AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I don’t want her freaking out,” I admit. “She’s kind of jumpy.”
“Oh, don’t be silly. She’d probably love to meet us.”
“Ava. Baby.” The warning tone in Dad’s voice is kind of funny. “Don’t be too pushy.”
“Am I ever pushy?” she asks, sounding put out.
“Yes,” we both answer simultaneously.
“You’re both ridiculous.” Mom rolls her eyes. “Let’s go meet her.”
She’s about to walk over to Willow and her family, but I grab hold of Mom’s arm, stopping her. “It’s still too new between us. Like, we’re not even … anything yet.”
Mom considers me, her lips pursed. She looks young tonight, wearing the Lancaster Prep football gear and her bright blonde hair in a ponytail. I can see why my dad fell head over heels for her. Why he’s still so gone over her. It’s not just because of her looks either. She has a big heart and she loves hard. Puts her family above all else and does her best to make us all happy.
“You’ll be something,” Mom finally says. “You have that same determined look on your face that your dad always wore when he was in hot pursuit of me.”
“I was in hot pursuit?” Dad asks.
“Don’t play it cool, Eli. You know you were completely obsessed with me,” Mom tosses at him.
“Fair.” Dad wraps Mom up in his arms, squeezing her close. “Your mom is right. I was obsessed. Still am.”
“Please don’t start making out here.” I groan, wishing Cal was with me so our protests would shut them down quicker.
But they just laugh at me and Dad kisses Mom in front of God and everybody.
“Hey, Rhett.”
I turn to find Rowan approaching us, his parents trailing behind him, along with Willow.
Oh shit. They came over here. That wasn’t expected.
“Hey, Row. Good game today,” I tell him, even though I already complimented him on his game play earlier.
“Same to you. You were awesome.” Row smiles and I swear it’s faintly devious. “Wanted to introduce you to my parents. My father was impressed.”
From the smirk on Row’s face, I get the feeling he did this knowing full well I’m into his sister. Meaning, I owe him one.
“I’ve been impressed. You’ve turned this program around, Rhett.” Row and Willow’s dad steps forward, thrusting his hand toward me. “Crew Lancaster.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.” I shake his hand and also his wife’s when he introduces her to me.
“You look just like Will,” I tell Wren Lancaster as I shake her hand, sounding like an idiot.
“Most people say she looks like me,” she says, laughing. “You know Willow?”
“I do.” My gaze shifts to Will, who’s eating me up with her eyes. Making me stand a little taller. “We’re—friends.”
“I’m Rhett’s mother. Ava,” Mom says, stepping toward Willow. “It’s nice to meet you.”
Introductions are made all around, the parents chatting like they’re old friends right out the gate. I stand back, happy to see everyone getting along, noting the way my mom glances over at me every few minutes, her expression pleased.
I think she likes Willow. Thank God.
“The kids are headed to the family estate for the weekend,” Willow’s mom announces, her gaze going to me. “You and your brother should join them. I know Cal was just there. We loved having him.”
“I’m all for it,” I say without hesitation. “You don’t mind having us?”
