Hotshot (The Bennett Brothers 1)

Unfortunately, with my schedule, next week wouldn’t work, so instead, I invited my parents to Nicky’s game this weekend, reminding her Shaw’s company suite had room for everyone. Of course, she jumped at the idea, but now is questioning whether it’s okay. She does this every time, knowing Shaw always has enough tickets and space for them.

I try to end the conversation but give a little yelp when Claire kicks me in the shin, mouthing to me to ‘tell her’.

“So, Mom, I need to tell you something.” It comes out like a croak and I swallow, trying to calm my nerves.

“Is everything okay?”

“Yes, I wanted to tell you, I’m seeing someone.”

“You are?”

“Yes, it’s still new, but I think it’s pretty serious.”

“Okay.” She goes silent, waiting for me to say more.

“He’s amazing and wonderful. I think you and Dad will approve.”

I’m met with more silence, which makes my palms start to sweat.

“Well, the thing is, you know him. Pretty well.”

“Crenshaw Bennett finally see the light?” she guesses without further probing.

“H-h-how’d you know?”

Her laughter flows through the line so loud that Claire joins in.

“Baby, there is no one, I mean no one, I’ve ever seen you look at the way you look at him. I used to wonder if you and Nicky would ever move beyond friends, but the first time I saw the way you looked at Crenshaw, I knew which brother you loved.”

“Oh my God.” I slap my hand to my forehead. “Was I that obvious?”

“A mother knows.”

“Mom, you have no idea.”

“I think I do. You may think you hid it well, but as I said, a mother knows.”

“We’re going to tell Nicky and the rest of his family on Saturday night. So you think you can hold off talking to Maria until Sunday at the game?”

“I can try, but I think you’d be surprised. She’s already called today wondering if you had a nice time. She was prying, looking for information.”

“Oh, shit —I mean crap!”

She laughs again, and I can picture her shaking her head.

“Lizbeth, I’m happy for you. This is a good thing. I only want you to be happy and so does your dad. Go with this. Crenshaw is an exceptional man.”

“I love him,” I admit to her and lock eyes with Claire. “I’ve always loved him.”

“I know, which is another reason I’m so happy for you. You deserve this.” Her voice cracks, causing a lump to swell in my throat.

We don’t talk about my cancer very much, but I know how scared she and Dad were. I heard them one night when they thought I was asleep, discussing treatment plans and selling everything they owned to get me into an experimental program, if it came to that. Luckily, it didn’t. When I went into remission, I was excited, but I remember my mom’s wails as she held me close and thanked God and everyone else responsible for my care.

“Mama, please don’t.”

Claire scoots next to me, grabbing my hand.

“I’m sorry, but you’ll never know how much hearing you’re in love fills my heart. I’ve dreamed of so much for you, and this makes it real.”