She saw Jayce’s gaze drop to her son. “Anytime you want.”
“How about tomorrow?”
“Jayce might have plans,” she said. “What did I tell you?”
They hadn’t talked about what was going on tomorrow. Hadn’t gotten much further than today. It was all her mind could process with seeing his family again in the capacity of his girlfriend.
“I’ve got nothing going on,” he said. “But it’s up to your mom. Remember, she’s the boss.”
It didn’t feel so much like that though when she walked in the front door and saw Jayce’s mom grinning at her.
“Hi, Stacy,” she said.
“It’s so nice to see you again,” Stacy said, moving in for a hug. “Not for an office visit either.”
It never bothered her to see patients outside of the office so it shouldn’t now.
“No,” she said. “This is my son, Archer. Archer, Jayce’s mom, Stacy.”
Her son walked over and shook hands without being prompted. Good for him.
“You look just like your mother. Come on back where everyone else is,” Stacy said.
She followed Jayce down the hall after Stacy turned toward the kitchen with the cookies in hand.
The house was exactly how she remembered it. Huge and almost intimidating when she’d been a kid. The McCarthys were the wealthiest of those she hung around with, but they never came off that way.
“Everyone, this is Farrah,” Jayce said. “And Archer. I’ll go around the room. It’s easier, but I’m sure Farrah knows or remembers most of you.”
Jayce made the introductions and with his arm around her shoulder, making it impossible for her to walk around shaking hands. No reason to be so formal anyway as the only new person was Elise who was holding a sleeping baby.
“Maverick is napping,” Jocelyn said. “I’m sure he’ll be up soon and then you’ll be treated to a mini tornado.”
“That was Archer as a toddler,” Farrah said. “Now it’s a much bigger one leaving destruction in his wake.”
“No,” Archer argued.
“Yes. I’m the one cleaning it up half the time, so I get to describe it that way.”
Her son laughed and looked toward her. His smile wide and a bit uncertain.
He was an outgoing kid, but they didn’t do a lot of social gatherings like this where there weren’t kids his age or activities for him to do.
“Mom said you weren’t swimming today,” Jayce said. “But we can go out and shoot hoops in the other driveway. I’m sure I can convince Gabe and Chance to go out with us. A little two on two.”
“Can it be you and me against them?” Archer asked. “Can we, Mom?”
“If Jayce wants to, then go for it.”
“Jayce has been like a kid on Christmas morning waiting for this,” Gabe said. “Go easy on me. I’m old and have a kid to get up and feed in the morning.”
“I’m ready to kick your brother’s butt,” Chance said to Jocelyn. “Might be my only shot having Gabe as my partner to block him.”
Gabe was an inch taller than Jayce. “My son is pretty good,” Farrah said. “But have fun and watch the language.”
The guys left, Jim following to watch, while the women stayed inside. She’d rather be out there playing too.
“I just need to say thank you,” Jocelyn said.
