Page 77 of Lucky Baller
“What?” I stop and look at her. “You didn’t tell me that!”
She shrugs. “We’ve been tossing around the idea, and that was his concession. I can stay with you and Caroline instead of at the team hotel, but we start trying.”
“That’s amazing.”
“It is.” She waggles her eyebrows, and we all laugh.
“What about Landon?” Mom asks once we’re in the car and headed toward her place. “When do I get to meet him?”
“This afternoon, they’re having a team dinner that immediate family gets to attend at the hotel. We have to be there at three. It’s early to bed for the boys tonight, and game day’s tomorrow.”
“Boys,” Mom scoffs. “Have you seen them? I can only imagine they’re even larger in person.”
“They are some big boys,” Autumn agrees.
We spend the rest of the ride catching up. Autumn tells Mom stories of JJ and Pinky, and I fill her in on how things are going with Landon. I leave out the more intimate details. Mom and I are close, but not that close.
“Home sweet home,” Mom says, pulling into the driveway of her small ranch home. “You girls get settled in. Grab a nap. Whatever you need. We have about three hours before we need to head to the hotel. It’s about thirty minutes from here.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’m going to freshen up, then I’ll be back down. I never get to see you. I’m not going to nap away the time we do have.”
Her eyes glisten with unshed tears. “I’d like that.”
Lugging my bag down the hall, I point Autumn in the direction of her room and then disappear into mine. Pulling my phone out of my pocket, I text Landon.
Me: Hey, just made it to Mom’s. Are we still on for this afternoon?
Landon: Yes!
Me: Good. See you soon.
Landon: I miss you.
His message is followed by an image of him pouting. He’s pretending to be sad, but the happiness in his blue eyes gives him away.
Me: Miss you, too.
Tossing my phone onto the bed, I grab some clothes to change into and head to the bathroom to freshen up before making myway downstairs to spend some time with Mom. Walking past Autumn’s door, I hear her on the phone with JJ. He’s staying with Jeremy’s sister, Alice, this weekend, and he’s rambling on about all the fun stuff they’ve been doing. Autumn and Jeremy are great parents, and I can’t wait to watch their family grow.
My palms are sweating as we walk into the hotel. I don’t know why I’m suddenly so nervous for Landon and my mom to meet. Maybe it’s because it was high school the last time I introduced her to anyone. Maybe it’s because I’m afraid he’ll see the house I grew up in and it hits him that I’m just some common girl and that our lives are too different. Maybe it’s because I love him with my entire being, and I’m afraid that by letting him into my past and developing a connection with my mom, the pain is going to be even more striking if this ends.
“Tess!” I hear him call out for me. My eyes scan the crowd until I see him. Suddenly, all my worries fade away. His cerulean blue eyes are shining, and his dimples are on full display when he reaches us. He doesn’t care who’s around. He pulls me into his arms and buries his face in my neck. “Missed you,” he murmurs.
Lifting his head but keeping me in his arms, I embrace him and cuddle into his chest. “Landon Barker. So nice to meet you, Caroline.” He takes the initiative and introduces himself to my mother.
“Nice to meet you, as well. I’d ask if you’re taking good care of her, but I think I have my answer.” Mom’s smile is broad as she takes in the two of us cuddled together.
I know I should pull away from him, but I can’t seem to make myself do it. Not to mention, I don’t think he would let me if I tried.
“I’ve got us a table. Autumn, Jeremy is with us, as well. He’s talking with Coach Neil and the team owner. He’ll join us in a few.” He looks down at me and kisses my forehead. “Let’s get seated.” He finally drops his arms, links his fingers through mine, and guides us through the masses. Players and their families linger everywhere in the large room. “This is us.” He pulls the chair out for me and then tries to for my mom, but she and Autumn are already sitting.
The four of us make small talk over the appetizers, and by the time the salads are served, it feels like we’ve all been friends for years. There’s no awkward silence or lull in conversation. Landon is at ease, as is my mother. Her smile tells me she really likes him. Autumn has met my mom a few times since I’ve known her, so she fits into the conversation just as smoothly. Jeremy joins us, and Mom tells him she loves his accent, so he lays on the charm, hamming it up for her. Autumn just smiles and rolls her eyes.
“This was amazing,” Mom says, pushing her plate back. “Landon, thank you for inviting me. I know this is a family event, but it was nice to get to meet you and see the two of you together.”
“And me,” Jeremy chimes in, making us all laugh.
“It was my pleasure. Besides,” he turns and looks at me, his eyes softening, “we’re family now.” The look in his eyes tells me he means what he says, and by the audible “Awes” coming from Mom and Autumn, they know it, too.
