Page 29 of Before You (Reckless Love #2)

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

JJ

EVERY SINGLE MANNER my parents ingrained in us is saving my ass tonight. I feel like every move I make is being scrutinized by her family, and for the first time in my life I’m worried I might not be enough.

I started off the night by showing up at Marley’s apartment with flowers in hand, this time waiting until the door is opened for me.

Immediately after Bria and I finished earlier, the first place I went was to Hope’s Flowers, getting an assorted bouquet of different types of purple flowers from Eddie.

With the hope they’ll forget earlier so I can get on the right track with the parents, I also have boxes of chocolates for everyone else.

However, not even the lull of the drugs in my system can help calm me now.

“So, JJ, how did you and Marley meet?” Marley’s mother, Sephine, asks from where she sits next to me, watching me with interest.

Thank fuck we’re starting with an easy question.

“We met a little over two and a half years ago in France. She was lost, and I helped give her directions. We never exchanged numbers, but I was happy to see her again on campus.” I feel like it’s for the better if I don’t bring up the fact that I saw her again because she was dating my roommate.

“France, you say?” Bria’s mom questions, her eyes lighting up as she looks at Marley, whose face is turning bright red.

Bria snickers in her seat, and it is so tempting to ask why she didn’t invite Asher to this.

I have a feeling her parents would be very interested to learn about him, and it might take some of the pressure off Marley.

But I also happen to like my balls where they are, so I might wait to play that card.

I nod in confirmation, clearing my throat to draw the attention back to me.

“My family has a house in the Jura Mountains near Baume-les-Messieurs we’ve owned since before I was born.

It’s one of my favorite places on Earth, and I love to go back every chance I have.

Unfortunately, my football schedule doesn’t allow me to visit as often as I’d like. ”

Bria tries to hide her laugh by coughing, and before I can ask her what’s funny, Marley’s dad finally speaks to me for the first time since we sat down, commanding my attention. “You play football?”

“Yes, sir. I’m a tight end for Beaumont.”

“I played lacrosse my first two years at Beaumont as well until I injured my knee. It forced me to medically retire, but sports were never my future—only a hobby,” he says, but I hear the underlying tone of what he’s getting at: sports aren’t forever.

I let it roll off my shoulders because it’s not the first time someone’s hinted at it or even flat out said it to my face.

I’m well aware of how few college players make it through their eligibility in college and then are drafted.

“I tore my ACL and meniscus last season, but thankfully, I made a full recovery thanks to our incredible athletic trainer. I’m sorry you weren’t able to continue, even if it was only a hobby,” I say, and with a quick glance to the side, I see Marley smile as she takes a sip of her sparkling water.

I clearly said the right thing causing his demeanor to soften.

“And you’re still playing?” Grayson asks, sounding impressed. God, I hope he’s impressed, or at least doesn’t think I’m stupid for continuing to play.

I chuckle softly. “I am. I’m getting my degree in mathematics in case playing professionally isn’t in the cards for me. It’s always good to have a backup plan.”

“Is playing professionally your goal?” Hayes asks.

“If I’m fortunate enough, yes,” I answer, trying not to sound like a pompous asshole.

“That’s really nice, JJ,” Sephine says, offering me a smile. “I hope it happens for you.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“I know you’re trying to be sweet, but you’re doing a fine job of making me feel old by calling Sephy over here ma’am when I’m older than her,” Tessa teases, and I can say with the utmost certainty, she and my mother would get along perfectly.

“Oh, would you stop already. We all know neither of you looks a day over twenty-five, and people are more likely to think you’re our older sisters instead of our moms,” Bria says, stabbing at her salad.

Grayson chuckles, his arm resting on the back of his wife’s chair. “You’ll be thanking us in about twenty years for the phenomenal genes you received instead of rolling your eyes.”

A waiter takes everyone’s orders, and I’m grateful for the slight reprieve from the questions I’ve been answering.

I listen to everyone interact with a familiarity rivaling my parents’ inner circle.

The one thing I’ve noticed is how Marley seems to fade into the background of everyone else’s bold personalities, allowing them to speak instead.

Since getting to know her better, I’ve started to realize she’s more reserved in large groups, but I didn’t think it’d be the case with her family. She seems like she’s enjoying herself, but she’s barely joining the conversation.

Marley’s hair has natural sun-kissed highlights from the sun, and she’s straightened it to where it falls just past her collarbone.

The pale green dress contrasts nicely with her olive skin, and I’m having a hard time taking my eyes off her.

I’m not sure there’s a universe in which she’d ever be the first person in a room I wouldn’t notice first.

Her eyes dart to meet mine, catching me staring at her, and her tempting lips lift into a smile.

Out of all my favorite things about her, I think her smile is my most favorite.

I’m not even sure if it makes sense, even if it’s only in my head, but I think that’s the best part of love. It’s not supposed to make sense.

I wink at her, hoping to make her laugh, but the sound of her father clearing his throat shuts that down unfortunately. Probably not my smartest idea trying to flirt with her in front of him, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take.

“JJ, what do your parents do? Are they supportive of your hope to play professionally?” he asks, and I realize I’ve never actually told Marley who my parents are.

It didn’t seem important before to say, Hey, by the way, I know your parents are super rich and famous, but so are mine so I don’t care , but maybe I should have said it.

“Dad,” Marley protests, and I smile at her, shaking my head to silently tell her not to because it’s okay.

I don’t mind, and it’s not like I’m in a position where I can really say no.

I would be wary of any guy coming near my daughter after the way Trent treated her .

. . and then there’s the great impression I made earlier I’m still kicking myself over.

“No, it’s really okay. I’m happy to answer.

” I wipe my sweaty palms on my chinos, and I regret not taking a drink of water when I had the chance.

“They’ve made it clear they’ll support whatever career I choose to pursue, but there is a little bit of jealousy from my dad that I didn’t follow in his footsteps by becoming a quarterback.

He retired a couple of years ago from the NFL, and my mom freelances as a photographer, but she owns a couple of galleries in the States and a few more in Europe. ”

I see it in Grayson’s face when he connects the dots, and he drags a hand over his jaw. “Holy shit. You’re one of Sebastian Walker’s kids.”

“Yeah, that’s me,” I confirm, feeling my cheeks flush.

“Wait, who?” Sephine asks, and Tessa shrugs as Marley and Bria share similar looks.

“I don’t know either.”

“The football player who won sexiest man of the year the year after me,” Hayes explains and now all the women gasp, looking at me differently than before.

“That makes so much sense,” Tessa says, and Bria groans, covering her face.

“Mom, you’re embarrassing. Please stop.”

I laugh, shaking my head as Sephine gasps.

“Your mother is Thalia Walker. I have one of her portraits hanging in our living room. I love her work.” Well screw the flowers I was going to send her on her birthday.

I think she’d rather know billionaires have her work in their home. Her ego will skyrocket.

“Her work is spectacular, but I haven’t seen anything new for a while. Is she still taking photographs?” Tessa asks, and for the first time this evening, I falter.

Since Bailey ran away, I’ve only seen Mom pick up her camera a handful of times. It doesn’t seem to bring her the same joy it used to.

“She’s been taking some time off recently,” I say, keeping it vague because while Bailey’s absence has been noticed by the media, somehow, we’ve managed to keep the truth out of the tabloids. The last thing our family needs is to be put on blast again.

“How’s the company doing?” Marley interrupts, and I turn to look at her in surprise. What is she doing?

Her dad smiles, and everyone’s attention slides to her, including Bria who looks as confused as I am. “It’s doing well. Maddox is taking charge of winning some of the board members over, and I’m just glad it’s not me having to kiss their asses,” he says, and Bria shakes her head.

“I don’t think you or my dad know how to kiss anyone’s ass,” Bria says, but I’m too busy trying to figure out who the fuck Maddox is, and why I’m just now learning about him? I have no right to be jealous, but when Marley smiles, I am.

“Bria,” Marley says, laughing, and I reach for my water, taking a drink.

“Are you learning anything interesting in your classes?” Grayson asks at the same time Bria leans over to whisper to me.

“You don’t have anything to worry about with Maddox,” she says, her chest shaking with silent laughter, but I’m still not sure why I haven’t heard of him before.

“Sure,” I agree, trying to pay attention to what Marley’s saying about her classes.