I'm sure the mob story wasn't true but having that idea in my head is making me feel anxious around Roman.
"Can I come in?" I ask.
He steps aside. I feel his eyes on me as I walk past.
"That was quick," Jackson says, jumping up from the couch as I go in the living room.
"I just changed and left."
He pulls me in for a kiss. "You could've left the uniform on. You know what it does to me."
I smile. "Next time."
"You want something to eat? I ordered a pizza for lunch. There's leftovers in the fridge."
"Later." I glance down the hall. "Could we maybe go to your room?"
"I would, but my coach might be stopping by."
"Your football coach?" I say, sitting down on the couch.
"He wants to talk about Friday's game." Jackson sits beside me. "We're going over the plays that need to be changed without me there."
"They can't do the same plays?"
"The guy taking my position isn't as good as me. We need to alter some stuff to make sure we win." He pulls me onto his lap and kisses me. "I missed you today."
"Jackson," Roman says in a gruff tone.
We pull apart but I'm still on his lap, which is awkward with his dad staring at us.
"What do you need?" he says.
"We're having dinner with one of my associates around seven. I need you to be ready at six-thirty."
"Why amIgoing? Can't you go alone?"
"He graduated from USC. I want you to talk with him about the admission process. He has a lot of contacts there."
"Yeah, okay. I'll be ready."
Roman looks at me before leaving.
"I don't think he likes me," I whisper to Jackson.
"Sure he does. Why do you think he doesn't?"
"He acted annoyed that I showed up here today. And when I'm over here, he never talks to me. He only talks to you."
"He can't relate to people our age. Or anyone younger than us. He hates kids."
"Then why'd he have you?"
"I was an accident. He put up with me growing up but I wasn't like other kids. I was working when I was five. I acted more like an adult than a kid, which is why my dad could stand being around me."
"He was talking about college. Does that mean he thinks the cops will drop the charges against you?"
"No. He's just trying to keep me positive. He wants me to keep living my life as if I have a future."
