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I know I should pull away from him, but I can’t seem to make myself do it. Not to mention, I don’t think he would let me if I tried.
“I’ve got us a table. Aubrey, Chance is with us as well. He’s talking with Coach Neil and the team owner. He’ll join us in a few.” He looks down at me and kisses my forehead. “Let’s get seated.” He finally drops his arms, links his fingers through mine, and guides us through the masses. Players and their families linger everywhere in the large room. “This is us.” He pulls the chair out for me, and then tries to for my mom, but she and Aubrey are already sitting.
The four of us make small talk over the appetizers, and by the time the salads are served, it feels like we’ve all been friends for years. There’s no awkward silence or lull in conversation. Landon is at ease, as is my mother. Her smile tells me she really likes him. Aubrey has met my mom a few times since I’ve known her, so she fits into the conversation just as smoothly. Chance joins us and Mom tells him she loves his accent, and he lays on the charm, hamming it up for her. Aubrey just smiles and rolls her eyes.
“This was amazing,” Mom says, pushing her plate back. “Landon, thank you for inviting me. I know this is a family event, but it was nice to get to meet you and see the two of you together.”
“And me,” Chance chimes in, making us all laugh.
“It was my pleasure, besides,” he turns and looks at me, his eyes softening, “we’re family now.” The look in his eyes tells me he means what he says and by the audible “Awes” coming from Mom and Aubrey, they know it too.
“Bugger had to steal my thunder,” Chance says, but it’s his exaggerated thunda that has us all laughing again. I swear he forces his accent to be thicker, more pronounced just for Mom.
“Sounds like this is the table to be at,” a man, probably in his early fifties, says, stopping to stand next to our table. There’s a woman on his arm, and although she’s beautiful, her resting bitch face takes away from her natural beauty.
“Mr. Stamper, this is my wife, Aubrey,” Chance introduces.
“And this is my girlfriend, Emma, and her mother, Caroline. Ladies, this is the team owner, Joseph Stamper.”
Joseph’s smile seems to falter as he looks at me and then my mom. I hope he’s not angry that we’re here. His eyes float to Aubrey. “Nice to meet you, Aubrey. Welcome to the Trojans family,” he says politely before his gaze turns back to me. “Emma.” His voice is softer, almost reverent. “You seem to be getting our team some positive PR.” He gives me a kind smile.
“Oh no, that’s all Landon,” I say with a nervous laugh. “There’s no controlling him.”
“Not when it comes to you,” Landon says, not caring who hears him.
“Caroline was it?” Mr. Stamper says, glancing at my mom. His eyes are locked on her. “It’s good to see you… here supporting Landon. You all enjoy your dinner,” he says, walking away.
“His wife is an odd one,” Aubrey says, and I nod my agreement.
“Goodness, I’m worn out. I didn’t sleep well last night, too excited for your visit. I think I’m going to call a cab.” Mom reaches into her purse to hand me her keys. “You two keep the car and come home when you’re ready.”
Concern has me dipping my brows. She’s edgy. “Are you okay?” I ask.
“Oh, yes I’m fine. Just tired, and you kids need some time without your momma hanging around. Landon, thank you for inviting me. It was a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’ll have the team car drive you. We have one for emergency purposes.” Mom tries to stop him, but he has his phone out and arrangements made, not bothering to listen to her protests.
Landon and I walk Mom outside and wave goodbye as the car pulls away. “You think she was acting funny?”
“I don’t know her well enough to tell. It’s a plausible story. I wouldn’t sleep well either knowing I was getting to see you after six long months.”
“Six months is way too long.”
“Agreed. Has your mom ever thought about moving to California?”
“Nah, she loves it in Georgia. I’ve tried to convince her to move a few times, but she always says she has a life in Georgia. I get it, but I miss her. Sometimes I wonder if I should move back home to be closer to her.”
“We need to start working on her. I can’t lose you to Georgia. I’d never get to see you during the season, and that is not something I could live with.”
“I’m not moving.”
“I know. She is. We’re going to convince her. How about we fly her out for the holidays and have a couple of places for her to look at? Maybe sell the luxury of Hermosa Beach, and the idea of seeing you more? Think that will work?”
