Chapter Eleven #2
Austin nods. “That team wasn't going to give up until the final buzzer. Those are the games that can take years off your life, but they're also my favorite. They force you to push yourself and show what you're capable of.”
“Oh, that was obvious,” my dad agrees. “You could see the effort out there.”
“Austin, can I get you a water or soda?” my mom asks.
I shoot him an apologetic look, but he only smiles.
He’s completely unbothered by any of this.
I guess he’s used to this kind of reaction.
Meanwhile, I feel like I’m sixteen again, standing in my parents' living room while everyone falls all over my date.
If my mother pulls out her phone and asks for a picture, I might crawl under the table.
“I’m good, thank you,” Austin says politely.
“There’s a lot of trade talk going around lately,” Dane says. “Any hints about what’s happening?”
“Dane, stop interrogating him,” I groan. “Sorry, Austin.”
My brother rolls his eyes. “Relax. It’s just a question.”
Austin chuckles. “Honestly, we know about as much as everyone else does. Every season around this time, the rumors start flying.”
“Are you nervous?” my dad asks.
Ugh. Not my dad too. I was hoping he’d have my back. Just then my mom appears from the kitchen carrying a fully assembled charcuterie board.
What? Where did that come from?
She places it on the coffee table in front of him.
“Help yourself.”
“Thanks,” Austin says, looking both grateful and slightly amused. He takes a cracker off the tray, and I know he’s only doing it to be polite.
“Not really nervous,” he answers my dad's question. “I’ve always tried to stay open to wherever this career takes me. Change can be uncomfortable, but it’s also an opportunity. Sometimes the best things happen when you're pushed outside your comfort zone.”
I stare at him for a second. I’m not sure whether he's trying to impress my family or not, but he’s impressing me. I've always felt the same way when it comes to work. New opportunities excite me. I’m not afraid of something different and bigger. And like me, Austin seems to embrace it.
For the next several minutes, he answers every question thrown his way, and he doesn’t seem phased by it at all.
Eventually, I step in because there's no telling how long this could continue. It honestly wouldn't surprise me if someone suggested we stay for dinner.
“I’m ready whenever you are,” I announce brightly.
Austin immediately stands.
“It was great talking with all of you,” he says. “And if any of you ever want tickets to a game, just let me know.”
“That would be awesome,” Dane says. This is good, because now I don’t have to ask Austin for tickets on behalf of my family.
Austin grins. “Tomorrow night work?”
“Yes,” my brother and dad answer at the exact same time.
I sigh.
“You got it,” Austin says.
I quickly usher us toward the front door before anyone can invite him to Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve dinner. I’m predicting those invites aren’t far off.
When I open the front door, the world stops, and for a second, I swear my soul leaves my body.
This can't be happening.
"Oh no," my mom mutters from somewhere behind me.
Because standing on the front porch is Dexter. He’s in North Carolina at my parents' house.
My brain struggles to process what’s happening.
He looks the same except maybe a bit more muscular like he’s been working out more frequently.
This is something he always talked about but never took the time to do.
His dark blond hair is combed the same way, and he’s wearing a dark blue hoodie and jeans.
"Hi, Isabella."
His familiar voice sends a jolt through me. This isn’t a dream. He’s here. My eyes dart to Austin standing beside me before returning to Dexter.
"Hey," I manage, my voice low. "Dex, what are you doing here?"
He presses his lips together and shoves his hands into his jacket pockets. "I wanted to see you."
My stomach drops. He actually flew across the country to surprise me, which is very unlike him.
My mom squeezes past Austin and me and steps onto the porch.
"Dexter. This is certainly a surprise."
"Hi, Michelle." He winces. "Um, Mrs. Martin."
"I'm actually on my way out," I blurt out, not smooth at all.
"Right." He nods awkwardly. "I took a chance that you'd be here. I probably should've called first."
Probably? Yes, he absolutely should have called before hopping on a plane and showing up unannounced on the East Coast.
"I was going to call if I missed you…” His gaze shifts to Austin, and my heart sinks.
"You must be Austin," Dexter says. "Isabella mentioned you."
I glare at my mother. This is all her fault.
"I'm Dexter Hoffman," he continues.
Austin doesn't hesitate. "Austin Reed. Nice to meet you."
The two of them shake hands while I consider making a run for it. Of course I won’t get far on this boot.
"Dex is my ex-boyfriend," I explain, gesturing between them. "He's—"
"And you're the new boyfriend," Dexter cuts in. "So I guess that makes this interaction kind of awkward."
Before I can think of something to say, Austin wraps his arm around my waist. "I am.”
The warmth of his hand against my side catches me off guard.
My mom jumps in trying to save herself.
"Dexter, would you like to come in for coffee? These two are just heading out for the evening."
"Actually, that would be great." He looks relieved. "I just got into town."
Of course he did.
"Where are you staying?" my mom asks.
"Downtown. Right next to the hockey arena."
And this just keeps getting better.
Austin gives Dexter a polite nod. "Nice meeting you, Dexter."
Then he glances down at me. "Ready, babe?"
Babe?
Wait. He’s playing along with this whole fake boyfriend thing.
"Mm-hmm," I mumble. "Goodbye, Dex."
He forces a smile.
"Bye, Isabella."
Austin takes my hand in his and leads me toward the car.
The second Austin gets into the car, I release the breath I've been holding. "I'm so sorry. I can explain.”
Austin laughs as he backs out of the driveway. “For what?”
“Are you kidding me?” I ask. “I just put you in a terribly embarrassing position.”
He shrugs. “Your ex-boyfriend showed up. I’m assuming he wants another chance with you.”
Wow. I knew Austin was great, but he’s being so cool about this.
“Possibly,” I say before coming clean about everything.
“He texted me wanting to talk. My mom suggested I tell him I was in a relationship, and she gave him your name.”
“So this is your mom’s doing?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say. “I’ll explain everything to Dex.”
He holds up his hand. “Why? As far as he needs to know, I’m your boyfriend.”
“Really?” I ask.
“Really,” he says. “Anyway, I have a couple options for tonight. You can make the final decision.”
I quickly gather my thoughts. “Okay. What are my choices?”
“Option one is dinner and mini golf. But I wasn't sure how much walking you'd want to do with the boot.”
“Well, the boot should be coming off Monday,” I announce proudly.
His face lights up. “Really?”
“I’m praying. The doctor said everything looked good at my last appointment.”
“That’s great news.”
I smile. “You have no idea.”
“And option two is dinner and then a drive out to an old-fashioned soda shop and dessert place about forty-five minutes away.”
“Ohhh. A soda shop?”
“Yeah. Apparently, it's been there forever, out in the country. It’s one of those places people talk about like it's a local legend. I've never been, but everyone swears it's worth the drive.”
“Okay.” I laugh. “I have to choose?”
“You do.”
“Well, the soda shop sounds perfect. But for the record, I am very good at mini golf.”
Austin laughs.
“Then maybe we save mini golf for next time. Especially if the boot comes off.”
Next time? Hearing this makes my heart skip a beat. He's already talking about a third date even after tonight started out as a disaster.
“I like that idea,” I say, not attempting to hide my smile. “Dinner and the soda shop it is.”
“Excellent choice.”
“I should’ve let you decide. Especially after you had to pick me up at my parents’ house with my entire family waiting to greet you.”
He laughs. “Well, I would’ve picked the soda shop, so we both got our first choice.”
“And I’m sure you wouldn’t want to lose to me at mini golf,” I add.
He pulls his eyes off the road for a few seconds. “I’m guessing that’s a challenge for next time?”
I shrug. “Maybe.”
“Okay, you’re on.”
I smile to myself. Austin is turning out to be even more amazing than I thought.