My mother assessed me, then repeated her question. “I asked when we would get to meet Mr. Kearney? Your father has been reading everything he can find about him signing with the Storm. You know he’s a rugby nut.”
My stomach roiled athouseguestandsigning. Two innocent little words that had landed me in trouble.
“Um, he hasn’t signed yet. Not until after training camp.”
I squinted back out the window. “You can meet him later. I’m not sure where he is.”
My eyes darted around the room, searching for any topic to get her off this one. But nothing came to mind. Nothing but how I’d fucked up.
“What’s wrong, Carson?”
Resigned to move away from the topic, I pasted on a smile, even though I knew she would see right through me. “Nothing. What makes you think something’s wrong? Nothing’s wrong. Everything is fine. Great, even.”
I needed to shut the fuck up. All I’d accomplished was to trip her double lie detector wires, which she owned like a boss, being both an attorney and a mother.
After re-corking the bottle, I walked around and sat beside her at the island.
“This deep line right here,” she said, running her thumb over the wrinkle forming between my eyes, “says something isn’t alright. And you keep looking out there. Did something happen?”
Yeah, Mom. He’s already ruined me and I can’t have him.
Sighing, I leaned forward on my elbows and told her part of the truth. “I said something I shouldn’t have.”
My gaze automatically went to the window again. “And I think I offended him.”
She peered over her shoulder at the pool deck. “I’m sure it’s not as bad as you think.”
That made me laugh. “It was upsetting. I mean, if he’d said it to me, I wouldn’t appreciate it.”
She ran her hand over my shoulder, then squeezed. “Then apologize, son. More than once if you need to. If he’s going to be your teammate, you’ve got to make it right as soon as possible.”
I nodded and dropped my head. “Easier said than done.”
She leaned in to pat my leg just as the back door opened and Bella came bounding in. I looked up to find my father all smiles, with Colin.
“Look who I found,” he said, putting his arm around Colin’s shoulders. “We’ve been having a nice chat about rugby.”
I stood and forced a smile. “Good.” I turned to my mother. “Colin, this is my mother, Elizabeth St. James, and you’ve met my father, George. Mom and Dad, meet Colin Kearney.”
My mother got up and went to him. But rather than shaking his hand, she decided to give him a mom hug. “It’s so nice to meet you finally, Colin. Welcome to America. I hope Carson has made you feel at home.”
His eyes met mine, causing my stomach to cramp, before returning his attention to her.
“It’s nice to meet you. And he’s done exactly that, ma’am.” He winked at me and smiled. “He’s been very welcoming.”
My eyes widened as my father slapped me on the back. “Good to hear. That’s how we raised him.”
“So Colin,” my mother said, wrapping her arm through his, “are you excited about your new career in San Diego? Have you met any of your teammates yet?”
He gave her his charming smile. “Uh, no ma’am. Not yet. We’ve been a bit busy since I arrived. Carson has been teaching me about football and other important matters. Like the rules. I’m eager to start meeting them tomorrow.”
My face must have been nearing sunburn status after his words.
“That’s understandable,” she added. “Have you acquired an agent here?”
He shook his head. “No, ma’am. Not yet.”
“Well, if you need someone to review your contract, George and I are both licensed attorneys.”
