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Dani smiles broadly. “For the Racketeers,” she says. “Crew is the top scorer.”
I appreciate that she’s proud of my achievements, but now I feel a little sheepish. Like I need my girlfriend to point out that I’m legit.
“Oh, is that the local team? And you play for them?”
This is from a man who is obviously her husband. He’s come up next to her and put his hand on the small of her back. He has a British accent, which makes me feel better that he’s not a hockey fan.
I nod. “Yep. Play for them, get paid by them, turned their whole franchise around, gonna win a championship for them.”
Nathan has also reached us in time to hear that and he clears his throat. “Turned the franchise around is a strong statement. We weren’t losing without you.” Nathan puts his hand out and introduces himself. “I’m Nathan Armstrong, the owner of Racketeers. I’m really sorry about all the noise on a Saturday morning. It’s nice to meet you both. Which house is yours?”
I realize I should have introduced myself and Dani.
“We’re Peter and Bev,” Peter says. “We live in the brick house right there.” He points. “Horrible monstrosity. Who builds a salmon-colored brick house with sandstone accents? We’re having it painted in a few weeks, so I’ll see your crane and raise you four-story scaffolding, Armstrong.”
Nathan laughs. “This is Crew, and this is Danielle,” he says, pointing to us. “It’s a pleasure to meet you Peter and Bev. We’ll have to have you over to commiserate over construction headaches. Mark, you and Marissa need to join us too. I told Crew this hot tub was ridiculous but he had to have it.”
For a guy who didn’t want to meet the neighbors, he’s all on board now. I feel that twist of competitiveness that is part of the dynamic between me and Nathan. The neighbors can’t like him more than me.
“This is my first house. What’s the point of a whole house if I can’t have a hot tub?” I protest.
“So you bought the house for your son and his wife?” Bev asks Nathan.
I almost laugh out loud. Nathan’s face goes as red as the tomatoes Michael is going to plant in his salsa garden.
Mark coughs.
Dani turns pink.
I grin.
“He’s not my son,” Nathan says. “Danielle isourgirlfriend. Both of ours.”
Bev looks confused. Peter looks stunned. Mark looks highly entertained.
“So you both…with her. And she…” Peter trails off.
I nod. “We do.”
“I see,” Bev says politely, when it’s clear she doesn’t get a damn thing about it. “How lovely.”
That’s one way to put it. My grin spreads.
“You like the young ones, huh?” Peter says, clapping Nathan on the shoulder. “Can’t say I blame you. Men our age can’t be afraid to lean on our pocketbooks, am I right?”
Nathan looks like he’s going to have a stroke. I love Peter with my whole fucking heart right now.
Michael comes out the front door. “The eagle has landed,” he said. “The hot tub is in place.”
“Who is that?” Bev asks, her jaw dropping. Her hand raises to her chest as she ogles Michael. “Now that’s a handsome gentleman,” she murmurs, as if she’s forgotten her pot-bellied husband is standing next to her.
“That’s my other boyfriend,” Dani says. “Dr. Michael Hughes.”
“A doctor?” Bev murmurs, still staring.
Peter shakes his head. “Your other boyfriend? What the devil is going on in your house?”
Mark actually laughs out loud now. “More than in my house. My wife makes me sleep in the guest room because I snore.”
