Page 113 of Well Played

“If you’re having one, that would be great.”

We made small talk while I prepped two teas, mostly chatting about Alex and how he was settling into school. After I was done and put out cream and sugar, I sat across from her and sipped my tea.

“How are things going with Tanner?” she asked.

“We’ve been getting along pretty well. But we’re just friends, if that’s what you’re asking. I don’t see Tanner in a romantic light, and I’ve told him that a number of times.”

Shelby sighed. “That’s what I thought.”

“Did he…say something to you to make you think otherwise?”

She shook her head. “Not directly. But I received all of the confirmations for Jim’s jersey ceremony next weekend, and I noticed there was a one-bedroom suite under Tanner’s name with three guests listed. So I asked him about it.”

“Oh?”

“He said you, Alex, and he would all stay together in one room. Their suites have a separate bedroom and living room, with a king-size bed and also a small couch in the living area, but it’s not a pull-out couch. I let Tanner know that, thinking maybe he thought the couch converted to a bed he could sleep on, but he said it wouldn’t be a problem, thatAlexwould fit on the couch.” Shelby caught my gaze. “He also asked if I’d mind keeping my grandson one of the nights, so you two could have some alone time.”

I blew out a deep breath. “I definitely didn’t know about that. I only decided to go a few weeks ago because Alex’s begging made it impossible to say no. I’ve been so busy that I hadn’t even considered where we were staying or the sleeping arrangements. I knew Tanner said there were rooms blocked off for everyone. But I had no idea he thought it would be okay for us to share a bed.” I paused. “I swear, Shelby, I haven’t been leading him on at all. I’ve been very straightforward about how I feel, even though he keeps telling me he plans to wait me out.”

She shook her head. “I wasn’t thinking you were doing anything to make him feel that way. But I know how my son can be. Sometimes he gets ideas in his head, and he becomes so focused that he can lose track of reality.”

“I don’t want to hurt him. Things between us are good right now, on a friendship level. And he’s spending a lot of quality time getting to know Alex. But there really is no chance we’ll be getting back together.” I looked down into my tea. “My heart belongs to someone else, but even if it didn’t, I wouldn’t be interested in rekindling a romance with Tanner.”

Shelby was quiet for a moment. It looked like she might’ve been deliberating saying more. Eventually, she set down her teacup.

“Have you…spoken to Levi lately?”

I shook my head and frowned.

“This whole situation between my boys is very confusing. I’m never sure what I should say and what I shouldn’t. I’m supposed to be loyal to both my sons, but I’m keeping a secret from one, and I hate to see either of them hurting. And you, Presley. I know it probably seems like I’ve not been the friendliest person since you came back, but I believed some things that I never should’ve, and for that I’m sorry. You were always like the daughter I never had, and I care about you deeply. I don’t want to see you hurting either.”

“Thank you. And I’m sorry you’ve been put in the middle of this mess.”

Shelby was quiet for another moment. Eventually, she sighed. “Levi called me last week. It was the evening Alex was over because you and Tanner had gone out with some old friends. Alex told Levi he was over because his parents had gone out on a date.”

My eyes widened. “Oh no.”

Shelby nodded. “When I got back on the phone, Levi gave me the third degree. I told him Tanner was the one who’d called it a date, and I wasn’t sure if that was what you considered it. But he sounded pretty upset.”

I felt sick that Levi might think Tanner and I were together so soon after he left, that our relationship had meant so little to me that I could move on that fast—especially with his brother. But I also found Levi’s reaction confusing.

“He was the one who broke things off with me.”

Shelby reached across the table and squeezed my hand. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I just thought you should know—not only because of Levi’s reaction, but also because clearly Tanner is feeding Alex some things that aren’t exactly the truth. I wouldn’t want him to think his parents were back together, only to be let down.”

I nodded. “Thank you for telling me. I appreciate it.”

After Shelby left, I went to my room to take a shower. But rather than turn in, I decided to wait downstairs in the living room for Tanner to come home. It was time the two of us had a little heart to heart.

***

“Hey.” Lips touched my forehead. “You must’ve fallen asleep.”

I rubbed my eyes open to the sight of Tanner. “What time is it?”

“It’s almost midnight.” He smiled. “You know, you’re cute when you drool.”

I wiped my face as I sat up. “I was not drooling.”

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