Hello Quarterback (Hello #8)

41. Mia

41

MIA

Even though I’d showered the night before, I took another shower to wash off all the nocturnal activities. And as I got ready for the day in the small bathroom, I imagined Ford as a kid, getting ready for school in here, fighting for sink space with his four brothers. There was still a toothpaste holder glued to the wall with five spaces in it.

When I finished brushing my teeth and blow-drying my hair, I applied makeup and left the bathroom, heading to the kitchen, where I could hear the hum of conversation. I wasn’t sure how long Ford would be gone for his run, just that he wasn’t back yet.

His dad and younger brother sat at the table, talking over plates half full of bacon and eggs and cups of coffee.

When they noticed me, Gray hopped up and sent me a smile, reminding me of my own dad on a weekend morning. “Let me get you a plate for breakfast,” he said. “What would you like?”

“You don’t need to,” I said. “I can serve myself.”

“Nonsense,” he replied. “You’re our guest. So, I made breakfast potatoes—from the garden—eggs from my son Fletcher’s house, and bacon from some of our pigs. Didn’t gather it all this morning, of course.” He chuckled. “But it’s all farm to table.”

I grinned at him. “Really? That’s such a treat. I’ll have it all, thank you.”

Gray exchanged a glance with Bryce, who wore a look of approval. “Not picky,” Gray said. “I like that.”

Why did that make me feel so proud of myself?

I went to sit at the table across from Bryce. He looked so much like Fletcher. All dark hair and dark glittery brown eyes. Their mom had the darker features—I could tell from the photos of her around the house.

“So tell me about college,” I said to Bryce. “It feels like forever since I was there.”

He chuckled. “Nothing much has changed, I’m sure.” He glanced at his dad, then gave me a sly wink. “All studying and hard work. No parties happening at all.”

Gray chuckled. “Exactly.”

I grinned at their exchange. “What are you studying?”

“Computer science,” Bryce said. “I’ll graduate next year.”

“If you’re looking for a job, we’re always hiring in the IT department.”

“Really? Wow, I’d love to apply when I get a little closer to graduation.”

“You can get my contact info from Ford,” I replied with a smile. If Bryce was anything like the rest of his family or the other people I knew from Cottonwood Falls, he was sure to be hardworking and down to earth. We needed all we could get of that at Griffen Industries.

“Great,” Bryce said as Gray handed me a plate full of food and a mug of steaming coffee.

“Need cream?” he asked.

“Like I need air,” I teased.

He went to the fridge. “It’s just the supermarket brand. Nothing special.”

I chuckled, taking the cream. “Thank you.”

I took a bite of the eggs, covered in cheese and salsa, and my mouth watered. This was really good. Better than the food I paid a small fortune to have prepared for me. “You said this is food you produce?” I asked.

Gray nodded.

“It’s so good. Do you take orders?”

He grinned. “I mean, I’m a little far from Dallas.”

“Right.” I chuckled. “Can I put in an order for... the ingredients?”

“Sure thing, but right now, I want to get to know you.”

I felt a little embarrassed for trying to talk business with my boyfriend’s dad, but that was my life. It was all business, and I was good at it too. Meeting a boyfriend’s family? That, I didn’t have as much practice with.

Bryce said, “I’m going to my room to get some homework done.” Then he scrambled to clear his plates and left. His quick exit left me more than a little on edge as I sat at the table with my food.

“Do you have an interrogation lamp?” I asked Gray.

He chuckled heartily. “It’s nothing like that.”

“Good,” I said, relieved. Then I doctored my drink and took a sip.

“You’re the first girl—woman—Ford’s brought home is all,” Gray said.

Wow... I knew Ford said he was out of practice, but I guess I hadn’t realized that I was the first ever.

Gray studied me a moment. “I knew he’d need a woman who understood his job...”

I lowered my cup, meeting his gaze. “Why do I feel like there’s a ‘but’ coming?”

He shrugged. “What about a woman who understands life ? I know all about your title. I want to know about you . And your priorities.”

I leveled my hands on the oak table. “Not many people ask me about myself,” I admitted.

His smile was gentle. “You’ll find the Madigans are a rare breed.”

I had to laugh. “That’s true. Well...” I began by telling him how I grew up in a modest home next door to my best friend, Farrah, who I was still close with today. I talked about being raised by older parents and how I had to work my way through college and then grad school. I told him how much I enjoyed working with Gage and admired his work ethic. And I told him about trying to acquire the Andersen sisters’ business and why it meant so much to me. “For me, Gray, it’s not work or life. Work is my life. It’s where I can create meaningful change, not just get a paycheck.”

He smiled at me. “I like you, Mia.”

I grinned, utterly relieved. “Thank God, because it would be awkward to buy bacon from you if you didn’t.”

He tossed his head back, laughing. “Gosh, Ford needs you.”

I smiled back at him. And I was honest as I said, “I need Ford. I needed someone who wouldn’t want to dim my light to make his look brighter.”

Gray looked totally content as he picked up our plates and walked them to the sink. I swore I heard him say, “Maya would have loved you.”