Page 91 of Wild Card
“I know. But I wanted to see you, and if you won’t come to the stadium, I gotta come to you. They came so we can surprise your dad. I hope that’s okay. I thought he might like it.”
“Like it? He’s gonna die, Tobias. You’re going to kill him on his 60thbirthday.” I laugh and then I hurry over to congratulate the rest of the guys on their win.
“Ben and Violet are coming shortly. They went to get dinner with Mac and Waylon first. They gotta get home with the kiddo, so they didn’t want to come all the way out here.”
“Oh, of course. They don’t have to come all the way out here either.” I shake my head. “Really. It’s thoughtful of them but tell them they don’t have to.”
“It’s kind of on their way. But I’ll let them know you don’t want them.” He smirks and I poke him gently in the side.
The bartender returns with my pitchers of beer, and I go to grab the cash I tucked in my pocket, but Tobias waves me off.
“Can you start a tab for me? Put those on it and whatever all these guys want?”
The bartender’s eyes go wide. “Holy fuck, man. Good fucking game. Oh my god. All of you?”
“Yeah. Try to keep it low key though? We’re here for a family party.”
“Sure. Sure. Of course. And no tab. It’s on the house.”
“You sure? I’m happy to pay.”
“Yeah, this bar exists because of you guys, so I think we’re good. I’m the owner’s son, Danny. Nice to meet you.” He holds out his hand, and Tobias shakes it.
“Well thanks, man.”
“Can’t wait to see you on the field again. Hopefully next week?”
“We’ll see.” Tobias smiles, and I hug him again as he wraps an arm around me.
“All right. Give me your orders, and we’ll get them going. Let us know if you need food too.”
The guys all put their orders in, and Joss and Harper go off to find a table near where my dad’s party is happening. Which reminds me, I have to tell Tobias I haven’t told him yet.
“One thing,” I say as we start to gather our drinks and the pitchers I ordered.
“What’s that?”
“I haven’t told my dad yet. Honestly, I thought he would have a heart attack, so I just was waiting until after his birthday and stuff. Plus I wasn’t sure if he’d believe me.”
“Oh. Do you not want him to know?” There’s a distinct change in Tobias’s tone.
“No. No. It’s not that. I just have no idea how he’ll react, and I guess if we’re giving him a heart attack already then might as well see it through.” I grin at him.
“If you don’t want to tell him for a while, we don’t have to. I get that my recent history isn’t the best.”
“Um, I absolutely want to brag to my dad and all of his friends that I’m dating his favorite player. I also want to see my cousin Becky have a meltdown that you’re dating someone and it’s me. Priceless family memories right there.”
“All right. As long as you’re sure. I don’t want to create tension on his birthday.”
“Nope. But just… prepare yourself. Because once they realize you’re here, this place is going to erupt.”
When we get close, I have Tobias hang back with the rest of our friends and go to talk to my dad.
“Dad!” I yell over the TVs and the chatter, but he doesn’t hear me at first. I have to cup my hands around my mouth and bellow to get his attention. His friends hear me too and part down the middle, so I can walk up to him.
“What’s up, Scar?” He looks at me.
“Well first, here’s your beer refills. Try to share and not down one all yourself.”
