Page 113 of Sweeper
“Well, I’d certainly like to have a relationship with you,” Vi states and smiles sincerely at me. “Dad says you and Daphney are close, and she is my sister-in-law, so it seems natural for us to get to know each other.”
My body tenses at the mention of Daphney’s name. “Daphney and I are just friends.” The words feel foreign and wrong on my tongue even though I’ve said it around this group countless times. The only problem now is, it’s true. But also, not true because I don’t know how I can be friends with someone I’ve fallen in love with.
I want to take the words I said to Vi back and spill my guts about the whole fucked-up situation, but this isn’t the time nor place nor people, for that matter. I’ve got Link and Knight for that.
“That might be for the best,” Gareth says firmly, and Vi frowns over at her brother, who’s looking at me with a dubious expression. He narrows his eyes at me in warning. “Things could get awkward for you around here if you ever broke her heart.”
My chest aches, and I wonder briefly if any of them would ever consider that it’s Daphney who’s the heartbreaker. They know her and Hayden better than they know me, so I guess I can understand where their loyalties lie. “I can understand that.”
“Don’t listen to Gareth,” Vi scoffs, waving her brother off as she shoots me a reassuring smile. “All four of my brothers have mucked things up with their relationships more times than I can count. Then they all come running to me for advice, and I have to find a way to fix the mess they’ve made. It’s a very common brother/sister dynamic that you’ll become well aware of in due time, I’m sure. If you and Daphney have something between you two, don’t you dare let these prats scare you off her. She’s a wonderful person.”
I force a smile that I’m sure looks pained. I appreciate that Vi is talking to me like I’m part of the family already, but the truth is, her words about Daphney cut me deep. Daphneyisa wonderful person. And the fact that we were over before we even started is something I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to get over. Living next door to her will be hell, especially because the very last thing I want to be is her friend.
I refocus my attention on everyone else at the table. Vi has made it very clear she wants a relationship with me, but I’d like to know where everyone else’s head is at.
I steel myself before asking, “So, what about the rest of you?” I cough softly as my voice gets caught in my throat. “Where do I stand with all of you?”
“I want you here as much as you’re comfortable,” Vaughn says, pinning me with a serious look. “I do not want to replace your father in any way, but I do want to get to know you, Zander. I want to hear about your upbringing and cheer on your future. I want to be a part of your life in whatever way feels right for us.”
I nod slowly at Vaughn, and an image of my dad washes over me. I can’t imagine how he’d feel about all of this. Would he be hurt? Jealous? Disappointed?
Then I remember the kind of man he was at his core. The kind of man who wanted to raise another man’s baby without hesitation. The kind of man who supported my soccer aspirations even though soccer was never his thing. The kind of man who put together a damn highlight reel to get me a college scholarship. The kind of man who gave me the best example of being a father so that someday, I can be that to my own children.
My dad won’t be hurt. He’ll be happy for me. Maybe even proud that I had the courage to put myself out there like this. And I got it all from him.
“I’d like that very much,” I reply to Vaughn because it’s the truth. I’m not trying to replace my dad, but I’m not going to act like I wouldn’t appreciate a connection with the man who is responsible for my existence.
“Teammate is just another word for family, isn’t it?” Tanner says, sitting back and crossing his arms over his chest casually. “I’ll take either label with you. What’s another Harris brother to add in the mix?”
“He’s a Williams,” Vaughn corrects, and Tanner tips his head to me respectfully.
My brows twitch as I feel taken aback by his surprisingly poetic declaration. He certainly never sounds like that at Tower Park.
“My daughter Sophia is adopted,” Gareth offers, folding his hands in front of him. “But I don’t need to share DNA with her to know she’s mine. I’m sure in time, I’m going to feel the same way with you.”
A knot forms in my throat as Camden adds, “I say, let the fun begin. It’ll be nice having another sibling to fuck about on the pitch since these two tossers are retired.”
I laugh and shake my head. “I think I had your number at Emirates.”
“Bollocks,” Camden scoffs and waves me away. “One bad game doesn’t a career make. I have a lot more years in me to embarrass you out there.”
“I look forward to it,” I respond, nodding fondly.
All eyes turn to Booker because he’s the only one who hasn’t made any clear indications on how he’s feeling about all of this. Of all the brothers, I’ve felt the closest to him since coming to London. We did form a bromance, and we certainly had chemistry on the field. We protected the net together like brothers…because we were.
Booker shifts nervously in his seat and looks away to avoid eye contact with me. “Booker, I understand if you need time,” I state, my voice thick in my throat. “You and I have become close since I joined the team, and I’m sure you feel betrayed that I didn’t tell you about all of this.”
Booker’s jaw goes taut as he nods and stares at his hands. “I just…” He looks up, and I am shocked to see his eyes are full of tears. “I feel sort of cheated. Like we missed out on an entire lifetime with you.”
Relief and sadness pummel me at his words because they aren’t bad like I thought. In fact, they’re good. Very, very good. My voice is hoarse when I reply, “Luckily, we’re the young ones, so our lives are only just getting started, right?”
Booker half smiles and nods at me. “I guess I didn’t know how bad I needed a sweeper in my life.”
My returning smile is genuine. “I’m grateful to have a keeper.”
“Oh, for the love of fuck all,” Tanner scoffs, throwing his arms out wide. “If this is going to turn into a sappy made-for-TV movie, someone pass me a bucket because I’m going to be sick.”
Booker rolls his eyes as Gareth turns a lethal glare to Tanner. “We’ve all had to put up with you and Camden licking each other—”
