Sway (Landry Family 1)

I don’t.

“Alison, why is a Major League baseball player calling the house to play baseball with my grandson?”

I shrug like I have no idea, but she doesn’t buy it.

“There’s also a beautiful bouquet of flowers in your bedroom,” she states. “Hux told me to take a look, said the mayor of Savannah sent them to you.”

“It’s nothing,” I say, turning away from her.

I wait for the impending question and answer session, but nothing happens. The bathroom door closes down the hall and my mom’s chair scoots against the tile floor. But she doesn’t speak.

I can’t take the anticipation any longer. Turning to face her, I see her looking at me, a wide smile on her face.

“What?” I say, fighting a grin of my own.

“I want to ask you a million questions . . .”

“There’s nothing for me to answer. Not really,” I add on, the grin getting harder to conceal. Just thinking about Barrett makes my stomach flutter and it’s ridiculously hard to not show it.

“So you met him somehow and you’re seeing him?”

“No,” I gasp, then catch myself. “Actually, yes. Kind of. But if we—”

“Oh my gosh, Alison! You’re kidding me!”

“Mom, please,” I say, sounding like Hux when he’s embarrassed. “It’s nothing. We just met awhile ago and have been spending some time together.”

“I can’t say I’m sad about this,” she teases. “He’s handsome and well-to-do . . .”

“We’re friends. That’s it, Mother.”

She tsks me and crosses her arms over her chest. “Being friends with someone doesn’t put that look on your face,” she teases.

Taking a deep breath, I know I can’t hide anything from her. It’s pointless. “We’re trying things out, feeling our way through . . . whatever this is.”

“I’m so happy for you, Ali.”

“Don’t get all crazy,” I say, rolling my eyes. “And please don’t mention it to anyone. It’s nothing official and I don’t want people asking about it.”

We exchange a look, one filled with memories we’d both like to forget.

“Understood.” She walks around the table and pulls me into a quick embrace. “I won’t meddle, but if you need anything, just ask.” She starts to leave but pauses at the doorway. “I knew someone would sweep you off your feet . . .”

“Friends, Mom!” I laugh, exasperated.

“Friends. Right,” she shrugs, and shortly after, the front door closes.

Then it opens again.

“Alison, there’s a man that’s just pulled up in a Range Rover?” She peeks her head around the front door. “I’m guessing that’s something to do with your friend?”

My jaw hangs open. I have no idea why Troy would be here, besides that Lincoln called, but I’ve had no time to get ready.

“Yeah,” I say, “go on. It’ll be fine.”

She smiles too brightly and leaves, but the door stays partially open. Before I can get to it, Lincoln pops his head around the corner.

“Hey there,” he grins in his adorable way. He chuckles when he realizes how gobsmacked I am. “Expecting me?”