Page 9 of Playing for Keeps

Justice and Journey share an eye roll while Christine sits on the couch and reaches for the remote.

“Where is your grandfather?” she asks me.

“Probably at the clubhouse calling everyone whipper snappers.”

Tuesday finds this hilarious for some reason and giggles herself into a seat next to Christine.

Auntie Journey blows her dark blonde bangs from her blue eyes and luscious eyebrows before asking West and me, “Wait, so you two ditched the rest of your club so you could race here to tell your mommy the big news?”

“Why do you say that like it’s a bad thing?” West asks as he settles into a chair and uses Alexis as a cuddle pillow.

“I had to tell Ma,” I say and sweep my ma’s hand into mine. “I needed to be the one to look into her eyes and let her know her favorite son is in love and is getting what he wants. I knew she’d be relieved to know the world was bending to my will.”

“Well, I do want you to get whatever you want,” Ma-Poppy says before shaking her head. “I need time to talk to your pa before I decide if I’m okay.”

“Lola’s beautiful and loves her family.”

“But you said your dream girl didn’t want you.”

“She’s just confused because I’m so attractive and that’s scary, even for a hot chick.”

“He isn’t wrong,” Alexis says and smiles at West. “I was very scared by your good looks.”

My brother nods approvingly. “My parents created three sexy kids.”

My aunts share another eye roll. Meanwhile, Ma-Poppy works through a few emotions before deciding “calm” isn’t the one she wants to roll with right now.

Gasping, she staggers back. “That club is in another town.”

“I’ll commute,” I tell her as she drops into a chair and looks faint.

“My baby is leaving me,” she whimpers dramatically.

“Big whoop,” Auntie Justice grumbles. “All three of my kids bailed on me.”

“But you get to be naked more now,” Tuesday explains helpfully.

“I’d rather be fully dressed at all times if it meant my babies were at the homestead.”

Queen Meemaw Christine waves for a whiny Justice to come get a snuggle.

“Hey, your suffering is old,” Ma-Poppy tells her sister. “Mine is happening right now.”

“I have space for you too,” Christine says and nudges Tuesday over. “Come to Mama.”

Soon, Ma-Poppy watches me from her spot snuggled next to my grandmother.

“You have two sons who will run club chapters,” I say, leaning forward so we’re at eye level. “No one else in the family can claim that.”

Ma-Poppy looks across her mother at Justice and smirks. Her sister instantly snarls.

I stand up and sigh. “This is a good day. I am happy. This is my happy face.”

“When do we meet your dream girl?” Tuesday asks as she texts someone.

“You’ve already met Lola.”

“Yes, we’ve had a few run-ins,” Tuesday mutters. “Ooh, bring her here for dinner. We’ll have her sit at the end of a long table so we can all stare at her.”

---