“I’m hoping she goes. She’s not really looking forward to dealing with that group of people.”
“I don’t blame her,” he says. “You know everyone goes to your mom’s birthday parties.Everyone.”
“You mean Gracie?”
“Yep. I can’t imagine that’ll go over well.”
“Fuck Gracie.” I feel myself scowl.
“It’s not really about her. I’m sure you don’t want Joss to feel uncomfortable.”
“Of course not, but she’ll be with me.”
He shrugs. “I’m going to drop by with Ella. Let me know when you head over there, so we can be there at the same time.”
I bump his fist and we go our separate ways. I have to find a way to convince Joss to go with me. It’s not only because her being there will finally get my mother off my back about setting me up with someone. I want her there. I want to be around her all the fucking time.
“I can’t believe you talked me into this,” Josslyn whisper-shouts as we walk toward the country club.
“Who knew orgasms were the way to your heart,” I say.
“Finneas,” she hisses and looks around.
I squeeze her to my side. “You’re so fucking cute.”
“I’ve only spoken to your mother once and it was to tell her about Mallory. I highly doubt she has a good impression of me.”
I stop walking and pull away so she can see my face. “I already told you I don’t care what impression she has of you. You’re mine and if she doesn’t like you, she can fuck right off.”
Her eyes widen. “Finn!”
So fucking cute. I feel my lips tip up as I grab her hand in mine and continue walking.
“I know you don’t have the best relationship with her, but you should speak to her. Maybe invite her to a game?” she suggests quietly.
“That’s not happening.”
“Ifshe brings it up, you should extend an invitation.” She shrugs. “If she doesn’t, then she can fuck right off.”
I chuckle and kiss her temple.
“Is Lucas coming? Are Will and Ella here already?” she asks quietly, as we reach the open doors that lead to the event area.
“They should be here soon.”
“Okay, good.” She takes a deep breath and lets it out, squeezing my hand as we walk inside.
I spot my father right away with a group of his friends. He only spares me a quick look before he focuses on Josslyn, admiring her a little too much for my liking. Because of the small space between the chairs, I’m forced to let go of her hand as we walk over.
“I’m glad you made it,” my father says, patting me on the back before shifting his eyes back to Josslyn.
I wrap my arm around her, my fingers possessively splayed over her hip as I pull her into me.
“This is my girlfriend, Josslyn,” I say. “Joss, this is my father, Richard.”
My father doesn’t even bother to hide his surprise as he looks between the two of us. His brows shoot up, his green eyes finding mine again. There’s no dismay or disapproval, which is what I was unfortunately expecting from my parents. He just looks surprised. Whether it’s because he saw her name all over my sister’s journal or because I’ve never brought a woman around—much less introduced one as my girlfriend—I’m not sure. He turns to Josslyn again and takes the hand she offers him.
“It’s nice to officially meet you, Josslyn,” he says, lifting her hand and kissing the back of it.
