Page 10 of A Little Crush
“I’m only asking.”
Sure, she is.
“Yes, I want my friendship with Dodger to stay in the friend zone.”
“Okay, because he’s a good guy, and?—”
“Seriously?” I give the woman a look daring her to push the subject more than she already has.
“I’m trying to make it clear that your father and I love and support you in every way. I know after the whole…” The sandwich making stops as she looks over my shoulder, confirming we’re alone. “Jax incident?—”
“Mom,” I snap.
“Let me finish,” she insists. “I know the experience made a huge impact on you, whether or not you want to admit it out loud, and I only want to let you know you’re allowed to love whomever you want, and I mean that in every way possible. Older, younger, man, woman…whatever.”
I’ve always loved my mom. Always. She might not be perfect, but I’ve never had to question whether or not her actions come from the right place. Reminding myself of this, I mutter, “Not gay, and not interested in Dodger, or anyone else for that matter. I’m choosing to focus on me and my future, and if, by some miracle, the stars align, and I find someone I’m interested in, then…good for me. But for now, I amblissfully single, and I have no problem keeping it that way. Happy now?”
“I mean, I wouldn’t say I’m ecstatic,” she says dryly. “But I guess this’ll do.” I give her a mock glare. “Just remember. I’m your mom, and I’m allowed to check in and receive updates every once in a while.”
“And would you look at that? You just did,” I quip. “Does this mean I’m off the hook from giving you updates for the next year?”
Lips pursed, she cuts a slice of cheese, adding it to my sandwich. “I’ll give you six months.”
I roll my eyes. “Gee, thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.” Setting the freshly-made sandwich on a plate, my mom scoots it toward me as the front door opens.
“Honey, I’m home!” Tatum calls.
“Hey!” My mom wipes her hands on a dishtowel, then strides toward the entryway. “Come on in. Lia and the guys are already downstairs.”
With a quick wave, Tatum disappears down the hall toward the stairs leading to the basement, followed by Pax, Aunt Blakely, and Uncle Theo.
“Thanks for having us,” Aunt Blakely says.
“No problem at all. You guys hungry?”
“Already ate.” Uncle Theo pats his stomach. “Thanks, though.”
“We brought Mama Taylor’s famous cookies,” Aunt Blakely adds, lifting a plate of chocolate chip cookies into the air. “We’ll take them downstairs.”
“Sounds good,” my mom returns.
Once they’re out of earshot, I ask, “What are they doing here?”
“Everyone’s looking at family videos for the wedding,” my mom answers.
“The wedding’s in a week,” I remind her. “They didn’t think to do that already?”
“They’ve already gone through the photos, smarty pants, but they figured a few videos might be fun, too. Come on.” She rounds the edge of the counter. “You can sit by me.”
Down the stairs we go as I balance my sandwich on a plate. Lia and her family are already scattered around the massive sectional, along with Maverick, my dad, and…Jaxon. He’s wearing a pair of joggers, a T-shirt and running shoes. He must’ve run here, which is why his car wasn’t in the driveway and why his wife and baby seem to be missing.
Perfect.
My pulse spikes as my heels dig into the ground. My mom gives me a funny look and moves past me, grabbing my dad’s attention. When he sees us, he smiles, patting the cushion beside him.
I can feel Tate’s stare as she cuddles up beside Pax on one of the side couches while a video of Maverick playing roller hockey with the rest of the guys in the circle outside our home plays on the television screen. Forcing my feet to move, I round the edge of the couch, keeping a wide berth from Jaxon, who’s seated in one of the leather chairs on the opposite side of the room. Prickles break out along my arms, and I sit on the edge of the cushion.
