Page 97 of Wild Card
“I could get him to listen. I just don’t think he’s worth the fight.” Madison sits back in her seat.
“I’d like to see that death match.” Easton laughs.
“You know I could, and I could get Mom on our side too,” Madison argues.
“Don’t involve Mom. She has to live with him every day already.” I shake my head.
“Well, I for one don’t think your old man knows what he’s talking about when it comes to you. I might not be a pro ball coach, but I’ve watched a hell of a lot of football, and you’re the best wide receiver I’ve ever seen. Your routes, your speed… Hell, just your intuition. Don’t let him tell you otherwise,” Scarlett’s dad pipes in and everyone gets quiet and exchanges looks.
“Dad, I think it’s probably a family discussion here. We’re just supposed to eat our food and politely pretend we’re not hearing it.” Scarlett looks at him and then back at me, giving me a sheepish shrug.
“You guys are family as far as I’m concerned.” I kiss the top of her head before I look at her dad. “And thank you. Truly. It means a lot to hear you say that. Scarlett’s told me about your coaching career in high school, and it’s impressive. Those are formative years for players. Takes someone with a lot more guts, stamina, and patience than someone like my dad could ever have. He gets guys fully formed from men like you and then claims he’s responsible for all their talent. Like their high school and college coaches didn’t exist. It’s bullshit. So hearing it from you… Thank you.”
Her dad’s cheeks get a little pink as he grins at me and nods, and Scarlett runs her fingers over my knee, her eyes saying everything for her. When I look up, Madison is grinning ear to ear and looking at Wren with a little smirk on her face. Wren grins at me and takes a sip of her drink.
“Oh fuck. They’re conspiring again.” East grunts and then takes a sip of his beer.
“It’s what sisters do.” Madison grins and clinks her glass against Wren’s before settling back again.
“Just keep anything conspiratorial until after Sunday, okay? My nerves are already on edge.” I raise a brow at them.
“Of course,brother.” Madison gives me an innocent look for all of two seconds before it morphs into devious territory.
FIFTY-TWO
Scarlett
It feels absolutelywild to have seats at this game. I’d almost told Tobias no when he offered them just because I knew how expensive they’d be and how many people would want them, but watching my dad cozy up and chat sports with Easton while we wait for Tobias to take to the field is well worth it. And to be in the box with the rest of the girls feels like a dream come true. I watch as Wren, Mackenzie, and their friend Olivia have Joss take a picture of them together with the field in the background. Apparently, Olivia’s husband, Liam, is also on the coaching staff for the Chicago Blaze, the team playing the Phantom tonight, and the same team that Tobias and Easton’s father coaches.
Harper walks up and leans her head on my shoulder.
“So if I’d bet you a year ago that the two of us would beherein a suite… would you have taken it?”
“Hell no. Well, maybe you. I could have seen you here with your asshole ex. But I have no idea how I would have ended up here.”
“And the two of us dating best friends?”
“I mean, I couldn’t be the only one with the hot football player boyfriend at our museum reopening.”
“Clearly the only reason you’re in love with Tobias.”
“Obviously. It’s all a ruse for the arm candy.” I grin.
“So I’m not the only one? Thank God.” Joss laughs.
“I seriously need them to win tonight though.” Violet joins us as we stare down at the pre-game festivities on the field.
“Agreed.” Harper nods.
“Of course they’re going to win—” Joss starts, and Madison slaps a hand over her mouth.
“No!” Madison shakes her head. “Absolutely do not say anything like that. It’s bad.”
“Very superstitious.” Joss raises a brow at her when she removes her hand.
“You would be too if you grew up with those three around all the time. Rewearing stinky clothes, everything having to be in a certain order, repeating cheers backward, sitting in the same spot on the couch before the game every time—you name it, one of them did it.”
“Oh look we’re on the TV.” Wren points out.
