Page 64 of Once Upon A Player
We let ourselves in, and I can almost hear her brain working overtime as she gazes around the hall. It’s true the whole house could do with a makeover, but it’s also true that’s never going to happen. Not if Dad has a say. And, to be honest, I don’t want to change anything here, either.
“This is so perfect,” she whispers, and squeezes my fingers. I can’t resist and kiss her. She’s so sweet and gorgeous, and I slide my other hand around the back of her neck, holding her close.
Never gonna let you go.I can’t wait until we move to Madrid. Bec’s hunting down suitable property for me to look at, and Violet can redecorate and redesign the whole place however she wants.
“I’d say get a room, but that’d just berude.” Mackenzie’s exasperated voice penetrates my fogged brain, and I reluctantly release Violet, who has the sexiest blush on her cheeks.
“Hey, Mac.” I wrap my arm around Violet’s waist, and we make our way toward my sister, who’s standing with her arms crossed by the door to the sitting room.
Mac ignores me. “Hi, Violet.Dad’s looking forward to meeting you.”
Dad and Margo, an old family friend, are on one sofa, Harry and Alice on the other, and Will’s sprawled on the piano seat, a smirk on his face. He already knows my news, as I called him after seeing Violet earlier today, and it’s no surprise he’s here. He’s as much part of the family as the peeling paintwork.
“Lucas,” Dad says as he stands up and strolls over to me. He shoots Violet a bemused glance. “Mackenzie tells me congratulations are in order.”
“Thanks. Violet, this is my dad. Dad, this is Violet.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Violet says.
Dad blinks at her. It’s obvious the fact I’ve brought a girl here—one who isn’t Yolanda—has completely perplexed him. He’s a genius, but he sure isn’t great in normal social situations.
Funny I’ve never realized that before.
“Splendid,” he says, offering her his hand. “It’s marvelous to finally meet one of Lucas’s girlfriends.”
What the fuck? I glower at him before catching Violet trying not to laugh. Obviously, she’s not fazed by Dad’s off the wall comment.
“Daddy.” Mac slips her arm through his and pats his hand. “Violet isn’t one of Lucas’s girlfriends. They’re dating. Like Harry and Alice.”
“Ah,” Dad says, although he looks none the wiser. “Good. So, are you at university or, ah…?”
“I’m at college studying interior design.”
“She revamped Lucas’s place,” Mac says. “It looks fantastic.”
Margo joins us, and I do the intros. “Delighted to meet you, Violet,” Margo says. Violet smiles politely, and it’s clear, to me at least, she hasn’t the faintest idea that Margo’s the anchor for the BBC’s most popular current affairs program.
Margo turns to me. “And well done, you.” She gives me a hug. “I know how hard you’ve worked these last six months.”
I’m a bit staggered by that, although I shouldn’t be. Margo knows nearly everything about our family, and my injury and rehab are hardly a secret. I guess I’m just surprised she thinks it’s worth congratulating. “Cheers.”
“Yes, very good news about your knee. Well done getting back in the game,” Dad says, striking me speechless. I’ve never done anything to merit him sayingwell doneto me before.
Have I?
“When are you buggering off, then?” Will says, sauntering over to us.
“Soon.” I know exactly when, but I want to tell Violet before anyone else, and I’m saving that surprise until Thursday night.
“All right then. Coffee?” Harry stands up and shoots me a grin that conveys he’s stoked for me, before he and Alice leave the room.
For the next twenty minutes or so, I’m explaining to Dad the finer points involved in a transfer, my new club, and assuring him that it doesn’t affect my eligibility to play for England. Bloody hell, I’m amazed he even remembers I play for England. But he not only remembers, he even knows my shirt number.
Eventually, the conversation moves on to the latest political scandal, and I give Violet a smile. We’re sharing the same sofa as Harry and Alice, Mac’s curled up in the corner of the other one, and Will’s stretched out on one of the wingback chairs beside the fireplace. What remains of supper is scattered over the big coffee table, and an odd sense of peace settles in my chest.
Huh, that’s weird. I’m usually compelled to be the life and soul of the party, even when it’s just my family. But with Violet by my side, our fingers entwined, I don’t have any complex, twisted need to overcompensate.
A couple of hours later, when Harry and Alice stand up to leave, we follow them into the hall and say our own goodbyes, too.
