Page 50 of Play to Win

I take one of the bags and move to set it on the counter.“You’ve done so much to help Théo get settled in.He really appreciates it.”

She waves a hand.“I’m so happy he’s living close now.”She purses her lips.“I fear Théo doesn’t feel the same about his family.”

“He will.”I nod firmly.“I know there are bad feelings, but family is family.”

Aline tilts her head, again reminding me of Théo.“Just so,” she murmurs.“What about your family?Were they at the wedding?”

“I don’t have much family.My mom passed away a few years ago.”

“Oh!C’est terrible.Pauvre enfant.”Her eyes soften.

“Uh ...”

“I apologize again.I don’t speak French very often, but when I get emotional, I slip back into it.I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Thanks.It was a difficult time.I never knew my father, and my twin brother, Chris, is ...well, I’m not sure where he is.”

She frowns.“You have quarreled?”

“Sort of.”

“As have Théo and his brother.”She grimaces.

“So I understand.”

“Well.We won’t get into that.Tell Théo I was here.”

“I will.I’m sure he’ll be sorry he missed you.And sorry about not telling you sooner that we got married.”

Her mouth firms.“I now am angry.”She notices my face, and her mouth softens.“Un petit peu.Not at you.We’ll see you Saturday evening.Tell Théo seven o’clock.”

“I will.Thank you again for all you’ve done.”

I see her to the door where she gives me another quick hug and leaves.

I sag against the wall and close my eyes.Fuuuuuck.

Which is worse ...Théo’s mom hating me?Or Théo’s mom happy for us ...because what will happen when our “marriage” ends?

* * *

I havedinner ready when Théo arrives home, which was easy because of the roasted chicken Aline brought over.There were also side dishes of mashed potatoes, gravy, and vegetables, along with some fresh rolls that would be good for chicken sandwiches tomorrow with the leftovers.

“Wow, smells good in here,” Théo says as he enters the kitchen.

“Dinner’s ready!”

“Awesome.I’m going to go change.Be right back.”

He went to work dressed in casual pants and a button-down shirt, but he returned wearing the black athletic shorts he’d had on this morning and a T-shirt.I’ve changed into a new pair of shorts and a T-shirt.

“Where’d you get this chicken?”he asks as we sit down to eat.

“Well.Funny story.”I cut a piece of white meat.“Your mom stopped by with it.”

He freezes, fork halfway to his mouth.“Say what now?”

My smile is big and tight.“Yeah.She brought over food, not knowing I was here.Let’s just say it was a bit of a shock for her.”

---