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We stand off to the side, but it only takes a second for my mom to approach, and here’s where it begins.
“Andrea, may I speak with you for a moment?” She eyes Sean and then focuses back on me. “In private.”
“Actually, I think I’m fine right here.” If I’m going to make it, I can’t handle one of her beatdowns, so I’m going to keep myself planted beside Sean.
She fidgets with her pearls and looks around. “I don’t understand what’s going on here.”
I shift Ax to my other hip, and he grabs a handful of my hair. “What is it that you don’t understand?”
“This?” She waggles her finger between Sean and I.
“Uh…it’s pretty clear, I think.” I don’t even try to hide my annoyance. “This is Sean Greyson. The man I was supposedly sleeping with. Now, he’s here with me. See, crystal clear.”
“Andrea, this is unacceptable. This, whatever it is, can’t be serious. Brice has been patient, and it’s time–”
As if she knows, Gem taps her ring against her glass and tells us that dinner is ready to be served. I grab Sean’s hand againand tug him toward the dining room, not caring to finish that conversation.
While everyone decides on seats, surprisingly, my dad takes a moment to shake Sean’s hand and welcomes him, telling him it’s nice to see him again. I would be shocked, but this is very characteristic of my father. He’s completely detached and indifferent to pretty much everything unless it has to do with his job. It’s how it’s always been.
Everyone sits while I put Ax in his high chair and dump a few puffs on his tray.
Sean waits for me to sit and then moves his chair closer to mine, making me smile. My parents sit across from us, with Bev and John next to them. Gerald and his wife are on the other side of Sean and me.
Gem glowers at Brice as she tosses a plate and silverware down in front of him at the end and far away from me.
“So Andrea,” Bev leans forward. “This is the first time we’re meeting your little one. What’s his name?”
Before I can respond, my mother jumps in. “His name is AJ. He’s going to grow into such a strong young man.”
I feel Sean’s arm press into mine like a checking point.
“Actually,” I address Bev, ignoring my mom. “His name is Axel Joshua.”
Bev smiles.
“But AJ is such a stronger, more suitable name.” My mom tosses it out like she has a say.
“Dinner will be out in just a minute,” Gem incepts. “I’m so happy you could all join me this evening. It’s been such a long time since I’ve entertained. I hope we can all enjoy ourselves and remember another decade simply means I have so many more things to be grateful for.” She turns and runs a hand over Ax’s head, giving me an apologetic smile.
I try for a reassuring one, but it’s difficult.
The food is served, and Gerald keeps Sean busy talking all things football while my parents talk hospital and country club with Bev, John, and Brice.
When a lull in conversation takes over, Brice makes it an opportunity to be a jackass.
“So Sean, rumors are you haven’t been cutting it, and there’s talk about you being traded before the season is over. Surely, that’s putting a strain on…things. When are you leaving?”
Sean rests back in his seat and swings his arm over the back of my chair, his hand wrapping around my shoulder. “Clearly, you don’t understand much about the game or how these organizations work. My stats are as competitive as they can get. You can put stock in whatever rumors you want, but everything else that may or may not be going on or how anything or anyone is affected is confidential.”
I bite my lip to prevent my grin, but it’s quickly squashed as Brice presses on.
“The benefit you and Andie put together was really something. I didn’t know you were a foster kid. It’s interesting that’s one story that hasn’t been shared.”
Sean sets his fork down. “It’s not a story that needs to be shared. It’s not a secret, but my childhood is just that, mine.”
“Don’t you think your fans would love to hear the story about a boy overcoming hardship and difficulty making it to the pros? I mean, all those years, you had to go through some pretty tough stuff.”
I feel Sean stiffen, his fingers pressing into my skin.
