Page 60 of Scored

Really?

“Uncle Darin,” I said, “and my dad traveled from stadium to stadium throughout the country so they could design Crystal Light with all the best features.”

“That must have been exciting,” she said.

“It was eye-opening,” Uncle Darin replied.

“Dad wanted a true family suite. We never rent this space out.” I eyed Grant. “No amount of money will ever make us go against his wishes.” I spoke to Lisa. “We’re glad you could be here, even if Fin didn’t play.”

She laughed. “It was easier to watch without worrying about him. I wasn’t sure he’d be cleared to play.”

“The training staff made a last-minute decision. Thankfully, he didn’t sustain much in the way of ligament or tendon injury. If they had torn, he probably would’ve been out for the rest of the season.”

“Lisa.”

We turned to see Theo coming our way. “The Vikings’ game is back on.”

“How does it feel to have both of your sons playing in the NFL?” Leigh asked the Grahams.

Theo and Lisa looked at one another and back to Leigh. “Nerve-racking,” they said in unison.

“Have you eaten?” I asked, gesturing toward the buffet.

Theo laid his hand over his stomach. “Too much.”

“It’s up to you,” I said, “but I’ve arranged the suite to stay open late to watch Zane. I thought we could head back to our place at halftime and finish the game a little more comfortably.”

“Thank you for your hospitality,” Lisa said with a gentle squeeze of my arm.

Leigh followed me to the buffet as Theo and Lisa sat on the curved sofa by the firepit. The Vikings and Seahawks were playing on all the televisions except the one over the bar. Don Tilson was on the screen answering questions from reporters.

My cousin leaned close. “Did you just refer to your condominium as our place?” Her light-colored eyebrows danced.

I nodded as I reached for a plate. “Fin’s apartment lease is up in March. Honestly, I don’t know how I would have made it through the last three months without him.”

Leigh’s smile bloomed. “You’re going to make a liar out of me. Maybe you can commit.”

“To the right person.”

“Vee.” A fingernails-on-chalkboard voice called my name.

Turning, I met my stepmother’s gaze. “Daphne.”

“I’ve been trying to reach you.”

Leigh opened her eyes wide and walked away. My earlier appetite was waning.

“You know my cell phone number. Why not call me on there? I’m busy when I’m at work.”

“Detective Oldson came to my house.”

My house.

“Grant told me,” I replied as I continued to add different foods to my plate.

Her voice hardened. “We need to discuss their investigation.”

Looking over at the firepit, Leigh, Hayden, Lip, and Chris were seated with the Grahams. “Honestly, not tonight. The Coopers just won a hard-fought game. Fin’s parents are here.”