Playing the Game (Providence University #6) - Ali Parker Page 0,38
and I hadn’t told anyone where I’d be.
“Haven’t you ever been out this way before?” he asked.
“Not in years. I think I was with my dad the last time.” It seemed like my father had taken me on a trip at some point.
“Do you and him get along?” Seth asked.
“Not really. He cheated on my mom and left her to take care of us while he ran off with his secretary. They started a new life, and he basically pretended he didn’t know me. He’s not exactly father of the year.”
“I wish my old man would forget he knew me,” said Seth. He glanced over to see the look of sadness on my face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make light. It’s just. I guess I assume that everyone else had it easier than I did.”
“I mean, he never hit me, but he was far from the loving, perfect father. I guess that’s why it’s been hard to trust anyone with a relationship, but I know you’re capable of being better than my father was. You already treat me better.”
“That’s why Clara is so hard about the cheating, isn’t it?” He was smart to put that together. I never had.
“Good call. Probably. But that’s all in the past. You’re young. You made mistakes, and you’re learning. So, where are you taking me again?” I thought if I threw that last bit in, he’d tell me.
Seth laughed. “Nice try. But seriously, it’s just around the corner. You are going to have to learn a little patience with me. I plan on surprising you a lot. I used to love to surprise my mom.”
“As long as you don’t surprise me in bad ways, I’ll learn to love it.” I was still on pins and needles waiting for the reveal. “As for patience, I guess so. I mean, it took you long enough to get with me.”
“I had to take it slow. And it’s a good thing I did. You’re all virginal and pure. I still feel like a jerk. You deserved better.”
“Stop saying that. I want you.” My smile faded. “You’re stuck with me.”
“Promise?” His smile was wider than ever.
It felt good to know I made him that happy. “Yes.”
About that time, he slowed the car and turned into a small lot that was situated just near a small café. The quaint spot was covered with ivy, and there were flowering trees and shrubs all around.
“Is this the place?” The sign was white with gold leaf. “The Tiger Lily Café?”
“Best breakfast anywhere,” he said. “And it’s kind of charming, I guess.” He shrugged like it was no big deal.
“Kind of charming? This place belongs in a movie. And no offense, but it’s kind of the last place I’d expect you to bring me, much less know about.”
“Because I’m just a big, rough, rugby player?”
“Well, yeah.”
He laughed, and I hoped I hadn’t offended him. “I found it a while back,” he explained. “When I was having problems and needed to get away, I used to come here and escape. I figured it was the last place anyone would look for me. Here, I can be myself, not who anyone expects me to be.”
“You got that right. It’s unexpected, for sure. But I like it.” I looked back at the building. “So, the best breakfast in town? I’ll have to be the judge of that.”
“No, the best anywhere. You’ll see.” He killed the Jeep and got out to come around and help me out, even though I was already standing by the door.
Seth took my hand and shut the door of the Jeep. We went inside and got a table. As we ordered, we talked. “I have a playoff game tomorrow. Coach is going to kill me if I’m not at practice on time.”
“Yeah, well, our team only has one more game, and we’re out.” I shrugged as if it was nothing.
“You don’t seem to care much.”
“It’s not like it’s going to be my career.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m not sure. I guess I have a lot of time to decide.”
“At least you have options.”
“I’ve only ever really wanted a husband and a family most of all. I know it sounds a bit old fashioned, and it’s not like I want to be a stay-at-home mom, but I can have that and a career. My mother did. And things were fine until my father screwed it all up.” I let out a deep breath. “I guess I just want that because I