Parker blinked and then pushed a smile. “Rhys is an ex-boxer. Fairchild is a fan.”

Brown nodded, his gaze moving between me and his daughter. “I’m a fan too.”

Now that was a surprise.

“That fight with Davis, when you took him out with a KO in the second round? Legendary.”

It felt oddly good to know Parker’s dad knew of my career and approved.

“People either hate or love that fight.” Personally, I loved it. Davis had a big mouth and a glass jaw.

“I suppose it depends on which way you bet.” The gleam in Brown’s eyes told me he hadn’t lost money.

“That’s usually the case.”

When we both chuckled, Parker finally found her voice.

“I had no idea you knew about Rhys, Dad.”

“Why would you? I don’t think we’ve ever had a discussion that revolved around sports.” The tone of his voice and the look in his eyes made it clear he knew Parker wasn’t with me because she was a fan. And it was just as clear he wanted to know why we were friends—and how close.

Parker averted her gaze but then looked up at me. “Maybe we should let Fairchild know we’re here. He’s been wanting to show Rhys around,” she explained to her father.

I almost rolled my eyes. That’s how we were playing it? I was here as Fairchild’s guy crush?

She might have gotten away with that, but a pretty older woman with honey-blond hair and a younger woman who shared a startling resemblance to Parker joined us. It didn’t take much to guess they were Parker’s mother and sister. I swore I heard Parker groan under her breath.

“Mom. Easton.” She might as well have been eating nails.

Easton watched me with avid eyes. This one was obviously happy to find Parker with a man in tow. “Well, hello, Parker,” she said, not taking her eyes from me.

Like her dad, Parker’s mom immediately focused on me. “Hello, I don’t believe we’ve been introduced. I’m Marion Brown.”

“Rhys Morgan.”

She shook my hand with a firm grip and a steady gaze.

I didn’t say anymore because, frankly, this one was on Parker. She shot me a look that read something close to “Save me from family hell.” I empathized.

“Morgan!” Fairchild swooped, all eager beaver.

A laugh escaped me. I couldn’t help it. It was a pile-on at this point.

As usual, Fairchild completely ignored Parker. He clasped me on the shoulder as though I were his kid while turning toward the Browns. “Did I mishear or are you two just meeting Parker’s boyfriend?”

The word landed like a bomb, leaving behind a stunned silence. Parker looked so miserable, I couldn’t stop myself from slipping my hand into hers, giving it a gentle, commiserating squeeze. The action wasn’t missed by Marion Brown.