Page 39 of The Comeback

Unfortunately, they outgrew the adorable stage 20 years ago, and now all you get is big feet and an empty pantry.

Chapter Twenty

Weston

After stuffing my face with chicken and beef fajitas, I lean back in the chair. Charlotte’s mom, Ruth, was worried I wouldn’t like one of the meat selections, so she made both. I’m going to explode. “The food was delicious. Thank you so much for inviting me into your home.”

After the initial welcome-to-the-neighborhood interrogation, I was worried the day would be painful, but it wasn’t. She was right. Her mom is a wonderful person and made me feel comfortable.

“You’re welcome.” Ruth pushes her chair back. “It was a pleasure to have you here.” She walks behind Charlotte’s seat and puts her hand on her shoulder. “I’m impressed with this one. Don’t run him off.”

“Mom….” She narrows her eyes.

“I’m serious. I like this one.” Ruth squeezes her shoulder, grabs a couple of plates, and walks into the kitchen.

“Are you settling in?” Coach Tillman crosses his arms over his chest. He’s asked me to call him Brett, but I’m not sure that’s going to happen.

“We’re still in the hotel. I don’t want to be presumptuous and move into a house–yet. I’ll find a house to buy and settle in if the contract goes through.”

Charlotte pushes her chair back and collects her plate. Her eyes don’t meet mine as she follows in the same footsteps her mother took.

Even though we’ve talked about my goals, the contract weighs heavily on our relationship. She’s made it clear she’s not packing up and moving to a new town, and long-distance relationships don’t work. At least not long-term.

My stomach clenches. Is it fair to keep seeing each other when I don’t know what the future holds?

Fuck. I’m a selfish asshole. I can’t stay away from her. I swallow over the lump in my throat.

Coach Tillman cocks his head. “You’re making improvements.”

“On Friday, Weston was back to pre-injury speed. I watched Coach Rowland clock him.”

“That’s good news.” He nods as if he always knew I had it in me. At least one of us did. “What makes you think you won’t stay on the team?”

“I spoke with my agent. He’s still optimistic, but there’s not been any progress toward a number and years.”

“Don’t stress about it.” He presses his lips together. “I’ve been doing this for a long time. Someone is going to want you on their team. You’ve still got it. Just like I thought you did.”

“Thanks.” Warmth settles in my chest. To have the support of one of my idols feels good. Adding to that, he’s my girlfriend’s father. It’s like putting the icing on the cake. “It’s all thanks to Charlotte. I hadn’t made any solid progress in six months. Then in less than a week, she’s whipped me into shape.”

“She’s whipped something.” Ace snickers and then groans while grabbing his shin. “Ouch, asshole.” He glares at Knox.

“Stop. No one here wants to think about our sister getting serviced by Weston. Especially dad.”

Heat fills my face. It’s one thing for the guys to give me a hard time, but in front of her dad–that’s not my idea of a good time. Yes, we’re adults, but still, no father wants to picture their daughter naked in bed–or in front of a wall-to-wall mirror–with another person.

“Boys.” Coach Tillman glares. “Enough already. We’re at the table. You know that sex talk is not allowed at the dining table.”

“Fine. We’ll go into the living room.” Hayden shoves his chair back and stands.

“No, you won’t.” Ruth breezes in from the kitchen. “You’ll help with the dishes.”

“I can do that.” I stack my silverware onto my empty plate. “Charlotte told me about the wager, and then we made our own. She bet that she’d get me back to pre-injury shape and that I’d enjoy ballet.” Who would have thought I’d be saying those words? “So, I’ve got to do the dishes.”

“Yes.” Hayden and Ace high-five and disappear from the room.

“Boys,” Ruth hollers after them, to no avail. She shifts her attention to me. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I don’t mind. Besides, it gives me an excuse to spend time with your daughter.” I grab the plates, determined to settle the wager.

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