Page 66 of The Nicest Thing
Arnold gave a short nod of acknowledgment.
"I'm coming to you for relationship advice from now on."
"Me too," Wasserman said.
Reyes just shook his head."I don't know.I still say fake sick.At least until you're ready."
I nodded at that.
Because I was ready.
I'd been ready and waiting for Rose for years.The idea of meeting her family was semi-terrifying.I could admit that.But it was also a privilege. One I didn't take lightly.
"Thanks for the advice," I said to the guys and meant it.
With my brothers scattered across the country, each of them in a different state playing pro ball, and with Emmy being…well, Emmy, and one of Rose's closest friends, I hadn't known where to turn.I really was grateful.Even if some of the suggestions weren't exactly productive, they got me to the right headspace.
As I walked out of the room, my thoughts went straight to Rose.
Usually if I needed to talk, I went to her.She came to me too.
But she was out for obvious reasons.
Was she still stressed about me meeting her family?
I didn't want that.
I'll just have to make them like me.
"Make who like you?"
Startled, I looked up to find my mom, standing outside her office, staring at me expectantly.The glass on the door said Head Coach Daisy O'Brien.
"Hey, Mom," I said.
"Hey," she said then repeated, "who were you talking about?"
I scratched the back of my neck, smiling a little in embarrassment."Rose's family.I'm supposed to have dinner with them tonight."
"Ah," was all she said.
"I, uh, didn't know I said that out loud."
I also hadn't known I reached her office, too lost in my thoughts to notice.
"Brought you the latest data analysis," I said, holding up the papers."I should have everything uploaded tonight, but I know you like to get the hard copy.The Wolves are looking good, stats improved over last practice."
"Good to hear."With a nod, she gestured me inside, and I followed.My mom took a seat behind her desk and waited for me to sit in one of the visitors' chairs.The way she steepled her fingers and studied me put me on edge.So, to even things out, I mirrored her pose and lifted a brow.
After a moment, she laughed."Is that really what I look like?"
"Yeah," I said, "but your stare is more intimidating than mine."
"You should give yourself more credit, Finn."
Mom eased back into her chair, and when I did the same, she chuckled again.
"All moms have that hundred-yard, take-no-prisoners, confess-all-your-secrets look down," I said with a shrug."Though my mom's is the most powerful. Not sure I'll ever measure up."
