“Hello, Ginger. Hello, Samuel.” I grinned like the cat who ate the canary and leaned my shoulder against the wall as though I belonged there.

“What is she doing here? I thought she was out of your life, Parker,” Ginger said.

How did they not know I was the offensive coordinator for the team their son-in-law played for? The announcers said my name all the time during games. “I coach her husband now.” I returned her sneer with a smirk. She scoffed, huffed, and smacked her husband in the chest.

“Do something, Samuel.”

“Nobody’s doing anything, Mother. Sutton is a part of our lives now. She’s our friend, Grayson’s coach, and belongs here just as much as you do,” Parker said.

“It’s so good to see you both again after all these years. You look well.” I wanted to bolt, but I didn’t want them to control my actions anymore. I was an adult and everything Parker said was true. Maybe we were more than friends after what just happened a minute ago, but they didn’t need to know that.

Parker gently pushed me out of their way. “Mom. Dad. Come in. What are you doing here? We weren’t expecting you until the weekend.”

“Obviously.” Ginger scoffed.

I pulled myself up to my full height and looked down at them. Funny how they used to scare the shit out of me. “I was just on my way out. Good night, Parker. I’ll see you later.”

“Bye, Sutton. I’ll see you soon.” Parker’s voice was a full octave higher.

I could feel their stare boring into my back as I walked to my car. “We tried calling but apparently you were busy. Why is she here? Where’s Grayson?” Ginger asked.

I didn’t hear Parker’s answer as I shut the car door. I got out of the driveway as fast as I could without burning rubber. I called Grayson. “Sorry to interrupt, but your in-laws just showed up, presumably unannounced.”

“Shit. They’re early. They offered to come up for Thanksgiving. I didn’t know Parker changed the date.”

“She didn’t. She was very surprised they were there. You might want to head home.”

He sighed. “Thanks for the heads up.”

“Only a little bit longer.” I disconnected the call and wondered if I was going to be in trouble from the league or the team for orchestrating this arrangement. My contract was for two years so even if they fired me, they had to pay me. But if they fired me, no other team would touch me.