Chapter 26
Dasher
The win was crucial for us. Everyone was hyped up after the game, nearly tackling me in happiness.
On the outside I’m grinning from ear to ear, on the inside I am a nervous wreck.
I was the whole game. The Saints were brutal.
One of our veteran players was taken out during the third quarter. Absolutely brutal.
What made this win better is seeing my parents. And I’m glad that Raine let them stay with him.
What isn’t helping is Poppy blowing up my phone still. I’ve told her that we’re done and that she needs to find a new place to live. She isn’t handling it well. Her bad. She betrayed me.
She keeps asking if I’m sleeping with Raine. I am, but she doesn’t need to know that. She insists I’m cheating on her. I’m not since we’re not together. And when I don’t give in and take her back, she calls me a few choice words including some slang that I won’t repeat.
“How’s Ruby?” I ask Dad as we pull into Raine’s garage. Ruby’s one of the horses and Mom told me she was pregnant. She’s such a sweet mare and I can’t wait to see her baby.
Dad smiles, “she’s doing great. Hopefully after the season you can come be there for when she gives birth.”
I will be spending a lot of time at the ranch before camp starts again. I miss home. Though thinking about it does hurt a little bit since Poppy and I had great times there. But that ship has sailed.
“We invited Raine to come out and ride a horse,” Mom states and I laugh. I can’t imagine Mr. Suit on a horse, but I didn’t think a lot of things about him. He’s been enriching my mind every day.
Raine dryly comments, “I’m not sure how I would do on a horse, but I’d love to see the ranch.” I want him to see my ranch. I want a lot of things that he can give me.
Fuck it if Poppy is correct and I like her boss.
“Mom, Dad. Raine and I are more than friends,” I say slowly. As I finish, Raine slams on the breaks, jolting us all forward. Good thing we’re here.
Everyone is silent for a few moments until Raine clears his throat, “umm maybe we should go upstairs and continue this conversation.”
Dad speaks first, “are you together?” His face is blank and I’m not sure how to interpret that. But I nod, hoping they’re happy for me. I didn’t want to put a title on this and for now they are the only people I will tell.
Mom’s eyes light up as we exit, “I’m happy for you, son.”
“Don’t tell anyone yet. We haven’t made it official.”
Raine chimes in, “lots of things to consider for Dasher and his career. But I do care for your son.”
Dad takes a moment and then extends his hand, “as long as you treat him well, I’m good with it.”
I relax and we head up to the penthouse. They marvel at everything including the view. Raine calls several different places to order food while I show them the pool, the workout room, the theater room and the other guest room.
I gesture around, “what do you think?”
Dad sits on the bed, “you live here?”
“I do and it’s really nice. I mean I could live anywhere in town, but I like it here. Though once Poppy moves out, I’ll give Raine his space if that’s what he wants.”
“He treats you well?” Mom asks and I smile, “he does.”
Dad rises, “we just want you happy.” I am and I tell them so as we walk back out to the living room.
Raine gestures to the couches, “I have wine, beer, soda. Food will be here in a little bit.”
Dad asks for a beer and Mom gets bottled water. I grab a beer as well, and it is time to celebrate. Life is good right now.