Football Isn’t All That!
Football Isn’t All That!
Max
Tonight needs to go better than the last time I saw Fiona. I set my glass down on the arm of the chair and stare up at the ceiling. Right this moment, I hate having a photographic memory more than anything else in the world.
The hurt look on her face when I pulled away keeps flashing before my eyes like a constant reminder of my stupidity.
How could I have done that?
Why?
Why?
Why?
All I needed to do was accept the comfort she was offering. Tonight might be going differently if I did. Now I need to figure out how to apologize while not scaring her off. And do all of it in a house full of nosy people who don’t believe in privacy or personal space.
That’s if she even shows up.
Hope said she was, but…
Why did I do that?
“Dad, Fiona’s here.”
She didn’t hide from me!!!! “Hey. Hope said you were coming. Hi, Daria.”
Daria gives a little wave, while Fiona’s face stays impassive. She’s still hurt.
Of course, she’s hurt. You need to fix this.
“Stay right here. I have some people I want you to meet. I’ll be right back.” Hope runs off. She had better not be going to get Gabe, or I will lose my mind.
Say something.
Say anything to break the ice and stop the awkward staring.
“I’m going to look at the books,” a computer voice says from Daria’s hands.
Fiona smiles. “That didn’t take long. Don’t get lost.”
Why did Daria need a tablet to talk?
It would be rude to ask, but also not knowing what’s going on with Fiona’s sister feels wrong. I should know everything about her.
Especially the important stuff.
You’re standing there staring. Say something.
Say anything. “How were the boys?” That was stupid. You were supposed to apologize while we’re still semi-alone.
“They were fine. Half the girls who work at the bakery are in love with them. The other half are afraid of them.”
“Those boys would never hurt a woman.” They’re too afraid of their mother and sister, even though I’d like to think they respect women overall. “I’m so glad you came today.”
Fiona’s brow wrinkles.
Does she not believe me?
What do I say?
Fiona steps in closer and whispers, “Did you find out if she was…”
I was mean, and this woman still cares. “It was a false alarm.”
She lets out a long sigh. “I’m so happy to hear that.”
“Everett is my brother,” I blurt out the words with no forethought. “Well, he’s more like my cousin, but still. The family is welcoming him tonight. I just thought you should know before someone mentions it tonight.”
“Your brother?”
“It’s a long story, but everything is alright. He’s going to move in here permanently.”
A tear runs down her cheek.
“Why are you crying?” I step forward, wanting to take her in my arms and comfort her.
“Because Everett has a family. He looked so lost when he came to Willow Street, yet he was so confident. So kind. I love that he found a wonderful family like yours to be a part of.”
Would you like to be part of my family too? Fiona isn’t ready to hear me ask that. “He’s already fitting right in. Though he isn’t as good as he thought he was at MMORPGs.”
“It sounds like there’s a story there.”
I want to brag so much. “He challenged a master and learned that age isn’t everything.” It didn’t hurt that I had been part of the development team since they hired my company to help with security. As a gamer, that was a fun job, and smushing Everett was even more so.
“Kids need to be reminded of that fact every now and then. They forget that with age comes experience and wisdom. Will Everett be leaving The Street completely?”
I shake my head. “No, he has too many friends there. And I think he wants to keep an eye on the place.” That stubborn, irritating kid tries to protect everyone. He hasn’t given me anything to go on. And he refuses to have the chip removed.
Nonna. I need to set her on him. She can make anyone do what she wants.
“They love him. I haven’t seen Maddox this impressed with a kid ever. Though right now Maddox is so lost in Mindy, I’m not sure he knows which way is up.”
Could you get lost in me?
Apologize.
“I’m back.” Hope’s timing leaves a lot to be desired. “Fiona, I want you to meet one of my favorite uncles.”
That little brat. She’s really going to try to play matchmaker with Fiona and Gabe.
The urge to growl at all of them to go away builds up in the back of my throat.
“We’re all your favorite.” Gabe reaches out and ruffles Hope’s curls.
Fiona smiles up at them.
“Hi, I’m Gabe.” He reaches a hand out to Fiona.
“Nice to meet you.” She hesitantly reaches out and takes his hand for a quick shake.
It’s wrong to want to chop off your cousin’s hand just for touching her.
Very wrong.
Fiona shakes her head. “Wait, you’re Gabriel Vincenti. The best quarterback ever.”
“I don’t know about ever.” Gabe pretends to be embarrassed, ducking his head down.
“Daria has you in her fantasy league. You’re her favorite player.”
“And what about you?”
Fiona blushes.
Gabe is dead. Skip taking off that golden arm of his. I’m going to kill him for flirting with my woman.
“Mine too. Ever since you caught that interception and ran it back for the game-winning touchdown during your rookie year, I’ve been a fan.”
Gabe takes a step forward.
Fiona takes a step back.
There, at least she isn’t fangirling that hard. Yeah right. She looks like she wants to swoon into his arms.
“Wow.” Gabe’s smile gets so large he looks like an alligator sizing up his next meal. “Not many people have been following my career that long.”
“Fiona works at a bakery. She makes the most amazing cookies, Uncle Gabe.” Hope’s sweet smile isn’t fooling anyone. “You have to visit sometime and try them out.”
“Cookies! We brought cookies, but I left them in the stroller. Excuse me.” Fiona moves to walk off.
“I’ll come with you and help you carry them.” Gabe offers, like Fiona needs help carrying a plate of cookies.
Why didn’t I offer first?
Aunt Bonnie wouldn’t be that upset if I put my fist through his face, would she?
Hope’s smile gets even wider as they walk away.
That little girl is trouble. “You need to stop meddling.”
“What?” How did it get even bigger?
“You know what I’m talking about, Hope Vincenti. You’re just a child. Leave the matchmaking to the adults.”
She glances towards the door where they just walked out. “Why do you say that? I think they look perfect together.”
Perfect. Perfect. My fingers go into my hair as I start to pace.
“Why are you all upset, Dad? Are you worried about something? Everett is having a really nice time. The Spawn of War and Sasha are all making sure he feels welcome.”
Why am I upset? My woman is smiling at another man, and she currently hates me. “Don’t let your aunt hear you call them the Spawn of War.”
“Aunt Annika thinks it’s funny.”
She would. “Hope.”
“You’re awfully grumpy today.”
“I’m not—” I start to bite out. “It’s been a long week. I’ll try to change my attitude.”
Hope walks over and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “It’s okay, Daddy, everything will be just fine.”
“How can you know that?”
“Because Nonna and I will make sure of it.”
Are they a team now? The world is doomed. And I might as well just buy a wedding present for Gabe and Fiona now.