I guess it’s going okay since he didn’t throw me out or try to beat my ass. Victoria seems nervous, though, and her mother is fidgeting, even as she hurries into the kitchen.
“You okay?” I whisper to Victoria.
“I think I’m going to puke,” she whispers back.
“It’s okay. We don’t have to lie about seeing each other anymore. That’s a win at this stage.”
She looks like she wants to protest but Charlie is tugging her leg, asking her to pick him up.
“Come on, big guy—are you hungry?” she asks, lifting him onto her hip like she’s done it a million times.
He nods happily and I follow them into the dining room. She puts Charlie in a highchair and then sits on her mother’s right, motioning for me to sit on her other side. Ivy sinks down next to Charlie and Mr. Denali, of course, sits at the head of the table.
“You have a family, Jordan?” he asks abruptly.
“Yes. My parents are still together, and I have an older sister and a younger brother.”
“Does he play hockey too?”
I nod. “Yes, but he’s in college and I don’t think he wants to go pro.”
“And what does your father do?”
“Dad.” Victoria sighs in frustration.
“What?” he asks blandly. “If you’re going to be involved with him, shouldn’t we know about his family?”
“It’s fine,” I say quietly. “My parents are both teachers. Dad teaches high school math and mom is a middle school music director.”
The conversation is interrupted as Mrs. Denali and Ivy bring out all the food.
“This is delicious,” I say politely.
Mrs. Denali beams. “Thank you, Jordan.”
“Do you like baseball?” Mr. Denali asks.
“I’m more of a football fan,” I say.
“Baseball is a more intellectual game than football or hockey,” he says. “It can teach you a lot about life.”
“Yes, sir,” I say.
I have a feeling it’s going to be a very long evening.
Chapter 25
Victoria
Dinner felt like it lasted three years instead of three hours. My father was as insufferable as ever but at least he wasn’t angry. My mom seems to be charmed by the older, more mature version of Jordan, and Ivy was completely enamored with him. Even Charlie liked him, which is rare because he doesn’t seem to like men other than my father. Not that he’s around many other men, but even if a repairman comes to the house, he gets shy.
Not with Jordan. After dinner he wanted to know all about hockey and they played on the floor with his trucks for a while. I don’t know if that endeared him to my dad or not, but I’m pretty sure Ivy has a crush on him.
Jordan left around ten and I’m in the kitchen wiping down the counters when my father comes in.
“Thank you for tonight,” I say. “I’m grateful you’re willing to give him a chance.”
“You know I just want what’s best for you, Victoria.”
