Power Play - Brittney Mulliner Page 0,28

of eating at a pub and trying to get some of the locals to teach me how to speak with a better accent. It had been a disaster, but the pints were flowing, and it ended up being a family joke we referenced all too often.

“You offended half the people there. The other half were too drunk to notice,” he countered with a smirk.

“Is it close enough to walk, Jason?” Dad asked, interrupting us.

“It’s about four blocks. We probably wouldn’t find parking much closer.”

“That’s fine. It’s nice out,” Mom said with a smile as she picked up her purse.

Joey and Mom made a game of counting how many times they saw the Fury logo on the short walk—twenty-seven—while Dad and I discussed my contract. He knew as well as I did that I didn’t have much control over what happened next. I played my best and told my agent I wanted to stay, but it was up to the team.

When we got to the restaurant, Joey went to the hostess to check in for our reservation while we waited outside.

“Jason!” I looked around at the sound of my name, thinking it was maybe a fan, but then spotted Carmen teetering toward me in a very, very tight black dress and high heels.

She practically fell into my arms, and I helped her straighten. “Hey, what are you doing here?”

She laughed like I said the funniest thing she ever heard and then stepped next to Mom and looped their arms together. “Silly, I’m here for dinner.”

I looked between the two of them. Mom was beaming and whispered something to her. I glanced at Dad, and he just gave a tiny shrug.

“I … ummm … I didn’t realize.” I wasn’t sure how to finish that statement. There was too much to take in.

“When you mentioned your family was coming, I reached out to your mom and we planned this dinner.” Carmen seemed so proud.

“How?” The strangled word slipped out.

“I got her number from your phone,” she said simply.

It took all my self-restraint not to react. Not to call her out for invading my privacy, for crossing too many lines to count, or telling her to leave.

“Yes, she called and introduced herself. I can’t believe you didn’t tell us you had a special lady in your life.” Mom lowered her head.

“Really?” I turned to Carmen. “Can we talk?”

She started to open her mouth but Dad patted my shoulder, and Joey came outside. “Table’s ready.”

Perfect timing. I was going to have to end this in a way she understood this time. I held open the door and waited for everyone to head in. I debated for a moment making a run for it, but they all knew where I lived and apparently could get in at any time.

We were seated at a round table with Joey on my left and Carmen on my right, giving Mom the opportunity to smile adoringly at Carmen while also shooting me glares.

After the waiter took our drink orders, Joey leaned over and whispered, “Dude, she’s hot. Why didn’t you tell us about her?”

I was grateful for the music and chatter around us that covered our conversation. “Because we aren’t in a relationship.”

His eyes widened. “She told Mom you’re serious.”

I coughed, nearly choking. “I just had a conversation with her this week about needing space.”

Joey bit his lip, failing at containing his grin. “This is wonderful.”

“No, it’s not.” I bit out each word.

“For me, it absolutely is. Let the show begin.” He picked up his water glass and tilted his head like he was giving me a cheers.

Glad to know I could always count on my brother to have my back.

“So how did you two meet?” Dad asked, and Carmen jumped in before I had a chance.

“Oh, it’s the best story.”

Really? Was it? We met at one of the team’s fundraiser events. She was there because the company she worked for bought tickets.

“It was funny really. The Fury was doing a fundraiser for the humane society. They were hosting a barbeque and had all the animals up for adoption there. My company was a sponsor, so I was there and we ran into each other.”

Hilarious story. That was really all that happened. We met, chatted for a few minutes, then I left. She hunted me down before I left and asked if I wanted to meet up for coffee sometime.

“How nice,” Mom said, but Dad looked like he was waiting for more.

“It really was. It’s important to me that Jason