My shoulders slumped forward. “Good, because my mom’s in chemo, and I can’t leave her.”
The guys all nodded, offering me their condolences and help. I frowned. “That’s why Vivi’s here—to help my mom. But you guys are trying to matchmake us?”
“We’re not trying,” Stolly said. “We’re doing it.”
“And well…ish,” Naese added with a nod.
I groaned, shoving my palms against my eyes. “That’s why you’ve been asking about my dates. How we met, what happened after?—”
“You fucked up,” Maxim said.
I dropped my hands and turned to my line mate. “You think I don’t know that? You think I haven’t been trying to fix it?”
“You need to do it faster and better,” Maxim said.
“Before our ladies get more involved and take credit,” Stolly said.
“Hana and Vivian are friends. That gives them an in to all the emotions and crap,” Naese explained.
I rose from the seat and pointed a shaking finger at the guys. “You leave Vivian and me alone—you and your wives. Whatever happens between us needs to be because we wanted it.”
“You’re failing,” Maxim said.
“Come on!” I protested. “How could you possibly know that?”
“That’s not true,” Naese said.
“Thanks,” I mumbled.
“He’s just being slow and methodical—” Naese continued.
“Like the way he irons,” Stolly interrupted. “It’s the most boring thing ever.”
Cormac clapped his hands together to get everyone’s attention. “This meeting is off the rails.” He looked over at me. “Do you, in fact, want a long-term relationship with Vivian?”
“Yes.” I gave a decisive nod.
“Goal established. Now, you need to improve execution. That’s why we’re here and why we’ve been helping you—like getting Vivian to move to Houston.”
A lightbulb went on, and my eyes widened. “You’re paying Vivian’s salary.”
Cormac shook his head. “We’re supplementing it. Your mother’s handling half, through her insurance.”
“I worked with her on that,” Coach Whittaker said. “It’s a solid plan.”
“And a worthwhile investment, as long as you don’t fuck up,” Maxim said.
“Stop telling him he’s going to fuck up! That’ll make him fuck up.” Stolly glared.
“Back to the execution,” Cormac said. “You need to romance her.”
“Woo her,” Naese added.
Maxim nodded. “Lock that future down tight.”
“What I want to know,” Coach said, “is what that has to do with dogs.”
Cormac grinned. “I’m so glad you asked.”
