The first step is by coming clean to my family, letting them know the truth about what happened four years ago. Yes, Victoria played a part in everything that went down, but she didn’t get pregnant by herself and she wasn’t driving when we had the accident that caused her miscarriage.
No, there are too many misconceptions and I’m going to start clearing them up. First with my parents and then with whomever else I have to.
I have to prove to Victoria that, while I’m still the same guy she fell in love with, I’m not the same immature boy who let her down. I’m a grown man now, and if we’re going to give this another go, I have to act like it. For my parents. For Victoria. And for myself.
Grabbing my phone, I send her a quick text.
JORDAN: Hey, babe. Sorry I wasn’t able to call after the game, but I just got back from dinner with my parents. I know you’re probably asleep, but I just wanted to let you know I’m thinking about you.
To my surprise, she responds right away.
VICTORIA: I’m not asleep. Working on a paper.
JORDAN: How’s it going?
VICTORIA: The paper is a pain in the ass. Everything else is fine. Work was really busy tonight so I couldn’t study at all. Usually, I can sneak in a little but not tonight. The mall was a zoo.
JORDAN: You should get some sleep, though.
VICTORIA: Yeah, I’m winding down. How are your parents?
JORDAN: They’re doing okay. My dad is always excited to hang out with the team, and my mom wants to hear all the details of my life.
VICTORIA: Did you tell her?
JORDAN: About us? No, but I’m going to when we go to dinner. I don’t want you to feel like some kind of dirty little secret.
VICTORIA: Are you sure?
JORDAN: I’m very sure. It’s time to clear the air, too. Just like I didn’t know all the details, they don’t either, so I’m going to fix that.
VICTORIA: What if they still hate me?
JORDAN: That’s on them. I can’t control how they feel.
VICTORIA: But they’re your parents.
JORDAN: Exactly. They love me so they’re going to come around. It just might take some time.
VICTORIA: I don’t think I’m ready to talk to my parents.
JORDAN: That’s okay. One step at a time. There’s no rush. I just want you to know that you can count on me this time. No more bullshit or misunderstandings. I think going forward that’s what we have to focus on. Honesty. Communication. So that we don’t end up in the same boat as last time.
VICTORIA: I like that. I’m totally on board. As long as you can be patient.
JORDAN: We have all the time in the world. No rush.
We talk for a few more minutes and then I let her get some sleep.
I feel better now that I’ve made the decision to talk to my parents. They won’t be happy, but they’ll be open-minded once I explain. At least, I hope so. The truth is, I don’t need their approval. I’d like to have it, but it’s not mandatory.
I’ve spent four years missing the only woman I’ve ever loved—I’m not walking away again unless I’ve done everything possible to make it work.
Chapter 14
Jordan
Dinner with my parents is going to be rushed, but I need to see them in person if I’m going to come clean about Victoria. It kind of sucks, because this is the kind of stress I like to avoid during the season, especially on a road trip. But it can’t be helped. After my chat with Victoria last night, I want my parents to not just know what’s happened, but to at least understand where I’m coming from. Even if they’re not happy.
