Cocky Striker - Evan Grace Page 0,36
have an impromptu meeting with my fraternity brothers.
I find my brothers all sitting in the common area of the frat house. I sit next to Trey. “What’s up, brother? How was your visit to your parents?”
“It was good. They absolutely loved Laken, and Ava already has them wrapped around her little finger.” The moment the words leave my mouth I realize I’ve screwed up. I haven’t told him about Laken being a mom. I wasn’t sure if that was something to share or to let her tell him.
“Laken has a kid?” I nod. “Wow, well that’s unexpected. What’s she like?”
I smile because that little girl is so freaking cute. Grabbing my phone, I pull up a picture I took of the three of us and Pixy. “Look at her.”
“She’s really cute. She looks a lot like her mom.”
I nod. “I know, right. Ava can’t say Chance so she calls me Chas. Mom and Dad took her to Disneyland, and I swear they were more excited than she was.” I show him the one of both of my parents wearing Mickey Mouse ears.
Trey knows my parents are cuckoo bananas, and his parents are just as bad. All he does is laugh and shake his head.
When Hunter comes in followed by the vice president, he holds up his hand to silence everyone. “Hey, guys, can we all quiet down. We’ve got a lot to cover.” He sits in the “throne.” That’s what we call it because it’s where the president always sits during meetings.
He scoots to the edge of his seat. “This year marks the two hundredth anniversary of our fraternity. Several alumni have reached out wanting to throw a party. There will be silent auctions, dinner, dancing, and all the money we make will go toward a charity of their choosing.”
Hunter goes on to tell us they’re inviting other Greek houses. Our ticket will include a plus one. This is a mandatory event where they want all in attendance. That means I am going to have to don a tux, but the best part will be getting to see Laken all dressed up in a gorgeous dress.
“Parents will be able to purchase tickets as well. The best part is alumni are putting the whole thing together. All we have to do is show up looking good and have a memorable time.” Hunter goes over some other house news and then dismisses us.
I have practice shortly after and by the time I’m done I am exhausted. After a quick shower I throw on some basketball shorts and grab my phone. As soon as Laken’s face appears I smile.
“Hey, you. How was practice?”
“It was good. Before I went I had a meeting with my brothers. We’re having an anniversary party for the fraternity in December. It’s a formal deal, and I want you to be my date.”
Laken is quiet at first, and then her face splits into a huge grin. “I’d love to.” I love that it came out all breathy. “I never got to go to prom.” She shakes her head. “I know it isn’t prom, but I’m looking forward to it.”
“Mommy, who you talking to?” Ava’s sweet little face appears on the screen. “Chas! Are you coming ober? I miss you bery, bery much.” That girl makes me smile.
“I can’t come over tonight.” I look at the time. “It’s almost your bedtime. Are you still going to come see me play tomorrow?”
“Yes! Mommy say you good and we have to cheer weally, weally loud,” Ava declares.
“Well, I can’t wait to see you.” Her smile, which is so like her mom’s, is beaming.
We don’t talk much longer because Ava falls asleep on Laken’s lap. After I disconnect, I make chicken and vegetables, wolfing it down while I watch SportsCenter.
***
Our home game was our best of the season. Between Jayson and I, we scored seven goals. Every so often I would glance over to the stands to find Ava on my dad’s lap, clapping and cheering.
Laken wore a sweet smile that made warmth spread through my body. Maybe that’s why I played better than I ever had before. After the game Ava ran as fast as her little legs could carry her until she was close enough to jump into my arms.
I threw her up onto my shoulders, taking her over to my parents and Laken. I bent down, kissing my girl before greeting my parents, all with Ava on my shoulders.
We went for a quick lunch because I had to be