Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
With the next play, Ike doesn’t have an opening to throw, so he tucks the ball against his stomach and runs, weaving through the other team’s defense, and scores the touchdown.
“YES!” I jump, clap, and high-five everyone around me. It’s exhilarating and fun.
Caleb’s right, we need to come as much as possible. This is our team. Making sure they feel our support is important.
Plus, the Montgomery family suite is the place to be. Rome may never go back to the owner’s suite.
Of course, the press will catch on and find us all in here, and then we’re right back where we were before, but I’ll mention that to Rome after the game. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s fun.
Before long, the clock runs out, and we win the game, headed for the playoffs.
“Merry Christmas to all of us,” Sophie says, clapping loudly. “That was a nail-biter.”
“Why doesn’t everyone come over to our place?” Olivia suggests. “We’ll order dinner later and hang.”
“I’m in,” Hudson says, and several others agree, while others say they already have plans.
I have to meet with my mother in a few hours.
I’m not excited.
“I think we’ll have to sit this one out, but thank you for the invitation.”
“Come on. We can go see our guys,” Sophie says. “Just wear your hat, and no one will care.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m totally sure.”
“We had the best time.” Caleb and Drew are in the game room, racing on Mario Kart. “Even Mom had a lot of fun. And Uncle Rome came in and sat with me for a while.”
“That’s awesome.”
“It was fun watching you coach,” my son continues. “You looked so serious down there.”
“It’s serious work.” Drew glances my way and winks. “Thanks for being there.”
“Sounds like we’ll be there often,” I reply. “Listen, guys. I have to go to a meeting. I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“You have a meeting on a Sunday?” Caleb demands, pausing the game. “The day after Christmas?”
“Yeah, I do. But I won’t be gone long. You two entertain yourselves, okay?”
“We will,” Caleb says as Drew stands and walks over to me. He slides his hands over my hips and leans in to kiss me softly.
“Are you sure you want to do this today?”
“I want to get it over with. She keeps texting me, and it’s annoying. Enough already, you know?”
“I get it. Drive safe, and if you need me, just call.”
“Thanks.” I kiss him quickly, then wave at my son, who’s making gagging noises. “See you in a bit.”
“Do you have to kiss her?” I hear Caleb ask when Drew returns to their game.
“Yeah, I do.”
The drive into the city doesn’t take long. I agreed to meet with my mother in the hotel restaurant where she’s staying. It’s a nice place, and it’s far away from my house. Once the car is with the valet, I walk into the restaurant and give the host my name.
“Of course, this way.”
To my surprise, Mom is already seated and looking at a menu.
“Can I get you something to drink?”
“Water is great, thanks.”
“It’s about time you got here. I’ve been waiting for ages.”
I frown and check the time on my watch. “I’m five minutes early.”
She rolls her eyes and slaps her menu on the table. “Already arguing with me, I see. Is this how it’s going to be, London?”
“You tell me, Mom.”
“I can’t believe the way you’ve treated me this week,” she begins, not even waiting for the appetizer before the claws come out. “As if I’m a stranger. I came here during the holidays to spend time with you, and I haven’t seen you at all.”
“If you’d had the decency to give me a heads-up that you intended to come here, I would have saved you the trip.”
“Are you saying you don’t want me here?”
“Yeah, that’s what I’m saying.”
The waiter approaches, but I shake my head, and he takes the hint and walks away.
“What’s going on with you, Mom? Why are you really here? Don’t give me the bullshit story about the holidays, because we both know that you’ve never cared about being with your children at Christmas.”
Her jaw drops open, then she shuts it again and hides her face behind her hand in a fake sob.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Wishing I’d ordered something stronger than water, I take a sip and sigh.
“He doesn’t pay any attention to me,” she whines. “He’s gone all day, and he golfs on the weekends.”
“He’s gone working, most likely. You married a man in his thirties. What did you expect him to do?”
“To be with me. He doesn’t have to work.”
“Mom, he had a successful career when you met him. You can’t expect him to give all of that up just because you’re needy.”
“I’m lonely,” she corrects, her voice ice cold. “That’s something you should understand.”
“I don’t need a man to not feel alone.” I shrug thoughtfully. “In fact, I have a pretty full life with Caleb and my own businesses.”