Page 106 of The Player's Club

I had to dash a few tears from my eyes. After, I hugged both Mac’s parents, and then I hugged and kissed Mac, which made our little foursome laugh, breaking the tension from earlier.

“Come on, Pop.” Mac swung an arm around his dad’s shoulders. “You should meet the team.”

Mac and I made the rounds, introducing his parents to all of our guests. Coach Dallas and Elise were speaking with them both when our doorbell rang—again.

“What the hell?” Mac said. “Who’s left?”

I laughed. “I don’t even know anymore.”

We went to the door, and now it was my turn to be shocked. My uncle Jose and aunt Maria stood there, both holding platters of food.

“Elodie!” Jose shouted my name. He tried to hug me, but the platter in his hands made it awkward. “We’re here! Sorry we’re late.”

“Traffic was terrible,” Maria bemoaned.

Mac leaned to me and whispered, “I invited them. I hope that’s okay.”

I hadn’t seen my aunt and uncle since I’d had lunch with them. We’d texted a few times, but I hadn’t known how to proceed with the relationship. I’d considered inviting them to the party, but I hadn’t found the courage.

“No, it’s okay. It’s great.” I turned to my aunt and uncle. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

A little while later, a few of my cousins showed up, too. Our house was filled to the brim with people. Jose and Maria made sure everyone tried the lumpia they’d brought. Everyone raved about them, and it didn’t take long for the two huge platters to empty.

Even Bob and Judy couldn’t help but fall under the spell of my aunt and uncle. Jose and Maria were so warm and welcoming, asking Bob and Judy all kinds of questions about Mac and their family.

“Your parents are great,” Jose said to Mac. “Your dad is a funny guy.”

Mac blinked. “My dad? Funny?”

“He’s hilarious. He told us all about the time you and your brother nearly lit your house on fire.” Jose chuckled. “Great storyteller, that guy. He sounds like he could be a great public speaker.”

I had to stifle a laugh. Mac shook his head, amused.

“You have no idea,” Mac said wryly. “No damn idea.”

Jose and Maria found me alone later and peppered me with questions about moving in with Mac. I shared that I was writing a novel, and they were so thrilled that they told me I had to send them the completed draft immediately when I’d finished it. They also vowed to tell everyone they knew that their niece had written a book.

“It’s not even done yet!” I laughed.

“So what? You’ll finish it,” Aunt Maria said proudly. “And it’ll be a bestseller. I bet I’ll see it at Walmart.”

“And your aunt will buy up every last copy.” Jose winked at me.

As I watched everyone at our party mingle, talk, and laugh, I couldn’t help but wonder at the nature of forgiveness. I’d been reluctant to know my extended family because I’d been holding on to the past. I’d thought I was being loyal to Mom. But had I kept them at arm’s length because I’d just been afraid of rejection?

Seeing Mac start to forgive his parents made me realize that I could forgive my family, too. I was already looking forward to getting to know them, and starting anew.Wasn’t that what made life amazing? The ability to start fresh, not letting your past define your future? I could’ve stayed with Todd instead of taking the leap into Mac’s arms. What a tragedy that would’ve been.

My heart filled as I watched Mac on the other side of the room. Sometimes I felt like I didn’t deserve him, but I wasn’t letting him go either. I could only be grateful that we’d found each other.

I collapsed onto our bed, sighing with exhaustion. “Is everyone gone?”

He grinned. “Yes, dear. The house is empty.”

“Finally.”

“I never knew you were such an introvert.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve hosted a party with this many people.”

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