The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback (Astra and Zayne) novel Chapter 224

55 vouchers

Mom kept dinner moving at first, shifting between the twins’ school plans, one of her charities and work whenever the conversation threatened to die.

It lasted until Landon addressed me directly.

“The board approved the integration committee?”

“They approved it Wednesday,” I said.

“Who are you putting over APAC?”

“Reynolds during the initial phase.”

Landon’s brow tightened. “Martin Reynolds?”

“Yes.”

“He’s cautious.”

I took another drink. “He’s competent.”

“I didn’t say he wasn’t.”

“Then we agree.”

Landon set down his fork. “Vantage requires speed.”

“And moving too quickly would tear apart a regional structure before we know what works.”

His gaze hardened slightly. “I know how acquisitions work, Zane.”

“I’d hope so.”

“Enough,” Mom said before he could answer.

Landon leaned back without another word. I reached for my glass and left it there for Mom’s sake.

This was why I stayed away. One dinner with him was enough to make this house feel exactly as it always had.

Mom turned to me. “The presentation went well, didn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“I watched part of it.”

“Only part?” I asked.

“I had lunch with Camille.”

“During my presentation?”

4/6

9.43, Aug 28

The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback

95

55 vouchers

Mom gave me an innocent look. “I’ve listened to you talk your entire life. Surely I’m allowed to miss an hour.”

Lucas nearly choked on his water while Mason laughed, and even I couldn’t stop the corner of my mouth from lifting.

“Good to know I still have your support,” I said.

“Always.”

She reached for her glass, but some of the smile left her face before she took a drink. The change was enough to make me watch her more closely.

“What is it?”

“Nothing.”

“Mom.”

She hesitated, drawing Landon’s attention from the other end of the table.

“Elira?” he said.

Mom glanced toward him before returning her attention to me. “I’ve had something on my mind since last weekend.”

“What happened?”

She turned her glass slowly between her fingers. “I thought I saw someone.”

Mason looked over. “Who?”

Mom didn’t answer him. Her attention remained on me, and something about the way she was looking at me sent unease through my stomach.

“Who did you see?” I asked.

“I’m not sure I saw her at all,” she said. “She was across the street from the boutique, and I only caught a glimpse before she disappeared into the crowd.”

Across the table, Landon set down his fork.

Mom looked toward him, and whatever passed between them made Lucas glance from one to the other.

“Who are you talking about?” he asked.

“Nobody.” Mom said.

Mason frowned. “That’s obviously not true.”

“Mason,” she warned.

56

7.40

гII, Auy 20

95

The Nerd Who Stole The Quarterback

He fell silent, but I was no longer looking at either of them.

55 vouchers

My father had barely reacted, yet I knew him well enough to recognize the tension that had entered his face. And the look they’d exchanged left only one person I could think of whose possible return would affect both of them this way.

I lowered my glass to the table. “Who did you think you saw?”

Mom held my gaze, and this time she answered.

“Astra.”

66

AD

Comment

Send gift

No Ads

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify