“That sounds good.”
“You’ve had my rolls a hundred times.”
“I know. I just haven’t had them for a while.”
Mom didn’t answer. Owen squeezed her fingers.
Every thought that entered Bree’s head sounded trite, and so she kept her mouth shut. Owen stared at the clock on the microwave.
Mom worked quickly as if she couldn’t wait to get dinner over with. “How’s work?” she asked.
“Good.” Bree sat up taller, relieved to have something to talk about. “I still don’t have a grand prize for the reading program.”
“What about the books you were looking at?”
“They’re good, but the kids want something different. I suppose I could buy passes to the local pool again. But that seems anticlimactic after all the secrecy.”
Mom set the rolls in the oven and washed her hands. “What about you?” She nodded toward Owen.
Owen’s head jerked back. “Me?”
“Yeah—I’m sure the kids would love the chance to spend some time with a football star.”
Bree hadn’t even thought of asking Owen. Strangely enough, she didn’t look at him as just a football player anymore. She just saw Owen—the guy who liked nuts on or in his ice cream and who’d installed a shelf in his office so she would have a space to leave her books at his house.
Mom’s hands paused under the flowing water. Her face brightened as she warmed to the idea. “The kids would love it! They get so excited when they meet their heroes.”
Owen’s ears turned red. “I’ll have to check with my agent.”
Bree’s heart sped up. She felt like she was watching a car wreck about to happen, and her voice was frozen in her throat. Waves of discomfort rolled off Owen and buffeted Bree.
Mom continued, gaining excitement as she spoke. “You could plan a hot dog roast and small carnival at the park. Nothing big, mind you, because we all know your budget is small. But Audrey and I could run a booth each, and the mayor could cook the hot dogs. And Owen—” She threw a hand out towards him, sprinkling the counter with water. “—could autograph footballs or shirts or even bookmarks.” She paused to breathe.
Next to Bree, Owen’s arms were tight and bulging muscles in all directions and his eyes were narrow slits.
“Mom, I told you—Owen’s private. He doesn’t like people to make a big fuss.”
Mom finally looked at Owen, really looked at him. Had he the ability, steam would blow from his ears.
Her face fell. “I-I’m sorry. I got carried away.” She rubbed her right hand up her left arm.
Bree was torn in two directions. Her mom really was just trying to help. And Owen wasn’t the type to work his fame for himself. Yes, he did sponsorships, but they were as hands-off as possible—a photo shoot for cereal or game footage for a sneaker. Bree wanted him to feel at ease and she wanted her mom to feel valued for the suggestion. Was there a way to do both?
Owen swallowed heavily. “I would like to help, but I’ve signed contracts with the team and sponsors that have clauses limiting my public appearances. I’d need to make sure I’m not violating a contract.”
“That’s completely understandable.” Bree nodded, desperate to find even ground for the two of them. Although he would make an awesome surprise for the kids. The kids would get tickets for the games based on how many minutes they read over the summer. Once she announced the prize, the children would double up their reading time to earn more tickets. Yeah, this could be the best end-of-summer bash the library has ever seen.
“I didn’t realize your life was so complex.” Mom dried her hands and stood across from Owen. “I’m sorry if I put you on the spot.”
Owen lifted a shoulder. “No worries.”
Bree cringed. He’d used the “no worries” phrase twice now. Which made her worry.
Mom reached for a stack of plates and a pile of flatware. “I’m going to set the patio table. It’s such a nice night I thought we could eat outside.”
Owen was on his feet and had the plates in his hands before Bree realized he’d let go of her hand. “I’ve got this. You two relax for a few minutes.” He escaped through the sliding glass door and slowly laid a plate down—like he was taking his time and drawing out the chore so he could be alone for a few moments.
Bree sighed.