Total pages in book: 112
Estimated words: 107667 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107667 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Dad makes a face. “They may have to take it. That damn diabetes is a bitch.”
I make a face. “That sucks.”
“It does, but she wants to come see you when you’re settled in,” Mom says, and joy fills me.
“I’d love that.” Our appetizers arrive then, and we wait to place our dinner order as we snack. Dad asks about my volleyball player, Leann, and pride practically bursts from me. “She’s jumping a half inch higher in a month, so we’re hoping for a full inch by next month. Troy is actually going to take over for me since I’m leaving.”
They both nod, but neither really asks about him. I don’t know if that’s my fault since I don’t talk about him much. Troy wanted to meet my parents before I left, but I’m not ready for that. I like how things are, simple and clean-cut. He may feel things for me, but nothing has changed on my side. I care for him, but I don’t think I’m emotionally attached enough to ever love him.
“Oh, so he isn’t going with you?”
I shake my head. “Not at first. He is going to finish contracts here and then meet me there in a couple weeks.”
Mom holds my gaze. “Will you two live together?”
“No. He has his own place—same building, but his own place.”
“I’m surprised. Haven’t y’all been dating for a couple months now?”
“Not quite that long, but I don’t want to live with him.”
“Good,” Dad says, holding me with a look. “I saw that photo you posted, him in that damn Cavaliers shirt. I told you, Tennessee Lynn,” he warns, and I laugh. “Orange is the only color I’ll accept.”
“I know, Daddy.”
“Maybe that ugly purple the Assassins wear or that blue the Titans wear.” I roll my eyes as he points his finger at me. “But I’m iffy about the gold and black of Vandy.”
“Which is why I’d never date a Vanderbilt man,” I say with a teasing grin, much to Mom’s dismay.
“I don’t know. Those Vanderbilt men are usually doctors, and that means money.”
Dad lets out a booming laugh. “Marcy, our baby doesn’t need a man. She has her own money.”
“Damn right, Marcy,” I throw at her, and she snorts gently before she laughs softly.
“Just as we raised her,” she says, cupping my jaw in her hand. I share a smile with her as I lean into her touch.
“Thank you for being here.”
She squeezes my jaw. “My love, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else—even if they have no sweet tea. Because I miss you more than words could ever express.” I wrap my arms around her, hugging her tightly as she kisses my cheek. In my ear, she whispers, “I’m sorry I was such a bitch.”
I laugh, squeezing her hard. “It’s okay. I am too.”
“I know. You’re my daughter.”
“I am,” I laugh, kissing her again, but as we part, I see Troy at the front of the restaurant.
What. The. Fuck.
His eyes fall on mine, and I let my mom go, standing up straight as I eye him. He’s with some guys from his gym, but why did they come here? I’m pretty sure I told him I was coming here. He points to me, and the guys I’ve gotten to know wave. I wave back as he comes toward me. My heart is in my throat.
“Darling, you okay?” Dad asks, and I nod, unable to fathom what the hell he is doing. I told him I wasn’t ready for him to meet my parents. Even though he was ready for me to meet his on day two of my being in his bed.
Troy strolls toward me like this isn’t fucking weird. “Hey, baby.”
He leans in, kissing the side of my mouth.
“What are you doing here?”
“We came to eat after our workout. I thought you said y’all were going to the one on the west side?”
I shake my head. “Why would we, when we can walk here?”
He doesn’t seem embarrassed or even concerned that he’s invading my privacy. “True. I’m sorry. You look upset.”
“Because I am,” I say, but I feel my mom and dad watching me. I take a deep breath. “I wasn’t ready for this.”
“I understand. I can go back with the guys.”
“Nonsense,” my dad booms, standing up to his full six-foot-four height and holding out his hand. Troy takes it happily, while I fume with anger. “Troy, is it? I’m Thomas Dent. It’s great to meet you.”
“You too. Thank you.” He holds his hand out to my mom. “Mrs. Dent.”
Mom looks back at me before taking his hand. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”
From whom, I want to ask, but I just look back at Troy as he meets my gaze. “I guess I’ll return to my friends. I just wanted to say hi.”
“You should join us,” Dad suggests, sitting down. “It’s nice to get to know the guy my daughter has been dating, even if he is a Cavaliers fan.” I whip my gaze to my dad’s, and he shrugs. “What? It’s true.”