I reach for the dish in front of me, but Mom stays my hand. “I’ll dish up your plate.”
I nod, but my gut churns. Val and I have shared a meal twice and never once did she act like I’m incapable of feeding myself. Granted, the restaurants plate the food before handing me the dish.
“No, actually my dad named me after Val James.”
“The hockey player?” I ask. How had I never thought to ask this?
“Yep. Dad named us all after African Americans who paved the way in sports.”
“Is Jackie after Robinson?” I ask.
“Yes, and Fran is after Earl Francis Lloyd. She got the more obscure name because Mom’s stipulation was they had to sound feminine. She didn’t want us being mistaken for men.” Val chuckles.
“Your father’s a sports agent, right?” Mom asks.
“Yes, and my brother-in-law is his partner. Well, Dad made him partner not too long ago after he married my sister.”
“He’s married to Jackie or Fran?” Mom asks.
“Jackie. They have an adorable little boy as well. Ollie’s stolen all of our hearts.”
It’s a little strange to imagine Jackie as a mom. Val I can easily picture in that role. Jackie not so much. Then again, maybe Jackie has grown up these past ten years. She certainly needed to.
“Do you have pictures of him?”
“I do.”
I take a bite of the meatloaf as Mom admires the pictures of my ex’s son. What a bizarre world I’m living in. My vision’s crap, Val Elliott is my best friend, and Jackie’s a mom. Just another day in the life of Jabari Hall.
I snicker inwardly at my internal monologue. The women are too busy gushing over Ollie’s ability to walk and saytrainto notice I’m slowly moving toward mentally punch-drunk. Val’s probably already had her moments when she’s thought how strange it is to befriend her sister’s ex, but for some reason, it’s just now hitting me.
“What does your youngest sister do?” Mom asks.
“She works at the agency. Both she and Jackie are agents.”
“Is that what you do as well?”
“Nah, Val’s too smart for that,” I interject. Mom will steamroll a conversation if I don’t remind her there are others who might want to talk. “She’s the project manager and runs the whole office.”
“I’m not surprised. Jabari always finds the smart ones to hang out with.”
I almost choke on my food. What is she trying to insinuate?
“Did he tell you how we became friends?” Val’s voice is amused.
“He did. I can’t imagine.” Mom laughs. “Why did you stay and eat?”
“Ididget dressed up, and I was hungry.”
“Sorry I couldn’t appreciate the getting dressed up part.” A self-deprecating smirk covers my face.
“Actually, don’t take this the wrong way, but you not being able to see certain things about me has taken the edge off of how I get ready when I’m going to meet you.”
“Whatever do you mean?” Mom asks.
“At work, I have to present a certain image. Every time I attend meetings with clients, I dress to impress because my dad is constantly harping how we all represent Elliott and Harper, and no one should look like they need a new wardrobe. Honestly, he expects us to exude high-class so the athletes will believe they’ll make money simply by signing with our firm. I’m constantly touching up my makeup, and by the time I get home, I’m ready for sweatpants, my favorite hoodie, and a makeup-free face.”
Don Elliott has always been a piece of work. I remember the looks he gave me when I dated Jackie. Like I wasn’t good enough for his precious daughter and would never amount to anything. Who knows what kind of pressure he puts on Val to be perfect.
