Page 113 of Forever Offsides

“Like what?”

“Like if I have hemorrhoids, or if I’m afraid of tearing my vagina since I’m so small and Aston is so big. And I can’t drink, so there’s that.” She brushes her shoulder-length blonde hair behind her ear.

I squeeze my friend’s shoulder. “Cunt asses. They’re just jealous because you got the hot doctor and are beautiful, and they pretty much suck at life and know it. It’ll be okay. We’ll go through the presents later, but for now, Braelyn and I can flank you like bodyguards and smack hands when they try to get touchy.”

“I might take you up on that.”

“But not with your grandmother, of course.” Octavia Abbott-Fritz in all her regal elegance, joins us. She’s wearing a pale pink suit with a diamond-and-emerald brooch on the lapel, and her blonde bob is immaculate.

“Never with you, Grandma. You get unlimited belly rubs.”

She smiles and reaches out to touch Skylar’s large belly. “My dear, you look stunning. Are you holding up okay? I know these events can be… taxing.”

Skylar places her hand over her grandmother’s. “I’ll make it through. I might need a truck and a forklift to get all those presents home. Then a bigger house to fit them all in.”

Octavia laughs lightly. “The one I had when I was pregnant with your uncle Kaplan was monstrous. He was the first Abbott-Fritz son so you can imagine. I refused further showers until I was pregnant with your mother.”

“I can’t say I blame you,” I add.

She turns her green eyes on me, her smile growing. “Quinn, dear, your mother tells me you’re nearly done with your residency. Congratulations.”

“Thank you. Two more years, so not quite done yet, but it feels like I’m getting closer.”

“Your mother was an angel and fixed up my wrist when I fell.”

“I remember. You seem to be all healed up from that,” I note.

“Yes.” She twists her wrist around. “It’s as it was before I fell. I can hold a martini without spilling a drop.”

I burst out laughing, and she winks at me.

“I must say, my dear, you have an extra glow about you.”

That pulls me up short. “Really?”

Her gaze casts about my face. “A sparkle in your eyes and a secret smile on your lips.”

“Oh, really?” Skylar arches an eyebrow. “A secret smile.”

I sigh. Here we go. I hadn’t mentioned Rhett to her or Braelyn. Not yet. I wasn’t sure I would, given how we decided to keep our relationship a secret. But as always, Octavia Abbott-Fritz has a way about her and misses nothing, even at her age.

“I can’t imagine it’s that Russel person making you smile this way.”

Jesus, she’s really going in for the kill.

I take a sip of my champagne. “No. It’s not.” Because I can’t lie to her. I’ve known her my entire life, and she would see through my bullshit anyway. So would Skylar. My ears would turn red the moment I lied, and that would be that.

I get a knowing nod. “Didn’t think so. There’s some gossip going around about the two of you from some of the women here. And I also believe you're next in line for the matchmakers in the room, so be warned.”

I grimace. “Yikes. Thanks for the heads-up.”

“Always.” She pats my cheek before she goes back to Skylar. “Give it another hour, and then we can say you’re tired. That’ll be my excuse as well. Only when you’re pregnant or old can you get away with that.” She leans in and kisses Skylar’s cheek. “I can’t wait to meet your girl. She’ll be as magnificent as you are. I’m thrilled for you and Aston. He’s a wonderful man and very lucky to have you.”

Skylar beams. “Thank you, Grandma. I love you.”

“Love you, my girl. And Quinn, keep up the secret, but don’t let it stay only that. Someone who makes you this happy needs to be front and center in your life.”

With that, she walks over to the next set of people. I blow out a breath. I really need to work on my poker face. Was I that unhappy before? I don’t think I was. Honestly, I would have considered myself to be a pretty happy person. Maybe it’s just the spark I was missing. That extra something to round out all my sharp edges.