Page 7 of Sideline Sweetheart
She stops in the doorway and turns back to me. “Yes, Doctor Flynn?”
“Who asked you to deliver this?”
A shy smile pulls at her lips. “Bryce Coban,” she says before walking out and closing the door behind her.
“Of course, he did,” I say to the now empty room, before picking up my phone and drafting a text.
Thank you for lunch, it was very thoughtful of you.
You’re welcome. I’m a thoughtful guy.
Chapter Five
Bryce
I grinas I pocket my phone; it seems I’ve left the good doctor speechless. The smile stays on my face on the drive home and thoughts of how I’m going to court Mackenzie Flynn race through my mind. The first call I make, is to the restaurant where I want to take her for our date. This being the digital age ensures there will be texting. Which is tricky, because while I want her to know I am actively pursuing her, I still want there to be some mystery for the actual first date.
Once I’m back at my place, I grab a bottle of water from the refrigerator and make another call. Mom answers on the second ring.
“Hello there, sweet boy.”
Her greeting makes me smile, because no matter how old I am, Mom will undoubtedly call me her sweet boy. Of course, if I’m being honest, I’d be disappointed if she didn’t.
“Hi, Mom. How are you doing?”
I hear the phone shuffle around and realize she’s put me on speaker. “Well, I’m baking your dad’s favorite pie and talking to you, so I’d say I’m doing fine.”
My mouth waters at the mention of one of mom’s pies and I groan in response. “Please don’t tell me it’s a lemon meringue.”
“Your mom is too nice to tell you,” Dad says in my ear. “But I will, because I don’t have to share. It’s lemon meringue.”
I laugh and shake my head, even though I know they can’t see me. “You’re turning into a mean old man, Dad. I can’t believe you’d be so cruel.”
Dad’s laughter fills the air, and I’m reminded of where I get my sense of humor. “Don’t you worry sweetheart,” Mom says. “We’ll make plans soon to visit, and I’ll make enough pies you won’t have to share either.”
“Thanks Mom, it’s nice to know at least one of my parents are generous enough to share.”
“Fine,” Dad says reluctantly. “If you were here, I’d let you have a piece, maybe even two.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “Thanks Dad. I knew Mom would get you back on the right track.”
Dad laughs again, as Mom asks, “So sweetheart, to what do we owe the pleasure of this call?”
“I’m hurt, Mom, can’t a guy call and say hello to his parents?”
“Of course you can, but you usually call on Mondays and this is Wednesday, and I’m your mother so I know something is up.”
“I never could get anything past you.” An image of Mackenzie pops into my head and a smile immediately makes its way onto my face. “I met someone today.” Silence greets me and I pull my phone away from my ear to make sure the call is still connected. “Hello? Are you still there?”
“Yes, we’re still here,” Mom says.
My brows knit together in confusion. “Well, aren’t you going to ask me questions about her?”
“Of course, sweetheart, but we worry, you know, after what happened before…”
Mom doesn’t need to finish her statement, I know exactly what she’s eluding to. My second year with the Generals, the cheerleader I was dating began openly flirting with one of my teammates. Our break-up was not pretty and left me with trust issues and the determination to put my career first and love on the back burner.
“I understand your concern, but Mackenzie is different.”
