Page 113 of Fair Catch

“Oh, you were. I followed you out here.” She wraps her shawl around her a little tighter and pastes on a smile. “Do you have a minute, dear? There’s something I wish to discuss.”

My hackles rise instantly, not knowing what to expect, only that it can’t be good. “What can I do for you, ma’am?”

One of her tempered laughs leaves her, and she waves her hand. “Oh, you Southern boys with yourma’amsandsirs.It’s almost endearing.”

The slight is just that—ever so fucking slight. Pair it with her prim and proper demeanor, and it’d be easy to miss. Hell, maybe even take it as a compliment.

I don’t, though.

Decoding the hidden messages in her words is simple after our first meeting, and I’m tired of playing nice to someone who only views me as inferior.

The gloves are off now.

“Almost as endearing as thissmallgathering you’ve thrown together.”

Mrs. Lancaster’s lips purse tightly, a soft littlehmphsounding from her. There’s a brief pause where we take turns sizing each other up, her sapphire gaze colliding with mine, before she finally speaks.

“After you and Hayes visited for Thanksgiving, his father and I had a rather lengthy discussion about yourinvolvementwith our son. I’m afraid to admit, the two of us are rather concerned about his lack of direction since the two of you started seeing each other.”

“Lack of direction,” I echo, nowhere near close to picking up whatever she’s trying to put down. “Hayes is the most focused, driven person I know. To say he’s lacking direction is laughable.”

“Is it, though?” she challenges, one manicured brow rising. “You heard it yourself, he’s been a bit more lax in his studies, distracted by this new relationship you’ve embarked on. Then, of course, there’s his clear disregard for what this relationship would mean for his future that’s all the more troubling.”

I click my tongue, equally amused and appalled by her assessment of the situation.

“I hadn’t realized enjoying college and not spending every second locked in the library with his nose stuck in a book was considered problematic.”

“It is when his head is being turned away from the things that matter, and by someone who has nothing to offer him in the long term, no less.” She blinks at me, the seemingly picture-perfect mother, who is nothing more than a viper waiting to strike. “You know as well as I do, the path you’re looking to take doesn’t align with the one Hayes is destined for.”

“Plans can change. Even the best-laid ones, as I’m sure you’ve heard.”

Another fainthmphleaves her. “We think it’s best it end here. Before either of you have too much to lose.”

I almost laugh, but then I remember the audacity this woman has, and all I can do is stare at her while I attempt to process her request. Fuck, who am I kidding? Coming from her, it was a demand, no matter how much she tries to dress it up.

“You think I should break up with him.”

She nods, giving me a smile that I only find malice in. “Yes, dear. I think that’s what would be most beneficial to both of you.”

This time, I really do laugh, unable to stop myself as I shake my head. “Thank you for your input intoourrelationship, and pardon my language, but there’s not a chance in fucking hell I’d ever end things with Hayes. He’s one of the best things to ever happen to me.”

“I have no doubt about that. After all, my son is one in a million.”

It’s the closest thing to a compliment I’ve heard her pay, and even if it is a dig toward me as well, I find myself in agreement.

Hayes is one in infinity.

“Then why wouldn’t you want him to be happy?”

“I do, dear. That’swhyI’m doing this. Staying with you? Following you across the country while you chase a ball around a field for a couple years? It would only hold him back from reaching his true potential.” Her expression tightens before she adds, “And then there’s the little matter of your upbringing to consider.”

I saw this coming from a mile away, but it doesn’t stop the comment from slicing through my stomach like a rusty blade.

Scoffing, I run my thumb across my lower lip. “Which is more the issue for you, ma’am? The drunk of a father or the absentee mother?”

“Neither, actually. While you may be a product of your environment, you didn’t choose your parents, nor the life they raised you in. Which is why it makes all the sense that you’d seek something better from an outside source.”

The floor drops out from beneath me.

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