Page 30 of My Grumpy Billionaire Soccer Star

“That doesn’t sound like the fun you made it out to be on the phone the other time,” Vaughn says, forking chicken into his mouth.

“Well, things change, I guess.”

“While still on the topic of things changing, you won’t believe who Mom and I saw last week in the mall,” Michelle says, directing her attention to Vaughn on the other side of the table.

She and her mother exchange a glance, and a frown appears between Mrs. Graham’s eyes. “Michelle, don’t—”

“It was Jessica, Vaughn. I saw Jessica. She seems like a totally different person. She offered to pay for some of our goods. She was nice to Mom and me, and she even dyed her hair purple. She looked amazing.”

The color drains from Vaughn’s face even though he tries not to show it, but the oblivious teenager keeps talking with a smile on her face. The mention of Jessica—whoever that is—clearly does not sit right with Vaughn.

“Will you just shut up!” Vaughn’s mother barks at the young girl, startling both me and Michelle.

“That was dumb, Micky. Really dumb,” Steven says, a disappointed look on his face.

“What’s so wrong with the mention of Jessica? It’s not like they are still together or anything,” Michelle says indignantly. “I think I will just take some fresh air outside. I am not even hungry anymore.” She pulls her chair back and walks away.

Vaughn’s mom drops her fork and stretches her hand to touch his. “I am sorry about that, Vaughn. I don’t know why she acts that way sometimes. I will talk to her.”

“No, no, it’s fine. She’s just a girl anyway.”

He pulls his hand back and grabs his fork.

This is beyond awkward for me at this point. Might as well just stare at the table’s hardwood until everyone disperses.

“Anyway, is there anyone you’re seeing at the moment, Vaughn? I know you players hardly discuss these things with the media, but you know you can always tell your mom,” she offers.

Steven just shakes his head and continues eating absentmindedly.

“I don’t have time for that, Mom. I am a busy man,” Vaughn replies.

“I can see that. In fact, Michelle counted up to five billboards with your face on them on our way here. But don’t you think having someone in your life would help you get over Jessica?”

At this point, I don’t think I am supposed to be here.

“I am fine, Mom.”

“Are you, though?” Mrs. Graham turns to me and asks. “Don’t you think that’s a great idea, Rachel? You’re his PA. You should advise him.”

The immediate reaction that follows spares me the stress of thinking about how to respond to Mrs. Graham’s statement. Vaughn’s cutlery clanks on his plate, and he jerks his head upward to face his mother, his eyes glinting with fury.

Chapter twelve

Chapter Twelve

Vaughn

“Iam sick and tired of this, Mom! I am sick of you trying to influence my life decisions and all of you acting like you give a damn! I am sick of Michelle acting like a spoiled little brat. And you, Steven, I am sick of you only calling me when you need something from me. I am sick of you, all of you!”

I switch my gaze from Steven to Rachel and spring up from my seat. “Let’s get out of here, Rachel!” I demand, storming out of the room, leaving my mother and Steven in the dining room and Rachel trying to catch up with my strides.

This shit fucking hurts, and it sucks. I had been in a relatively good mood all through the week because I wanted to start the season in a good headspace, only for my family members to come and fuck it all up. If only I had remained firm on them notcoming or even lied that I traveled or something. I knew at the back of my mind that it wouldn’t go well, but then I was hoping that it would, at least for a change.

I am finding it difficult to concentrate on the road as I drive Rachel home—not that I care much about her not bringing her car with her or having to take a cab back home. I am only doing this because I need some of that fresh air to clear my head as I drive, and it irks me that that’s not even doing the trick I expect it to do.

Should I drive to Dr. Craig’s office after dropping Rachel off?

Fuck no.

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