Page 55 of Hidden Plays
Yep, this was exactly what I thought it was. “Hi, Mom and hi, Dad.” I sank into the pillow at my headboard, setting my book on the bed. “How are you?”
“Great, son. Your mother tells me things are going well at school?” Dad asked.
“They are. I’ve been having some IT band pain, but my trainer has me doing a new physical therapy routine.” Talking medical shit was always easiest with him. I rubbed a finger against my duvet.
“IT band, huh?” He huffed a breath. “That can be stubborn. I have a skilled therapist who can work?—”
“No, no, I don’t need a different person. What I’m doing is helping.” And my trainer was my boyfriend. I took a deep, calming breath. What would they say if I told them about Holden?
“Oh, okay,” Dad said.
“Hey, Jordan, I wanted to be sure you could come home for Thanksgiving. Your sister will be here, and I know she’s dying to see you,” Mom said.
“Yeah, sure.” Shit, should I tell them about Holden? I bit the nail on my index finger. I’d like him to come and meet them. “Mom?”
“Yes, honey,” she said.
“Can I bring someone?” My pulse thrummed in my ears. It would have been simpler to ask if Dad weren’t on the phone, but to hell with it.
“Who?” Dad asked.
“A guy…a boyfriend.” I scraped my teeth over my lip. “I have a boyfriend now. In fact, he’s a student trainer on the team.” I didn’t know what plans Holden had, but maybe I could drag him from his family for the day. Or as other couples did, we’d visit to two houses for Thanksgiving. I smiled. Would he be out by then?
“Of course you can. How long have you been dating this boy?” Mom asked.
“About a month and his name’s Holden.” It was hard to tell how long it had been, since the beginning had been fake. But I might include it anyway, because shit happened between us from the start.
“Focus on your studies and football, not on some trainer,” Dad huffed.
“Dan, don’t be like that. I told you about the last boy. Be happy for him.” Mom tsked.
Yeah, I wouldn’t have mentioned Holden around Dad except he was on the phone now. “He’s not just any trainer, Dad. He’s a good one, and he…I knew him in high school. He used to play football too, so he understands. He got the MVP award his senior year, when I was a junior.”
“The year you were supposed to get it? Is it Holden Cox?” Dad asked. “Why isn’t he playing now?”
Shit, here we go.I didn’t want to get into what happened in high school with Dad. I’d leave that part of the question alone. I had to prove to Dad that Holden was worth it and wouldn’t impede my NFL career. Would he ask these questions if I weredating a woman? Drawing a deep inhale, I said, “Yes, it’s him. He injured his knee that year in the championships, ACL tear and broken bone, I don’t know which one. It was a critical hit, and he never recovered enough to play again.” It was an explanation Dad would understand at least.
“Oh…” Dad sighed. “I’m sorry.”
“Oh, Jordan, I’m so happy you found someone. I remember watching him play in your high school games. He was a great quarterback. I can’t wait to meet him. I’m sorry his injury was so bad. Of course you can bring him to Thanksgiving,” Mom gushed.
“Thanks, Mom. I have to discuss it with him first, but I hope he can make it.” We had a few weeks to plan. I wrinkled my brows. I should show some interest in my father. “Uh, Dad, how’s work?”
“It’s the same. I’ve been in surgery at all hours this week. There were a lot of car accidents. I can’t explain why, but either these things happen all at once or not at all.” He sighed. “Please be safe driving out there. The snowbirds are back and?—”
“I know, Dad. They don’t know how to drive in Phoenix.” I chuckled. It was a running joke among those of us who lived here full time. Once the cooler months hit, tourists and part-time residents flooded the valley. Traffic almost doubled from the summer months.
“Well, just be careful,” he said.
This was his way of showing he cared. “Yes, Dad, I promise.” I glanced at my book. I should get back to it. “Speaking of school, I have some reading to do.”
“Oh, we’ll let you go then,” Mom said. “Confirm Holden’s holiday plan, okay?”
“I will.” I pursed my lips. So much could happen between now and then. Would he come out to his parents so soon, or would he wait? “Love you both. Bye.”
“Bye,” they said in unison.
Ending the call, I slunk further into my pillows, my gazeresting on my ceiling fan. I’d never brought a guy home for a family holiday. I hoped it all worked out and didn’t implode.
