Page 56 of The P*ssy Next Door

My dad shrugged. “Rosemount men are virile, son. Don't ever forget that.”

“Gross, Dad.”

My dad grabbed the cinnamon roll I was eating and popped the rest into his mouth. “You'll thank me for it when you're in your fifties, kid. Trust me.”

Strangely, my mother was silent through the entire exchange, but she did have a secret little smile on her face.

“I think I have to go throw up now.” Islipped out into the hallway and pulled out my phone. I needed to talk to Hayes, to explain what had happened and the realizations I'd come to.

He answered on the first ring, his voice warm and soothing in my ear. “Hey, babe. Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just…” I sighed. I hated being wrong, but it was worse being wrong and a bitch about it. “I talked to Xander, and I think it was all just a misunderstanding. He swears he left my ticket at will call.”

“Do you believe him?” There was no judgment in Hayes's tone, just gentle concern.

I leaned against the wall. “I do. And it made me realize how I've been neglecting my family. I feel like a terrible daughter, a terrible sister.”

“You're not. Not even a little bit. I've seen you drop everything for your family, and they know that. Xan has been... challenging lately. We both jumped to the conclusion that he punked you.”

“Okay. You're right.” His words were like a balm to my battered heart, easing the ache of guilt. “Thanks.”

We stayed quiet for a moment, just listening to each other breathe, and I needed that safe space with him. It made it easier to deal with everything else in my world. “Hey, do you think I could bring my family to your game today? It would be kind of nice for our families to hang out together.”

“Of course, babe. That's a great idea. I'll make some calls, get them set up in the box. Be forewarned, no Kelsey today. She's got a music video to shoot or something.”

Relief and gratitude surged through me. “Noted. I'll save that surprise for another day. Thank you. For everything.”

“Anytime. Now, go enjoy the game with your family. I'll see you tonight.”

“Not until later. I have that after-hours booking for the board game people at the shop tonight.”

“Oh, right. Yeah. Gotta go, babe. Love you.”

He clicked off before I could say it back. Weird. Probably had to make those calls to set up the tickets for the game. It was really last minute, and kickoff was in just a few hours.

I walked back into the kitchen with my good news. “Hey, so, do you all want to go to the Mustangs game today?”

My dad smiled, but my mom and brother exchanged a look. “Sorry, honey, but your brother and I have plans this afternoon. But why don't you take your father since he can't play golf?”

Sigh. I tried. “You up for it, Dad?”

“Since I'm not getting laid, I guess a Mustangs game will have to do.” He wrapped me in a one-armed hug, and we walked out of the kitchen. “Let me just grab my coat, hat, and gloves. It's gonna be a cold one. Should we grab some lunch on the way?”

I'd surprise him later with the fact that he wasn't going to need his cold-weather gear or lunch since it would be toasty warm and there would be plenty to eat in the Kingman box. “No, let's eat at the game. I love stadium food.”

“Beer and nachos for the win.”

An hour later, I stood in the Kingman suite at Mile High Stadium, my father already loading up on the nachos. He was delighted when I introduced him to Mr. Kingman, and they hit it off right away. Probably because Mr. Kingman started a conversation about Xander's chances in the upcoming draft. Funny how they’d never really met before. But my mom did like to control everyone in the family’s life, so there was that.

The game kicked off and the players took the field, and I couldn't take my eyes off Hayes. He was all power and grace and determination. Every time he made a play, I felt a thrill of pride and love so strong it took my breath away. Plus, I think he might have changed his workout routine, because his butt was looking fi-ine in those tight pants today. Better than usual. He was moving up my mental list. He might even make it into the top ten this year.

Jules and Trixie plopped down on either side of me, which were open since my dad was totally engrossed in his new BFF. I couldn't quite shake the feeling of being an outsider in my own life. Jules gave me a knowing and empathetic look.

“Been there, done that, got the I'm-the-only-girl-here t-shirt. But don't worry, I got you, boo. I'm collecting a whole girl gang if you hadn't noticed, so none of us have to be wallflowers at these things.”

Trixie raised a finger. “I've been collected.”

“Jules,” I shook my head and stole a handful of her popcorn. “I don't believe for a second that you've ever been a wallflower.”