. Making sure that the new guy she’s dating isn’t interested in hanging out at hockey games or whatever.
She even had me drop her off—twice—at a house a few doors down as if she didn’t completely trust me.
Now it makes sense.
I’m just pissed about it.
Because Ilikeher.
