My mother held season tickets, which she’d refused to let me buy her. I knew what she was doing, and I appreciated the effort. Who would have thought my mom would be my best wing person?
“Hey, Mom,” I said as I closed the mudroom door behind me. Belladonna raced over to Vivian, all tail wags and lolling tongue. I glanced from Mom to Vivian, noting her surprised expression. “You’re coming to the game? Want to be in the owner’s box? I’m sure Gunnar would love to have you and Vivian there.”
“That’s perfect, Lennon.” She beamed. “I’ll give my tickets to?—”
“Please don’t give them away,” I groaned.
She clucked. “I’ll do what I want with them, and what I want to do is give them to my boss. It butters him up, which will be helpful when I need to take more time off.”
Her mouth tightened, and I noted the strain in her eyes. My mother was scared. I hated that she felt that way. I walked across the tiles and hugged her. “Of course, Mom. Of course.”
She rested her head against my shoulder for a moment before she patted my back. “So, the game. This will be Vivian’s first one, so you boys better win.”
“I’ll do my best,” I said.
My gaze met Vivian’s, and I saw softness in her eyes. I’d talked to her about my close relationship with my mother and sisters, but maybe she hadn’t realized I’d meant it. “So, I’d suggest you get there about an hour early. I’d offer to take you?—”
“No, I don’t like going with you, hijo,” Mom said. “I’ll drive. But tell you what—you bring Vivian back after you celebrate your win. That way she’ll get more time with the CATS.”
“That’s not necessary—” Vivian began.
“Hana will be there,” I said. I’d already talked to Naese to make sure. “And Paloma, she’s our coach’s wife, is looking forward to meeting you. So are the rest of the ladies.”
Vivian frowned. “CATS?”
Belladonna accepted pats from my mother, gave her a soft lick, and settled under the table.
“Comrades, Allies, Teammates, and Spouses. Gunnar Evaldson, our owner, wanted to be as inclusive as possible,” I explained.
“Isn’t that kind of him?” Mom said. “Now, that’s a man who needs a strong partner.” Mom launched into a story about Gunnar, then another. I was surprised, but somehow not, to learn the two of them were friendly.
After a delicious meal, I did the dishes. Wiping my hands on the dish towel, I felt a pang of disappointment. “I have to head out. Belladonna needs a run and so do I.” I patted my stomach. Belladonna perked up, coming out from under the table.
“Oh! Take Vivian. She was saying she wanted to learn the running trails. Plus, she hasn’t seen your place yet.”
Again, my mother’s meddling warmed my chest. She really was a fabulous woman. I faced Vivian. “If you want…”
Vivian licked her lips, her gaze darting between us. “Okay. Just let me change.”
Mom waited until Vivian was in her room before she said quietly, “That girl needs love, Lennon. She’s starved for it.”
I nodded. “I want to give it to her. All of me.”
Mom reached up and patted my cheek. “You already do. She just needs to realize.”
Chapter 18
Chapter
Vivian
* * *
I squirmed in Lennon’s huge truck’s passenger seat, wondering how I’d been so easily manipulated. Well, I’d wanted to come with him, wanted to see if we still had that connection. Belladonna made herself comfortable in her large, cushy dog seat that took up the entire backseat of the truck. I loved that Lennon spoiled his dog.
“Want to run first or go by my place?” he asked.
“Run, please.” I was nervous and needed something else to focus on.
