Page 27 of Bound and Blitzed

“Mom!” Avery reprimands her.

She laughs. I nearly choke on my own saliva.

“Of course not,” I say quickly. “I live in the same building as Avery.”

“Oh!” Mr. Callaway says. “Well, that certainly explains why she was in the neighborhood.” He gives his son a look as if to call him a jackass. “Welcome, Valentina.” Mr. Callaway embraces me. “It’s good of you to join us.”

“Good to meet you, sir,” I say nervously.

Arlene gives me a sweet look as Mr. Callaway grins. “Call me Joe. We’re happy you’re here.”

“Thank you.”

Avery links his fingers with mine as I step farther into his childhood home, following his parents into their kitchen. The house is warm and inviting. Family photos hang on one of the walls and there are a few framed pictures on side tables in the living room. Fresh flowers sprout from a vase in the formal dining room, and the table is set for eight.

I suck in a breath. This is it; I’ve crossed the Rubicon. There’s no going back now.

Avery gives me a small, reassuring smile as Joe passes me a glass of wine. His eyes linger a beat too long on the diamond wedding band on my ring finger.

Joe’s eyes fly to mine, and I quickly avert my gaze, more nervous than I’ve ever been. My stomach twists into knots and the back of my neck prickles with anxiety. The scent of the wine is strong, almost overpowering, and I know it’s because my senses are on high alert.

My body is preparing for fight or flight. Or freeze.

Right now, I don’t know which.

“Hello! We’re here!” a voice calls out.

A moment later, Raia enters the kitchen with Cohen Campbell, the Knoxville Coyote’s wide receiver, on her heels.

Cohen gives Avery a casual backslap and bro hug before looking at me curiously.

Raia kisses her parents hello before pulling me into a hug. I’ve known her for almost a year. Shortly after Raia began playing for the Chicago Tornadoes, she and my sister hit it off. I met Raia on a few of my trips to Illinois, but it wasn’t until I moved to the States that I spent more time with her.

My nerves skyrocket as I realize how badly this can backfire.

What if Raia doesn’t accept me as her brother’s wife? What if it ruins her friendship with Carla? What if it affects my sister’s performance on the soccer pitch?

What if?—?

“I can’t believe you’re giving my dumbass brother the time of day, Vale,” Raia says breezily, her tone rounded out with humor. “You’re lightyears out of his league, babe.”

“Raia,” Arlene scolds. “Galaxies is more like it.”

“Thanks, Mom,” Avery mutters.

“Here you go.” Joe passes his daughter a glass of wine.

Avery pops the tops on a few beers and passes them around to his dad and Cohen.

“When will Grandpa and Grandma arrive?” Cohen asks.

“Any minute. You know how much my mother loves to be fashionably late,” Arlene replies. She points at the charcuterie board and various breads, vegetables, and dips on the kitchen island. “Help yourselves. I know how you kids get hungry.”

Cohen grins at her and reaches for a baby carrot, popping it into his mouth.

“He literally just ate,” Raia tells me.

“It’s good to see you again, Valentina,” Cohen says kindly.

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