Chapter 33
Levi
“All your reports from your doctors look good, Levi,” Joey informs me of what I already know on a conference call with him and my coach, but that’s not what I need to hear from him. “Don’t fuck it up.”
“Thanks,” I mutter, monotone. What a fucking asshole.
Coach heaves a sigh. “What he’s trying to say is be smart. Up your training and follow the recommendations from your physical therapist.”
Yeah, that’s exactly what he was trying to say. I shake my head in distaste. His words were much less eloquent. “Got it, Coach. Thanks.”
“No, you’re not allowed to have this in writing, Chris,” Coach prefaces his statement to my agent.
“Okay,” Chris agrees.
Coach continues, “We’re not about to let you go if I can help it, Brennan. You’re damn good at what you do and we all know it. So, ignore the chatter and the assholes and focus because that’s all it is–shit talk.”
“Thanks, Coach. I will get it done.”
“Good. And Levi?” he prompts.
“Yeah?”
“Happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time with your family.”
“Thanks. You too. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.”
“Happy Thanksgiving,” Chris says and Joey echoes.
I disconnect, relief flowing through me and a smile curving my lips. Looking around the room with pumpkins, gourds and leaf decorations, I’m reminded of the day and turn around to join the festivities.
Taking a deep breath, a savory scent of turkey, spices and stuffing hits my nose as I make my way back out to the kitchen.
Aunt Miranda stands at the counter prepping for Thanksgiving dinner.
Pots, pans, knives, and a feast of food are scattered everywhere in various stages of prep, most of it appearing ready to cook.
Aunt Miranda lifts her gaze as I approach and sit down on a stool at the counter. “Is everything okay, Levi?”
Nodding, I claim, “Yeah, it is. Thanks.”
“You sure?” She looks up at me again with a question on her face. Sniffling, she looks back at the onion she’s chopping, her eyes starting to water, while she tries not to let her tears fall. “It must be important if they are calling you on Thanksgiving morning to talk business.”
“Yeah, you would think, but let’s just say I’ve been stressing about my position with the team when apparently I don’t need to.”
“That’s great news.”
I nod. “Definitely. Are Della and Lawson up yet?”
“I heard them moving around, but I haven’t seen them yet. They both claim they get up early when they’re at their own homes, but I don’t believe it.” I laugh. “By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you what time you told Layla, Gabe and their mom to come over today for dinner?”
“Actually, I told Layla if they wanted to come early and hang out or help, we would be happy to have them.”
“Good boy.”
“Yeah, they’re really looking forward to today,” I say, not able to wipe the smile off my face. It feels like things are finally looking up again.
“Looks like you are too.”
“Of course, I am. Layla is amazing. You know, I don’t think I ever really thanked you for setting us up in the first place.”
“You’re welcome, but I’m just glad you got off your high horse and treated her like she should’ve been treated all along.”
“So am I Aunt Miranda. so am I.”
A knock sounds at the door and my smile widens. “I’ve got it, Uncle Steve calls from the foyer. “Happy Thanksgiving,” he greets, Layla’s voice ringing clear among the others, my heart full.
She walks in with her mom behind her, followed by Gabe, everyone wishing each other, “Happy Thanksgiving.”
Leaning towards Layla, I give her a sweet kiss as she sets an apple pie on the counter. “Hi. I’m glad you’re here.”
“Thanks for inviting us. I brought you apple pie since you said it was your favorite.” Yum.
“Yes, thank you for having us,” Gabe says to Aunt Miranda as he sets down two bottles of wine.
“I’m happy to have more people to cook for with my family all at their in-laws houses this year,” Aunt Miranda proclaims.
Gabe glances at me, and shakes my hand, smirking. “I can’t believe I’m having Thanksgiving dinner with a Lion.”
Chuckling, I reply, “I could say the same about you.”
“I’m not a Lion.”
Shaking my head, I laugh harder.
“We can still kick you out for not being a Lion fan, or at least a fan of my nephew,” Uncle Steve teases, standing next to me.
Gabe chuckles, running his hand over his jaw. “I never said I wasn’t a fan of Levi…as long as he keeps treating Layla well.”
Layla smiles watching us. “All right. Play nice.” She shakes her head. “I didn’t notice before, but you two really look alike.”
I glance at my uncle, grinning. “Yeah, our side of the family has strong genes.”
Lawson walks in, his blue eyes the only difference between the two of us.
“People used to confuse us as brothers or even twins when we were growing up,” he says, jumping right into the conversation.
I always loved those moments. They’re the kind of family I wanted to be associated with instead of my own.
Lawson looks at Layla first and holds out his hand, a crooked smile on his face.
“Hi, you must be Layla.” She nods and shakes his hand. “I’m this guy’s cousin, Lawson.”
“It’s great to finally meet you.” Pausing, she gestures to her mom, “That’s my mom and this is my brother Gabe.”
He glances at Gabe and shakes his hand. “Yeah, I know who you are. You have a great arm.”
“Thanks.”
Della walks in soon after and the introductions start again. She looks more like her mom, petite with light brown hair, and her dad’s golden brown eyes.
“Can we help with something?” Layla inquires.
“I think I’ve got it under control. Thank you,” Aunt Miranda replies.
I look around the kitchen, taking it all in, feeling a little overwhelmed. Wrapping my arm around Layla, I press a kiss to her head and smile. This is how holidays should be all the people I love in one place.
My heart skips a beat at my internal admission. I don’t know if I’m in love, but I’m definitely falling for this woman. This intense feeling is more than it has ever been, but surprising myself, I welcome it.
Thinking about what happens in a couple of months scares the shit out of me, but for now, I’ll focus on this. Us. Her.
Reaching down, I tip Layla’s chin up and whisper, “I’m thankful for you. Happy Thanksgiving.” Closing the distance between us, I press my lips to hers, kissing her tenderly.
“Enough already,” Gabe grumbles.
Layla pulls back, blushing fiercely making me chuckle. Looking back at me, she holds my gaze, “I’m grateful for you too, Levi.”
My heart clenches, full.