Page 47 of Professional Consult

“Don’t make me take you in again,” I warn.

“Take you in again?” Tiffany asks.

Lexi rolls her eyes. “It’s a long story.”

“Good thing we have time.”

They made brisket to utter perfection, coupling it with green beans and a good brew, which Tiffany reluctantly passes on.

“I take it you heard the news?” Tiffany asks.

“There’s a rumor going around town. Can’t believe I had to hear it from this one.” I cast a glance at Lexi.

“The doctors think they got it figured out this time around.” She gets up and lifts her shirt to show off the slight protrusion of her stomach. “And so far, so good.”

“I’ve already ordered Dallas Cowboys gear,” Mike enthuses.

“And I’ve ordered Colorado Buffaloes,” Tiffany says pointedly.

“A divided house, uh-oh,” Lexi chimes in.

Tiffany smiles. “We’re making a replica of Mike’s high school jersey. Good old number six.”

“You played football?” Lexi asks.

I should have known this would come up.

“With none other than the chief himself.” Mike gestures to me. “I was a freshman, and he was senior captain when I joined up. And let me tell you, after he graduated, no one came close to touching his records.”

I grind my teeth, trying to stop myself from snapping.

Lexi turns to me, eyes bright. “I didn’t realize you played.”

“It’s a small town. What else was there to do?”

“He didn’t just play. He owned the field. The pride of Pond Spring,” Mike adds.

Lexi’s mouth gapes. “You don’t say.”

“It was nothing. A small town just wanting someone to root for.”

“Don’t be so modest,” Tiffany says. “Colleges came from all around to watch you play.”

“Which one did you play for?” Lexi asks.

Silence shrouds the table. Tiffany’s deeply apologetic eyes seek me out, but the damage is done.

“I didn’t go on to play,” I say curtly.

Sensing the tension, Lexi remains quiet.

Tiffany starts stacking plates. “Would you like to see the baby clothes I picked up? It’s not much, and it’s all gender-neutral. I just couldn’t wait.”

Lexi gets up to help. “Of course!”

After they leave, Mike says, “Sorry about that.”

“No need to be.”