Eventually, Dad leans forward, his tone shifting just slightly. "Alright, son, let's talk football. How's the season going?"
I grab my drink, taking a slow sip before answering. "It's solid. Team's clicking, my numbers are good, and if we keep playing the way we are, we've got a real shot at making a deep run."
Dad nods approvingly. "And the draft?"
I glance at Madison for half a second before looking back at him. Her posture has changed, almost imperceptibly—shoulders slightly more rigid, that invisible wall beginning to form again.
"Still projecting me in the first round."
Mom hums, reaching for her glass of wine. "Any idea where?"
I exhale, shifting slightly. "A lot of East Coast teams seem to be the most interested."
The table quiets for a second, the weight of it settling over us.
"That's far from home," Mom finally says, setting her glass down gently.
I nod, my jaw tightening slightly. "Yeah."
I don't miss the way Madison's fingers toy with her cardigan sleeve, her eyes cast down like she's deep in thought. My mom doesn't linger there, quick to move the discussion along.
"So, Madison, how are your classes going?" she asks while I'm mid drink, almost choking on my water as I start laughing.
Madison shoots daggers my way before she turns back towards my mom.
"Well, as I said, some things never change and math is once again kicking my ass." She hangs her head, the loose strand of hair that's escaped her clip falling forward to frame her face. "I still don't understand why it's a requirement for me to pass that class when I will literally never use it a day in my life."
"You never know when you'll need to use the elimination method." I smirk, sending her a wink.
"The only time I'll need it is when I am eliminating you." She smiles sweetly, giving a flash of the fiery spirit that's always challenged me. My dad chuckles under his breath.
"Some things never change indeed." He stands before starting to collect his and my mom's plates, heading back towards the kitchen.
Mom watches Dad head into the kitchen before turning her attention back to us, smiling warmly. "You two have time to stay for dessert?"
Before I can respond, Madison whips her head toward me, eyes wide, bottom lip slightly jutted out in the most ridiculous attempt at puppy-dog eyes I've ever seen.
I raise a brow. "Mads?—"
She clutches my arm dramatically, her fingers warm through the fabric of my sleeve. "Jaxon. It's dessert."
I snort, shaking my head. "You don't even know what it is yet."
She scoffs, turning back toward my mom. "It doesn't matter. I already know it's going to be amazing."
Mom laughs, standing. "Well, lucky for you, I made my famous chocolate lava cakes."
Madison gasps like she just won the lottery, spinning back toward me. Her face lights up, eyes bright with excitement that makes my heart stutter.
"If you say no, I will actually eliminate you."
I exhale through my nose, shaking my head as I lean back in my chair. "Guess we're staying, then."
She grins victoriously, settling back into her seat like she just secured the biggest win of her life.
Mom heads into the kitchen, humming under her breath, and I glance at Madison, my smirk still in place. "You know, the puppy eyes were a little much."
She shrugs, completely unapologetic. "Hey, they worked, didn't they?"
