“I feel like you get bigger every time I see you,” Mom says to Quinn, pulling him in for a hug.
“Maybe you’re starting to shrink.” He pats her gently on the back.
“It’s entirely possible. How’s the master’s thesis going? Poppy says you’re applying for your PhD.”
“It’s good. A lot of work, but worth it. And yeah, that’s the plan.”
My dad commends him on his dedication, then gives Kody the usual greeting, telling him he had a great game and making a comment about how he hopes Kody’s treating his baby girl right. It’s predictable and hilarious, because Kody never fails to get flustered and turn bright red.
My mom rolls her eyes. “Give Kody a break, Alex. You’ve known him since he was in diapers. You don’t need to give him the ‘treat my daughter like I’m watching your every move’ speech whenever we see him. It’s awkward for everyone. Especially since there are images of you and me playing dueling tongues all over social media from when we were their age.”
Dad gives Mom a look. “That’s not the point.”
“Then what is the point? We all know you’re Dad of the Year. You don’t need any more accolades, and Kody doesn’t need to have an anxiety attack every time he sees you. Besides, they’re moving in together next month. I think it’s time to let go of the whole she’s-my-baby-girl-forever ideal.”
Quinn and I stand off to the side, watching this all go down. I’m just happy that the focus isn’t on me. I missed it when my parents and Kody’s came for a visit after my sister announced she was taking a summer internship at an off-Broadway theater to design costumes. And that Kody was coming with her. Apparently, it was a real come-to-Jesus talk, where Lavender told our parents she was tired of living in a bubble. It also happened on the same day River brought his boyfriend home, unaware the ’rents were there, and finally came out to them. This semester has been eventful, that’s for sure.
Anyway, I’m a little disappointed that Lavender isn’t here tonight to endure the embarrassment along with Kody. But she’s neck-deep in making costumes for the next school performance. Having her here would probably just prolong this, though, and as fun as it is to watch Kody squirm, I’m antsy to get the inevitable dinner with the parents over with so I can do the celebrating I want to, which is the naked kind. With Clover.
My dad invites Kody and Quinn out to dinner with us, but they both cite homework. Kody probably wants to take another shower because he hates the locker room ones and Quinn is likely being honest. But my parents don’t hassle them about it. Quinn and Kody head to the parking lot on the north side of the arena.
“I noticed the scouts, were they checking up on us?” I ask as we make our way through the lobby and head for the doors.
Dad nods and claps me on the shoulder. “You had a great game tonight, and they noticed.”
“That’s good.” It’s a relief that I played well.
The parking lot is mostly empty at this point, with only a few small groups of people left heading for their cars. The sun is close to the horizon, and the sky a murky gray, clouds heavy and threatening rain. I scan the lot, assuming Clover is long gone. I’ll have to let her know I’m going to be a lot later than I planned.
I notice a couple standing near the back of the lot. At first, I don’t think anything of it, until I recognize the woman as Clover. She’s easy to spot with her green jacket. The problem is the man—it’s freaking Gabriel.What the hell is he up to?
I don’t weigh the consequences of my actions as I drop my backpack on the sidewalk. “I gotta handle this.”
“Handle what?” my mom asks.
I leave my parents standing there and jog in Clover’s direction. “Hey!” I shout.
Gabriel’s head swings around, and so does Clover’s. Her eyes flare when she sees me walking toward them. She gives me a quick headshake, but it’s too late. Gabriel’s expression turns stormy. At least they’re in the corner of the lot, and it’s mostly empty at this point. The bad part is that my parents are following me.
It’s too late to turn around and walk away—not that I want to—but I stop about fifteen feet from where they’re standing. “Everything okay, Professor?”
“It’s fine. Thank you,” she calls. If she weren’t wearing a jacket, she’d definitely be holding the edges of her cardigan together.
I can tell she’s anything but fine. And the fact that her ex is here, after staying away for weeks, is a huge red flag.
Gabriel’s lip curls, eyes shifting between the two of us. “What the hell are you thinking, Clover?” He turns to me. “You need to stay away from my wife.”
When he takes a step toward me, Clover grabs for hissleeve, but he shakes her off. “I don’t know what you think you’re doing, but it needs to stop. Now.”
“What’s going on?” my dad asks.
I raise my hands, as if I have no idea what he’s talking about, as if he’s lost his mind. “I’m just checking in since you seem pretty hostile.”
“I’m not an idiot. I know what you’re doing. She’s still married to me.” He points at himself. “And you need to back off.”
Clover’s fingers are at her lips, and thankfully the hood of her jacket is pulled up, shielding her face and her identity. “Gabriel, this is inappropriate, and you have no idea what you’re talking about,” she says. “He’s a student.” Her voice wavers.
“Well, that’s the fucking problem, isn’t it?” he spits.
