Page 42 of Mind Pucked

I’ll set a good example no matter how I feel inside. She’s been so excited and eager for this all week, and I’m ashamed for even considering another option.

Both Hayden and Jackson are in great moods when they pick me up. They don’t appear to notice how upset I am. I guess I’m better at hiding my nervousness than I thought. Maybe I’m worrying about nothing, and it’ll all be fine, just as Jackson promised. Yet somehow I don’t think so.

I quickly discover how right I am. His mother greets him with a smile and gives Hayden a hug and kiss. Then she catches sight of me. Her lips lose their smile and turn down at the corners. I can read the disapproval on her face.

Jackson sees it too. Before his mother can say anything, he immediately proclaims, “This is Amelia. I invited her along for Hayden’s sake. They’re a great team and Hayden does better in social situations when she’s around.”

“You shouldn’t have taken it upon yourself to bring her,” his mother replies with a hint of hostility. “I extended the invitation to you and Hayden. There’s no need for the nanny to be here. I’m certain Hayden will be just fine for one day without her. I’m quite capable of watching my own granddaughter, for goodness sake. I’d prefer you sent her back home, Jackson. This is a family gathering after all.”

Jackson is chastised and embarrassed. He knows I’m hurt and it’s all his fault. His lips move as if to argue with his mother, but he doesn’t. He already knows what the outcome will be—he’ll lose and I’ll suffer more embarrassment. Hayden will cry or have a temper tantrum. So, he does the only thing he can to salvage some dignity.

“Here, take my keys,” he says, turning to me. “It seems you get the day off after all. Thank you for changing your plans for us. I truly thought it was okay to bring you. I’ll listen to your advice next time.”

“How will you get home?” I ask.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll manage. There’s always a way to fix things, so I’ll be fine. So will Hayden. I’ll make sure of it.”

I walk back to the car, pretending I’m fine. I hold my back straight and walk slowly, rather than running the way I want to. I don’t look back, even when Hayden starts to cry and ask why I’m leaving. I block out her grandmother’s retort, not wanting to know what she says.

I’m hurting bad enough without knowing what ugly things she’s saying about bringing the hired help to a family gathering. Hayden doesn’t see me as help. She knows me as a friend. I hate that someone may change that for her. It’s wrong on so many levels.

It’s stupid to be hurt over this. I know better. I’m the one who warned Jackson it was a mistake. I should be glad I’ve gotten a reprieve. The entire day would have been awkward and uncomfortable. Now I’m free to make other plans—plans I didn’t have even before Jackson asked me to come along.

He only assumes I have a busy social life. He doesn’t know I’m obsessed with finding answers about my brother’s disappearance.

In the spur of the moment, and to end my pity party, I call Brooke. We need a girls’ night out for a change. She’s fast to agree and is willing to come to Jackson’s house to get me so I can leave his car there.

“Okay, I know something big must have happened to bring this sudden party mood on. So, spill,” she says when I get in the car.

“It’s a long story. I’ll explain, I promise, but I’d like to have a couple drinks to relieve the frustration first. Can you wait?”

“Oh, wow! It sounds like something juicy. I’ll wait. It won’t be easy, but I’m betting it’s worth it. Nachos, drinks, and dancing coming up. I know just how to get your mood turned around. Let’s go party. You could use some fun in your life. You spend far too much time with kids. It’s time for some adventurous adulting.”

Over margaritas and nachos, I explain about Jackson’s invitation and his mother’s reaction to my presence. Brooke is as appalled as I am.

“Well, I’m sure Jackson will say something to her about it once Hayden is occupied elsewhere. I can’t see him letting it go. I bet he’s embarrassed and angry too. I wonder whose side his father will take. Anyway, forget about that for now. It’s the old hag’s problem not yours. If she wants to be prejudiced against the help then let her be. One of these days she’ll have to face the fact that she can’t take care of herself and her ‘help’ won’t be there,” Brooke says, toasting me with her drink.

She’s right. I need to forget about it. I push it to the back of my mind and enjoy my night of freedom.

10

JACKSON

I’m in the locker room getting ready for the game. The usual swapping of underwear and socks happens, and I stifle a smile at my teammates shenanigans.

Most of these guys don’t even think about the germs their junk gives off and how sharing said germs might land any one of them in a sorry position. I’ve never been one for such rituals, but if it’s rituals that get these guys going, then by all means…ritual away.

“Are you not worried about Felix’s ball hairs mingling with yours, Oliver?” I ask as I pull my own shorts up.

“Shut up, man, you’re just jealous ’cause your ass is too big to fit our shorts,” Oliver retorts as he wiggles his ass at me.

I grab my towel and snap it in his direction, and it lets out awhapsound as it connects with his left cheek.

“Ow, man, that fucking hurts,” Oliver bellows as he jumps away, rubbing his cheek. “I’ll get you back, Jackson—just you wait.” But the smile on his face suggests he’s joking.

Luca walks in, a little late for his normal pregame happenings, and I have a sinking suspicion that something is up with him. Between my worries over Luca and the fact that my mother is in the stands with my daughter and nanny, I have a feeling something will go wrong today.

My mother doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut sometimes, and given the fact that Hayden likes Amelia so much, she’s liable to say something to Amelia to try to run her off. I don’t want that to happen, but on the other hand, I also don’t want my mother to assume I’m sleeping with the help.

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