* * *
“Look at Mama dancing with Wakowski,”Vickie whispers. “He can barely keep up with her. He’s not acting like a man who needs to take three paternity tests soon.” I look away from that scene. Wakowski is dancing way too close to my mother.
Dinner’s been served and everyone is either dancing or drinking. Even Charlie is having fun talking with Alicia and Myra. Alan watches Tilly from across the room, practically drooling. Unfortunately for him, she brought a date.
After dinner and cake, the boys go upstairs with their nannies to watch movies, and the adults are left to enjoy the party.
“Everyone is having fun except for two people,” Vickie whispers. “Call Coach over.” I gesture for him to come over, and he leaves his spot against the wall. His hair is down as usual, making him look a bit like a Viking.
He shakes my hand and hugs Vickie. “Congrats again, guys. It’s a nice party.” He hasn’t cracked a smile all night. I’d hate to see his face if it was a bad party.
“Let’s get a drink.” Vickie wraps an arm around his and practically drags him away. She’s up to something, so I follow. On the way to the bar, she stops at Jeannie’s table. She’s all alone, still reading her book.
“Hey, Jeannie,” Vickie says, with a big smile. Jeannie slams the book shut and stuffs it in her purse before I can read the title. She stands, looking a little embarrassed. “Have you met Colt’s coach, Aidan?”
Jeannie seems surprised by the question but offers him her hand. He takes it, practically drowning it in his much larger one. He lifts it and kisses her knuckles. She clears her throat loudly and yanks her hand away.
“So, you ah, coach football?” Jeannie asks.
Vickie giggles and I cackle.
“Basketball,” Coach corrects.
“Are you sure?” Jeannie asks. “My mom said you’re a football player,” she says to me.
Vickie tries to hide her laugh but fails.
“I’m going to have a talk with Myra,” I say with a smile.
“Yeah, and I’m pretty sure I coach basketball and not football,” Aidan says to her.
“Oh.” Jeannie waves her hand in dismissal. “I don’t watch either,” she says and starts to walk away.
“More of a reader, I see,” Coach responds. “What book has you so engrossed?”
Her eyes dart to her purse. I’m pretty sure she’s double checking to make sure that the book is hidden. “Nothing you would find particularly interesting.” She clears her throat, but she holds Coach’s stare
“Try me,” he says. She takes a step toward the table, grabs her purse, and shoves it underneath her chair. Vickie lets out a little snicker.
“I know what it is,” Vickie says. “It’s Jeannie’s copy of the women’s guidebook on how to take over the world and kick the men out.”
Jeannie smiles for the first time in hours. She puts a finger to her lips and says, “Shh. That’s supposed to be a secret.”
“Should we be worried?” Coach asks, smiling so wide I barely recognize him.
“Very,” Jeannie says.
“Why don’t you two get a drink or more dessert? Coach, escort the lady,” Vickie suggests. “And ask her to dance.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. I’ve had enough and—” Jeannie starts to stammer, but Coach offers her his arm, and she stands like a deer in headlights. She finally takes it, and they walk away.
“He’s been staring at her all night. I had to do something,” Vickie says.
I take my wife’s hands and pull her into my arms. “Mrs. Chastain,” I whisper.
“The name’s still Taylor.”
“You are playing matchmaker at your wedding to a celebrity athlete who was also a single dad. I told you I was taking home the championship in this relationship, Queen.”
