An unfamiliar prickle of gratitude fills me and I hug him tighter. “Oh, Jordan. You’re so thoughtful. Thank you. Yes. It sounds like the best trip in the world.”
“I think Coach figures even if we’re a little distracted having the ladies with us, it won’t be as bad as us going off and finding trouble on our own.”
I laugh. “Well, there’s that.”
“Someday, I’ll take you to New York at Christmas. It’s the best.”
“I’m so excited.”
His eyes meet mine. “What are you going to tell your parents?”
Ugh. That puts a damper on my mood.
“Well, I’ve been thinking about all that. It’s not going to be fun, but I’d like to have you over for dinner. We have to rip the band-aid off at some point, right? So maybe we start there?”
“Whatever you think.”
“I’ll talk to my mom while you’re gone and, even if they balk initially, they’ll back down if I make a fuss.”
“You think they’ll agree to me coming to dinner?”
“It’s safe enough, right? Besides, Ivy and I had a dumb fight the other day and when she didn’t get her way, she threatened to tell Mom and Dad about us.”
He grimaces. “That sucks.”
“I told her to do what she wants and then five minutes later she apologized, saying she was just stressed. But at some point, it’s going to slip out, so I’d rather get it out in the open.”
“Look, I know your family is important to you, but don’t worry, okay? Everything will be all right. I’ll talk to your dad, find a way to show him I’m serious about you. About us.”
I nod, even though I know it won’t be that easy.
But maybe it will.
Maybe time has softened my dad and he’ll see that I’m an adult who can make her own decisions.
That’s absurd. I already know that, but it never hurts to hold out hope.
Right?
Chapter 24
Jordan
When Victoria brought up having me over for dinner, I figured it would take a while. Instead, it’s scheduled for the Saturday after I get back from the road trip. We play on Friday night, so other than practice Saturday morning, I’m free. And Victoria told me to be there at six. I asked if her father was pissed, and she said he was but her mother somehow talked him off the ledge.
Whatever that means.
I’m a nervous wreck, but I’ve got flowers for her mom, a Knights baseball cap for her dad, white chocolate for Victoria and Ivy, and a little Knights jersey for Charlie. I don’t know if they’re good gifts, but Jude and Chloe said they were thoughtful without being over the top, and Victoria told me her father collects ball caps.
By the time I pull up to the house my palms are sweating. I hate being insecure but this is a big deal. If Victoria and I are going to be together, it has to go well. She could leave and move in with me, but I know she doesn’t want to cut her family off completely. And I get that. I would hate not having my parents in my life. They can be nosy and annoying sometimes, but they’re my parents and I love them.
I grab everything off the passenger seat and walk to the front door, practically holding my breath as I wait for someone to open it. Luckily, it’s her mother, not her father.
“Mrs. Denali,” I say politely. “Hi.”
She eyes me warily. “Come in.”
“Thank you for having me.” I hand her the bouquet of tulips. “These are for you.”
