Page 55 of Let It Be Me
He nods quickly. “Yes, sir.”
Anderson looks down at his clipboard and looks back up and sees Max still standing in place. “Go.”
Max trails off with his tail tucked between his legs. Chatter starts back up and I grab my things for the shower.
“You going out tonight?” Noah asks.
“Mm hmm. Did you not see the texts last night?”
“Yeeeess,” he says, lying through his teeth.
I shake my head and move into the showers. The lively chatter is one I’ve missed. After three straight losses going into our week at home, it was good to end this week with a win. Turning the water off, I dry off with the towel and head back into the locker room.
“Riley, are you headed up to the box?”
“Yep. My parents and Sarah are up there.” I tell the guys and pull my shirt on, barely muffling the kissing noises they’re making. I ignore them because it’s been a great few weeks with Sarah. The away stretch of games are the hardest but we manage to make it work with modern technology on our side. I pack up my bag and stroll out of the locker room to head to my girl.
What I also failed to mention to the guys is that her friends were at the game tonight as well. Not only would it be their first time to meet them, but mine as well. And my nerves are through the roof. Sarah says I have nothing to worry about. But she’s biased. Stepping off the elevator, I make the short walk to the family and friends room to madness. It seems everyone had the idea to stay.
I say hi to some of the parents and make my way through the room to my crew. Pops flags me down before I can see anyone else. Sarah is in here, I can feel her.
“Good game, kiddo.” He says and kisses the side of my head.
“Thanks, Pop. Hi, Momma.” I greet her with a kiss on her cheek.
“You guys looked great out there. But, I’m sure you’re ready for some lighter days.”
“You have no idea.” This home stretch came at the perfect time with Thanksgiving a handful of days away. “Where’s my girl?” I ask and try not to be rude.
“She’s right there.” Momma points to the cluster of people off to the side.
We make eye contact and the smile that covers her face is infectious. Sarah excuses herself and walks into my arms.
“You did great.” She praises and wraps her arms around my waist.
I kiss the tip of her nose and revel in the sight of a light blush that covers her face. “Thank you.”
She turns her attention to my parents who are looking like they’ve hit the daughter-in-law lottery. I raise an eyebrow at them as they continue to stare at us.
“Oh, fine,” Momma concedes. “We’ll see you this week for Thanksgiving?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.” Sarah tells her and moves to hug Momma. She kisses Pops on the cheek before returning to my side.
Momma kisses me on the cheek, followed by Pops. “She’s good for you.”
“I know.” We wave them off and Sarah secures herself to my waist again. She tilts her head back and I run my fingers through her loose tresses.
“Are you ready to meet my friends?”
I clench my teeth and breathe in. “Yeah.”
Sarah leans up and pecks me on the lips. As she turns, she pulls me by the hands to an expectant group. They allquiet immediately and I feel like I’m being judged for standing by Sarah.
“So, this is Riley.” She waves her hand towards me like she’s Vanna White. “Riley, this is Kamryn, Mason, Emily, Adam, Jax, and Trent.” Sarah finishes with a slight sneer at the last guy and curls into my side.Interesting.
“It’s nice to meet you all. Sarah’s talked about you guys a bunch.”
“Likewise. Now, Riley. Tell us how you charmed her.” Kamryn starts and drags me away from the group.
