I was about to have lunch with Trip’s parents. With that startling thought I jumped up and ran to the shower.
I walked into the quaint restaurant ten minutes early, which was a miracle considering the time I took curling my hair and applying makeup. Before I got dressed I researched the restaurant and felt somewhat confident in my tight jeans and burgundy Pappies top. When I noticed my reflection in the window, Robin’s picture popped in my mind. It wasn’t hard to understand why Trip chose her grace and sophistication over me.
I was surprised when I saw Trip’s parents already seated. They waved me over, and I forced my feet to move one step in front of the other.
“McKenna, I’m so glad you agreed to meet us.”
“Selina, Al, thank you for inviting me.” I smiled and took my seat, grateful when the waiter hurried and brought the iced tea I ordered.
“I’m sure you’re curious as to why we invited you to lunch,” Selina said, her eyes cutting over to her husband’s.
My mind whirled. Until that moment I couldn’t think of one reason they’d invite me out. But sitting in front of them now, it was glaringly apparent. They were here to warn me away from Trip.
Trip was now a part of a sports power couple. His time as my pitching coach was winding down, and there was no reason to remain friends. My heart sank into my stomach and suddenly the iced tea I was so grateful for seconds ago went sour.
“It was actually my idea to invite you out,” Al stated.
I bet it was, Alfred, the worst butler to Batman ever.
“I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you at Bruce’s t-ball game. The things I said were inexcusable.”
Well, I wasn’t expecting that. Maybe he isn’t Batman’s worst butler.
“It’s fine. I understand why you said what you did.” I tried to dismiss his apology, uncomfortable with the conversation.
“It’s not fine. I was out of line. When Trip got into his accident he almost lost one of his biggest sponsors.” Al’s gaze was directly on me.
“I know. He told me.”
Both Selina’s and Al’s eyes widened.
“His manager fought hard to keep them from dropping him. Trip and I got into a huge fight. It was the first time I ever yelled at my son.”
Selina patted his hand on the table and Al gave her a sad smile before continuing.
“When I saw the change in Trip’s playboy ways, I was hopeful he really was turning his life around like he said he would. When you told me you were one of his players I was scared he was going back into his old ways. I shouldn’t have taken my fear and anger out on you.”
“I appreciate your apology, but I don’t understand why you are telling me this now,” I said, confused at what had made Al have such a huge change of heart.
“Harley explained to us most of the changes in Trip were because of your friendship. Gwen made it seem as if her PR Company was the one to swing the pendulum in the right direction. Harley corrected us saying it was actually your influence that has helped my son find his true potential.”
My cheeks burned with the heat surfacing on them. Most of it was from the compliment, but another part was anger.
“Trip’s solely responsible for his change in behavior. I just agreed to be his friend. He’s a good man and you should be proud of him for who he is and not because of me.”
“Oh, honey. Are you in love with him?” Selina whispered, her hand flying over her mouth.
“What? No, we’re just friends,” I stammered as Selina stared at me, both of us mortified at her words. My hands whipped around while I spoke, knocking a tray of drinks from a passing waiter.
Glass exploded while liquid splashed everywhere. Al looked amused while Selina’s hand remained across her mouth, still staring at me.
“I’m so sorry,” I said, scrambling to help the waiter clean up.
“It’s no problem. Please don’t help anymore,” the waiter grumbled as I made an even bigger mess.
I climbed back into my seat, humiliated as the mess I created was cleared away. It was Al’s turn to pat my hand.
Another waiter came over and took our order as I glanced around for a portal to take me away.
