Chapter 13

Yuri insisted on making reservations at an Italian restaurant for us to have dinner. I told him we could have met at the local diner, since my parents aren't the type to want anything fancy, but he would hear none of it. I rolled my eyes but made the reservation like he asked.

When we get there and give Yuri's name, we're led back to our table. I grin when I see Yuri already seated. I rush over, pulling him in for a hug and a quick kiss on the lips. He smiles back, rubbing his palm along the side of my face. "I missed you today."

"Same." I give him one more kiss and turn to my family. "Yuri, this is my family." I point to everyone as I introduce them. "Tommy, Jay, Max, and Dean. My parents, Bert and Cathy."

Yuri sticks his hand out, shaking first my father's then my mother's hand. She blushes when he kisses the back of hers. He shakes hands with my brothers, though Jay looks at little red in the face and pulls his hand back quickly. Okay, that's weird, but whatever. I'm with Yuri; I'm not going to think about my brothers' weirdness. My brothers are always weird.

We sit and my mother immediately starts in on Yuri. "Is Yuri your full first name?"

"It is," he tells her with a smile. "Yuri Joseph Miller."

"Where are you from?"

"Georgia. Small town a few hours away called Cliff Point."

Max perks up. "I've read about Cliff Point. It supposedly has the highest mountain peak for a state of its size. I told you about it, Clay, remember?"

Yuri smiles, nodding at Max. "Yes, that's true. The mountains are gorgeous there. The trails are nice this time of year."

"You hike?" I ask, grinning at him.

"I do. Want to go with me one day?" His eyes flash with heat, but he covers it up quickly.

"Of course." We smile at each other for a few beats but are interrupted by a gagging sound. I roll my eyes and look at Tommy. "Cut it out."

"Yes, Thomas. Stop being rude. You should be happy for your brother," my mother chastises. "Maybe you should start thinking of settling down soon."

Tommy gives my mother a dry look in return. "Just because you and dad met when you were eighteen and married by nineteen doesn't mean I want to be. I like my life as is—single with my head in my books. Maybe when I graduate, I'll find someone."

My mom opens her mouth to give him shit, but my dad pats her hand. "He's right dear. Let him be. You don't need a relationship to be happy." Tommy gives mom a smug look, making her narrow her eyes at him. He mutters an apology and I laugh behind my hand.

Dad looks at Yuri. "So, Yuri. What do you do for work?"

I nearly swallow my tongue and start choking. Tommy pats me on the back and mutters, "This ought to be good."

Yuri doesn't seem flustered at all. He smiles smoothly and says, "I'm a trainer." Jay sputters and chokes on the water he's drinking, hand shaking as he sets his glass down. I raise an eyebrow at him, but he doesn't meet my eyes.

"Is that how you met Clayton? He's always working out." My dad's question has me looking away from my brother.

"Yep. Although he doesn't need me to train him. He has great technique and muscle definition. He helps me out with my clients, making sure I'm ready for them."

Beside me, Tommy barks a laugh that he covers with a cough. I give him an evil glare and he bounces his eyebrows up and down. I stomp his foot under the table.

Dean asks, "Do you like being a trainer? I'm looking into it as a possible career path, like Clay wants to do."

Smiling, Yuri nods. "Yeah, I like my job. It's um … very fulfilling."

I groan, putting my head in my hands. I'm glad only Tommy knows what he's talking about. If my parents really knew what he did …

When our food is placed in front of us, we dig in, only sharing a word or two around our chewing. It's delicious. The night is even better because my family is here with me, meeting Yuri, who I'm pretty sure I'm hopelessly in love with.

They seem to like him as well. Well, I think they all do. I can't get a read on Jay and why he's not joining in the conversation. He looks pale now, not looking up from where he's picking at his food.

I don't get chance to bring attention to it before my mother nudges him. "Jay. It's time to tell your brother the good news. Tell him why we're here."

For the first time since we got to the restaurant, Jay looks up and grins. His cheeks turn pink, bringing some color back to his face, and he rubs the back of his neck. "I uh … I got a scholarship for school. Full ride. I'm going to be playing baseball in Texas."

Excited beyond belief, I whoop and come around the table, pulling Jay from his seat into a hard hug. "Oh my god, Jay! That's fantastic news." I pull back so I can look at him, seeing his excited grin. "As soon as you get your game schedule, I want it. I want to be there for your first game."

He laughs, ducking his head. "I haven't even graduated high school yet. Give me a minute to settle in first, you dork."

Laughing, I hug him once more, tousling his hair.

From across the table, Yuri speaks up. "Congratulations, Jay. Clay told me that you're really good. I'd like to join him for your first game."

Jay swallows hard, then meets Yuri's eyes. "Thank you."

"What position do you play?"

Looking at me with wide eyes, then in the direction of Yuri—since he doesn't meet his eyes—Jay mutters, "Short stop."

I sit back down beside Yuri, laying a hand on his thigh under the table. I'm truly the happiest I've been in years. I know how much it means for Jay to get this scholarship. He's been working his ass off for years, eating, breathing, and living baseball. He deserves this.