Page 57 of Lucky Baller
“Right?” she agrees with him. “I was surprised myself.”
I should give them a hard time, but the smile on her face makes any amount of ribbing worth it.
“All right, here’s a menu. What can I get you to drink?”
“Water for me, please,” Tessa says.
“Same for me, Henry, thanks.”
“I want to try something different. Any suggestions?” Tessa asks, her eyes scanning the menu.
“It’s all good. I’ve never had anything that came from Henry’s kitchen that wasn’t.”
“Really? Okay.” She scans the menu again. “I think I’m going to go with chicken tenders and onion rings.”
“Excellent choice,” Henry says, placing our drinks and straws in front of us. “What about you, Landon?”
“I’ll have the same. Barbecue sauce, please.” I hand him my menu.
“Tessa? Barbecue?”
“Yes, please.” She opens her straw and places it in her drink, taking a long pull. “How was your day?”
It’s a question I’ve come to expect from her; she actually cares about how my day went, not the money or the fame, but how it affected me. “Good. I didn’t do a lot. I went to the gym and worked out, then did a little cleaning.”
“Cleaning? I thought you had someone who cleaned for you?”
“I do, but this kind of cleaning is all on me. I just went through some of my clothes, moved some things around.” What I don’t tell her is that I cleared out a couple of drawers for her and made some space in my closet and in the bathroom for her things. I want her to feel comfortable at my place, and this is just another way of me showing her. I want her. I want her in my house, in my bed, in my life, and by my side.
“Look at you being all domestic,” she teases.
I just shake my head and smile. “What about you? The phones were crazy?”
“Almost as soon as your Tweet went out, the lines were lit up, and it was like that all day. Turns out, the quarterback for the Cougars has a pretty big fan base.”
“There’s only one fan I’m interested in.”
“JJ’s loyalty lies with his daddy’s team, so you’re safe.”
Reaching across the table, I take her hand in mine. “Just you, Tess. You’re the only one who matters.”
“Barker!” I hear yelled across the quiet room.
Turning, I see Trent and his wife, Luna, making their way toward us. “Trent, Luna, this is my girlfriend, Tessa,” I introduce as soon as they reach the table. Trent raises his eyebrows in surprise but otherwise keeps his cool. “Tess, this is Trent Caudill, our right tackle, and his wife, Luna.”
“Nice to meet you.” Luna offers Tessa her hand, and they shake.
“And this little one?” Tessa points to Luna’s pregnant belly.
“Baby Caudill. We’re not finding out until delivery.”
“Oh my gosh, I’m not sure I could do that.” Tessa smiles kindly.
“It’s been tough, trust me. I’ve almost caved a few times, but this one”—she points over her shoulder at Trent—“keeps me on course.”
“It’s exciting to find out the day he or she’s born. There are too many things in life that are instant gratification. There’s something to be said for the waiting… and the suspense.” Trent pulls Luna in close, and I happen to agree with him.
“I guess I never put much thought into it,” Tessa states. “When are you due?”
