Page 17 of Second Chance Ex
I say nothing. Because what can I possibly say to that? She’s right. My parents might not know the reasons behind mine and Joey’s demise, but when we were together, he was almost as much a part of myparents’ lives as he was of mine. He was always here. Even when I wasn’t. And… now he’s still here.
“Shall we tell Joey not to stop by anymore?” Mom finally asks, breaking the tense silence.
I sigh, managing a small, rueful smile as I shake my head. “No. No, don’t do that.”
“Oh, thank God!” Dad slaps the table, and heaves a relieved breath as if he’s been holding onto it. I turn to him and he looks up at me, continuing. “I have a seat in his suite at the home games. For a moment there I was worried I was going to have to give it up,” he says with relief.
I stare at the man I call my father, unable to believe he just said that out loud. Thinking it is one thing, but actually saying it? And, yes, for the record he is serious. Even my mother stares at him a little gobsmacked, and that’s saying a lot. But thankfully, before I can do anything brash like, I don’t know, throw my dried piece of toast at Dad’s head, Madison walks in through the patio door like she’s done since we were kids.
“Good morning!” Madison smiles from me to my parents and back again. Then, picking up on the tense vibe in the room, her smile morphs into a frown. “What’s wrong?”
I shake my head, dismissing her question and looking back at my parents. “Well, next time your favoritesonstops by for a muffin, can you give him this?” I indicate the jacket as I toss it carelessly over the back of the spare chair.
“Is that Joey's?” Maddy asks, her brows knitting together.
I nod, dodging the question as best as I can.
“I can take it.” She grabs the Tom Ford, tucking itunder her arm. “Ryan’s going to see him this afternoon.”
“Whatever,” I mutter. “Let’s go.”
“Where are you ladies off to?” Mom questions.
“Home, to change,” I say quickly, looking down at myself once again.
“And then we’re meeting a couple of the girls before they go back to the city.” Madison grins.
“Oh, it must be nice seeing all your old school friends.” Mom muses.
“It is.” Madison nods, but then she glances at me. “Did you notice Dawn’s botched nose job?”
I blink at her.
“Total rhinoplastydisasty.” She grimaces, then grabs my arm and tows me out of the house. “Bye Mr. and Mrs. Dubs.”
I wave goodbye to my parents and quickly grab my clutch purse from last night, trying to keep up with Madison as she pulls me with her.
“How are younothungover?” I ask in awe at just how put together my best friend is when I look and feel like actual ass.
She glances at me over her shoulder and shrugs. “You drank alotlast night, P.”
I heave myself up into her fancy SUV, sinking into the cushy leather seats.“I know, I’m sorry…”
“So, what was all the yelling about?” Madison asks as she reverses out of my parent’s long drive.
I scoff. “Did you know Joey still visits my parents? Like, as in every time he’s in town. For coffee and fucking muffins.” I’m incredulous again.
Madison stares at the road ahead. “That’s nice.”
My jaw drops at her nonchalance. “Nice?”
She shrugs, pulling onto First Avenue. “Well, yeah. I mean, his mom is gone, and his dad’s a total asshole. Your folks were always like the family Joey never had.”
She makes a valid point. But still, why am I the only one who can see the issue with my ex still visiting my parents at my family home like he belongs there? I stare out at the lush green trees that line the side of the road, my mind working a mile a minute.
Since our break up, Joey has been a moot point between Madison and I. Sure, he’s Ryan’s best friend, and a big part of Madison’s life by association, but she and I stopped talking about him after everything happened because it was easier for me. It was tricky, having to juggle our time, having to avoid certain get-togethers and parties, splitting our time like children of divorce, but it was for the best.
The problem is, now I kind ofwantto speak about him. Iwantto know what he’s been up to. How has he been, really. Does he ever mention me, or have I been a moot point, too? How long has he been with that blonde girl, and is it serious? But just as I’m about to broach the subject, Madison pulls into my drive and demands I hurry to get ready before we miss the girls.
