Page 98 of The Main Event

“I thought you were over in Salem,” Mom said. She seemed to be trying to gauge the situation without asking the obvious question.

“We just came over for the day, and we’re heading back now.” I kept a firm hold on Daisy. It would be rude not to introduceher, so I did. “Mother, this is Daisy Reynolds. Daisy, this is my mother, Delilah Hunter.”

Daisy almost fell over herself she was in such a rush to greet my mother. “It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs. Hunter.” She jutted out her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Mom took her hand, but only because people were watching. Had it just been us, I had no doubt she would’ve been cruel to Daisy simply because she would’ve found joy in it.

“And how did you two meet?” Mom asked.

Levi’s words about protecting Daisy from my parents—and my bad impulses—echoed in my head. “Daisy and I work together.” I physically picked up my date and nudged her over a few inches. “She’s a hard worker and great at throwing a party.”

“I see.” Mom’s dismissal was already coming. “Well, I’m sure you had a lovely meal.” She didn’t even look at us when she said it.

“We did,” I confirmed. “We drank beer all day. I stuffed her full of lobster. Now I’m taking her back to Salem so we can have an equally lovely night.” There was no room to mistake what I was referring to. “As always, Mother, it’s been thrilling to see you. We’ll be going now.”

With that, I ushered Daisy toward the waiting Lexus. She obviously had questions, but rather than answer them, she simply waved at my mother. “It was great meeting you. Try to smile or something, though. You look like you already threw up the dinner you’re going to pretend to eat.”

I was both amused and aghast. “I’m going to pay for that remark later. You have no idea.” I tickled her into the car, ignoring the huff of disdain my mother uttered behind me. “Have a nice night, Mother,” I called out to her.

She didn’t respond. I hadn’t expected her to. I would definitely hear about it later.

For the first time in my life, though, I didn’t care.

And how amazing was that?

24

TWENTY-FOUR

“You’re all dressed up and looking hot,” Levi noted as he looked me up and down. I’d opted for my favorite purple dress—it had witch hats embroidered on the skirt—and I was embracing the Halloween season, which was officially upon us.

Ever since we’d run into Jax’s mother in Boston, which was almost two weeks before, he’d been lighter. He hadn’t come right out and said anything, but it was as if a switch had been flipped. Something had happened in that moment, and he’d maybe not turned his back on his family, but made the decision to move forward. With me. I could feel it.

We’d spent the past two weeks not caring what anybody had to say and enjoying ourselves to the max. As for Levi and me, we hadn’t even talked about what happened. Instead, we’d just carried on as if we hadn’t been keeping secrets from each other.

He was now officially dating Corey in public. I was officially dating Jax. We’d even been to the bar together after hours. Twice. Things were rolling right along.

That’s why I couldn’t help being nervous. Whenever things were going too well in my world, I started looking for hiddencurves. I was convinced I was about to careen off one … although maybe not tonight.

“I always look hot,” I informed my best friend.

He smirked. “That you do. What are you looking hot for this evening? Are you taking Jax out on the town?”

“In a matter of speaking.” I rested my hands on the bar and leaned forward so I could lower my voice. “He’s coming to family dinner.”

Levi went still. “Are you being serious right now?”

I was taken aback by his tone. “Yes. Do you have a problem with that?”

“I … don’t know.” He looked genuinely troubled. “You’ve never taken anybody but me to family dinner.”

I unclenched a bit. “Do you think you’re being replaced or something? Because I can guarantee that’s not happening.”

“No.” He poked my cheek. “It’s just a big deal.”

“It feels like a big deal,” I agreed. There were only a few people in the bar, so I pushed forward. “I was nervous to ask him, but Mom was making noise. You know how she is.”

Levi nodded fondly. “She’s an absolute delight.”

---