Page 91 of Thick Girls Pole

When Shannon and I were younger, he was on the road a lot during football season, which included Thanksgiving and Christmas. Mom, Shannon, and I used to travel to wherever he was so we could spend the holidays together. His role has changed since then but, even though he’s not reporting from games anymore, he still offers commentary and does interviews. Now his office is set up to do all that remotely.

“Is anyone else coming?” Shannon asked.

I’ve been so preoccupied with spending the day with Keera, I never even asked if any of my aunts, uncles, or cousins are joining us. Even if no one comes for dinner, often we have a houseful for dessert.

But that’s different every year based on who’s where. And as my generation starts their own families or moves away, the family gets more and more spread out.

“No, it’s just us,” Mom said. “Which is kind of nice, I think.”

“With no one else here, I was wondering if you’d want to play some Madden,” Dad said.

I looked at Keera.

“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” She smiled. “I can pump your mom and Shannon for information about you. Maybe get them to show me some photo albums or home movies.”

“Have at it.” Leaning down, I gave her a quick kiss. “Or you can come downstairs and watch me kick my dad’s ass.”

“In your dreams,” he said.

“Unless your mom needs help cleaning up, I’m gonna sit here and veg until I’m not so stuffed.”

“Yes, let us sit here and digest so we can make room for dessert,” Shannon said from the other end of the couch.

Now I get why Keera kept watching me earlier at her house. Her exes didn’t do well when they were alone with her family so it was a novelty for her that I did. If I left Zoe for a second, there’d be some kind of issue I’d have to hear about later. This is much nicer.

I followed my dad down to the basement and fired up the ancient Playstation. We settled next to each other on the couch as the Madden graphics filled the screen. I felt my dad’s eyes on me and I looked over at him before pressing start.

“I didn’t say anything after we had dinner last week, but I really like Keera.”

“Yeah, me too.”

“So things are serious?” he asked as he started the game.

“Yeah, I’d say so.”

This is how we had most of our heart-to-heart conversations through the years. Sitting next to each other playing Madden.

“In case you didn’t remember, your grandmother left her engagement ring to you. It’s in a safe deposit box at the bank.”

He chuckled when I cursed under my breath as he blitzed my quarterback. I focused on the game as his words played through my mind.

Technically I knew about the ring, but haven’t thought about it in a long time. And even though I dated Zoe for years, my dad never mentioned it. Which isn’t surprising. After we broke up, my family told me they never thought we were right for each other. I’m guessing they would have spoken up sooner if I tried to take things to the next level.

I pictured my grandmother’s ring in my mind and smiled. Even if I tried to give the ring to Zoe, she would have hated it. But the unique design is just Keera’s style.

After I scored a touchdown, my dad looked over at me.

“So if you decide you want it, give me a little warning so I can go get it.”

“Will do.”

CHAPTER28

Keera

“Your dad’s band is amazing,”Simon said against my ear.

I nodded and settled back against his chest.

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