Page 90 of Calling the Shots

I kick Gracelyn’s foot under the table, and she glances over at me, lips tipping up slightly.

“Have you, Mack?” Tinsley locks eyes with me across the table, her pupils wide and dark, and my gut clenches.

“Only if you count the high school playbook. I’ve been pretty busy.”

“You found time to date.” Tinsley runs her finger along the rim of her glass, then takes a slow sip of wine, her gaze searing into me.

I glare across the table at her, my muscles tight and my body cold. This night’s already been long and insufferable, and Tinsley’s presence is only making it worse. I’d love to take off my jacket, but that’s not allowed in the main dining room. Instead, I down the rest of my wine in one long slug.

The waiter appears, cutting the tension. Everyone places their order, wineglasses are refilled. A few people stop by the table to chat, clapping me on the back and talking about the football glory days.

From the corner of my eye, I watch as Gracelyn tries to join the ladies’ conversation. But Emma Kate and Tinsley start talking about a few of their sorority sisters. That leaves Gracelyn with my mother.

Not ideal.

“You and your mother work together?” My mom steeples her fingers.

“Yes, ma’am. We own a popular salon in Thunder Creek.” Gracelyn’s cheeks turn pink and she’s animated for the first time since we got to the club.

“That’s nice. What’s the name of the shop?”

“Plumb Perfect.”

“How quaint.” My mother gives Gracelyn a tight smile and a nod.

“It’s a sweet little spot. I enjoy what I do.”

“That’s lovely. Ulysses always says the same thing. Although we do wish he would have done more, with all the advantages he’s enjoyed.”

I tense, one fist clenched beneath the table. Ever since I moved to Thunder Creek, I’ve been hearing about what a disappointment I am.

It’s exhausting.

But now’s not the time for yet another confrontation. I gloss over the jab, pretending I didn’t hear. The food arrives and conversation slows, all attention on the entrees.

I’m cutting into my filet when I feel a slight bump against my leg. Then a bare foot snakes up my ankle, rubbing beneath my pants.

Is Gracelyn playing footsie with me at the club with my mother sitting next to her?

I sneak a quick glance over at her, but she’s engrossed in her Cobb salad. Stabbing a leaf of lettuce with her fork, she’s not paying any attention to me at all. I lift my eyes and Tinsley winks at me, so quickly I’m positive no one else saw.

What the hell?

Jerking my leg away, I ram my knee against the table. Hard. Glasses wobble and silverware rattles on the plates.

“Oww.” I massage my bruising kneecap, trying to ease the pain.

“Ulysses, are you alright?” My mother’s eyes widen with concern.

“Yeah, just a Charley horse. I’ll go walk it off.” I shove away from the table, eager to get some fresh air.

“I’ll come with you. I need to use the ladies’ room.” Tinsley stands before I have a chance to protest or escape alone.

Wonderful.

Gracelyn bites at her lip, shooting me a worried glance.

“I’ll be fine.” I squeeze her arm reassuringly.

---