Charlie gives me a sad smile. “Life moves on, right? And it’s not like we’re playing Jake’s team.”
Good riddance to that asshole. I don’t say the words out loud because Charlotte doesn’t look like she’s at the stage of righteous anger yet. “After I get a grip on life again, I’m going to find you a great guy.” When she lifts an eyebrow, I amend my statement. “A great guy who’s not a football player.”
“Thank you. My heart can’t take that again.”
“Have you talked to your sister since you moved here?”
“Not after those first few angry phone calls. I miss my nephew terribly, but at some point, you have to look out for yourself, you know?”
“I do.” I hug her. “You did the right thing getting away from that.”
When I’m tempted to think I’m cursed with drama, I only have to remind myself Charlie’s situation is worse.
“Magnolia.”
At the sound of my name, I turn to find Olly’s parents headed my way.
Speaking of drama.
They were nice to me when I saw them at last week’s game, but I’m still hurt by how they treated me at their house, and I feel like I’m waddling on eggshells around them.
“Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver.”
“Oh, honey, aren’t we past that?” Olly’s mom asks. “We’re family now, so you have to call us Wendy and Ted.”
I give her a tight smile. “Okay.” I introduce Charlie to them and hope this conversation doesn’t go downhill.
“Are you free after the game?” Wendy asks me. “We always take Michael out for an early dinner afterward. I know he’d love if you could come, and it would give us a chance to plan your baby shower.”
She says it so loudly, I look around to make sure no one is paying attention. Olly hasn’t told his coach about us, like we planned, and I’m beyond relieved. Until he makes himself indispensable, I don’t think he should make any waves. But aside from a few friends in our tight circle, no one knows about our situation, and the thought of ending up as gossip on one of those blogs turns my stomach.
“Thanks, but I was pretty wiped out after the last game. Maybe next time.”
“I understand. Can I call you so we can set up a date to throw that shower? It’s a shame you couldn’t come to Kayla’s.”
I sent a gift. I figured going would only make things more awkward with Olly’s parents.
At the moment, though, I’m tired and bloated and feel the need to be frank.
I lower my voice, so the whole stadium doesn’t hear. “Wendy, it’s really okay. You don’t owe me anything. I know you’re not excited about me dating Olly or the pregnancy or his living situation, and I don’t want you to feel obligated to go to any trouble on my account.” Besides, I don’t need a baby shower to jinx myself. If I can hit thirty-six weeks, maybe I’ll consider it.
She blinks several times and sniffles, then covers her heart with her hand. “Oh, Magnolia. Surely you don’t think that, do you? I was a beast when I found out about everything, and I apologize for how I behaved, but that had to do with me being caught off guard. Soon, you’ll be a mama and you’ll understand the fierce instinct to protect your kids. I’ll admit I was out of line, and I want to make it up to you. I’ve always loved you and Sebastian.” Thank God Olly never told his parents about Bash going off the rails or she wouldn’t be so understanding. “I’ve had time to process everything, and I think you and Michael are going to be great together.”
Her words are so sincere, my eyes sting. “Thanks,” I whisper. “That means a lot to me.”
She opens her arms, and I stand to hug her, but she backs away suddenly. “Someone just kicked me.” She bends over and tells my belly, “Y’all, this is Granny. I’m sure excited to meet the two of ya.”
The boys must be doing backflips in there because I have to sit down again. Wendy smiles. “You call me if you need anything, you hear?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I mean it.”
Ted leans over her shoulder. “Good seeing you, Magnolia. The missus here speaks for me too. Don’t be a stranger.”
When they walk away, I’m struck by a huge wave of relief.
“That went pretty well, don’t you think?” Charlie asks. Without waiting for a reply, she points to the field. “Maybe it’s a sign Olly’s going to have a great game.”
