Rich Prick – Tijan Page 0,117

her classes were coming, about her roommates. They wanted to hear about her dorm, general things. I figured out that they hadn’t talked to Aspen prior to when I picked her up. This was the first visit since Aspen had come to Cain.

The shift of conversation was coming now, coming towards me.

Some of her smile was forced, but some of it was genuine. They’d been reserved about me since we met at high school graduation.

I got it. I did.

Parents seem to know I’m a dick, but I’d been nothing but good to their daughter. That had gone a long way. I knew Aspen’s brother spoke for me too. They shared their concern, stating they heard I had a reputation for being a prick and worried how I’d treat Aspen. Him telling them I was wrapped around Aspen’s pinkie helped. A lot.

But seriously, I got it.

I wouldn’t like me too.

She continued, “Since our project was finished, we’ve been spending more time getting to know people in Fallen Crest. I have to say that it’s been just lovely meeting your mother. Marie and Stephen make a wonderful couple.”

Aspen seemed to deflate whatever breath she’d been holding. She blinked, giving me a smile at the same time squeezing my hand tight under the table.

I chuckled under my breath, squeezed her hand back before shifting our hands and running my thumb over the inside of her palm. She jerked, but I kept her hand in place, enjoying this slight torment. Her breath was growing shallow because of it. She’d be squirming in a second.

“My mom mentioned the same thing to me. She’s enjoyed getting to know Malinda Strattan as well.”

“Oh, that’s right. Malinda uses her husband’s name. I used to know her as Decraw back in the day.”

I nodded, knowing there was history there.

“And soccer?” This question came from Aspen’s dad. “I’m hearing exciting things about the Cain soccer team this year. It’s usually their football team getting the attention.”

This wasn’t the first time I’d heard that as well.

I nodded, still holding onto Aspen’s hand under the table, but I stopped teasing her. “Yes, sir. The team is good. Our goalie is one of the best in the nation.”

“And you? What position do you play?”

“I’m a center forward.”

“What does that do?” From Aspen’s mom.

“I’m mostly on offense. I help move the ball forward, acting as a striker too.”

“Right. You’re the guy by the goal?”

“Uh. Kinda.” There was more to it than that.

“You score the goals, though.” Her dad waved his hand in the air, sitting higher, almost proud.

I hid a smile. “I score goals.”

He dipped his head down. “Good. You help bring the wins in. Cain is known to produce quite a few professional athletes, in all sports.”

“That’s the goal.”

“To go professional?” From her mother.

“Uh.” I rolled my shoulder back. “I’m not sure, to be honest. A lot of those guys overseas have been in clubs since they were fourteen, younger sometimes. I’m behind.”

“You could play professional here?”

I turned to her dad. “I could, yes.”

He frowned a little. “But you’re not sure if you want that?”

“Right now I’m just in college, spending time with your daughter. That’s all I’m focused on.” That wasn’t totally true. Soccer was huge in my life right now, but I hadn’t decided if I wanted to go abroad or not. And because of that, I wasn’t lying when I said Aspen was part of my focus. She was. And training as hard in soccer as I could until I did decide.

“Right. Well, whatever you decide, you’ll have our full support.”

“Thank you, sir.” I looked at Aspen’s mom. “Ma’am.”

Her smile was much more genuine now. The pride too.

But then again, this was also normal. Star athletes got a lot more attention than others. Aspen’s parents were like others. But I caught a little look Aspen’s mom shot her. There was a trace of hesitation and that made me feel better. She was still worried about her daughter, but time would tell. I didn’t pull out a smooth facade, how some parents wanted, if only to appease their own inner doubt. That wasn’t me. I would hope that Aspen’s parents would come to know that as well, but I wasn’t worried.

I loved their girl. It would be fine.

As if sensing my thoughts, Aspen patted my hand under the table. “I think I’m full. I can’t eat anymore.”

I shot her a dark grin.

She grinned back.

Aspen’s dad noted the shared look and seemed to sigh. “Yes. I’ll signal for the check.”

“That went well.”

I’d