Chapter 783 - V3 ch18 (1/2)
Rose left us in the room on our own, needing to go back to work. We helped ourselves to the food laid out, but held back since we knew we would be sharing this room with Maberry's family.
”Do you know how expensive this really is?” I whispered to Rhys so the others wouldn't hear my concern.
Rhys patted me on the shoulder. ”Like Dave said, your brother makes more than my dad. What I think is expensive may not be expensive to Jeremy.”
I frowned. I didn't want Jeremy to be spending all his money on me. He already did that for Uncle Jack. I'll need to talk to him about this. I like going to games with Noah and everyone, but not if it's going to cost him a lot of money.
”No reason to worry about it now.” Rhys added. ”Just enjoy the night.”
I guess...
Shortly after we got settled in the outdoor seats, we could hear some voices from the inside. Maberry's family must have shown up.
”Hello!” A woman holding a baby came out to greet us. ”Which one of you is Jeremy's-” She stopped abruptly at the sight of me. ”You must be Jake! You look just like Jeremy.”
I blushed and put my head down.
”Jake's a bit shy.” Noah stood up and took over. ”I'm Noah. This is Rhys, Zeke, Kyle, and Dave.”
She gave a small wave. ”Hello, everyone. You all can call me April. Mrs. Maberry makes me feel old.” She held up her baby. ”This is Junior. I also have a four-year-old daughter, EJ. She's with her uncle right now.”
The conversation lagged a bit as we didn't know what to say to her.
”Don't mind me.” She laughed, a little self-conscious. ”If you all need anything, let me know and I'll handle it.”
”No, it's alright.” Noah answered. ”You don't have to wait on us. Sit down and watch the game in peace.”
She laughed. ”It's fine really. As the oldest one here, I'll be responsible for you guys.” She turned at the sound of someone coming into the suite. ”Sounds like everyone is here now! Let me introduce my daughter, EJ.” She pointed at the little girl being held by a tall young man. Then at the young man. ”And this is my brother-in-law, Parker.”
Parker gave us a head nod. ”Hey.” He paused. His gaze rested on Rhys. ”I know you from somewhere. Do you play locally?”
Rhys nodded. ”Yea, I graduated from St. Francis just this past spring. But I haven't played in over a year.”
”Oh.” He gave a small smile. ”I graduated from Mitty two years back.”
Rhys grinned. ”Small world.”
”That's great that you guys are close in age.” April said. ”I'll take EJ inside so she can eat before the game starts.”
Parker put the little girl down and watched April take her kids inside. A different guy came out, passing the family of three by.
”This is my cousin, Conner. Conner, this is Jeremy Patterson's family.” Parker introduced.
Conner gave everyone a friendly smile. ”Hello, hello. I've heard a bit from the news, but I'm surprised to see such a big group.”
”Jake is Jeremy's actual brother.” Noah explained who everyone was. How I was adopted and that Rhys is a friend.
”Crazy complicated.” Conner whistled, settling down in the seat. ”But most families are like that. It's cool that you guys all play baseball together though.”
”Do you play too?” Kyle asked.
Conner shook his head. ”Nah, not really.”
”He's lying.” Parker said plainly. ”Conner plays for a community college in the area. Will enter the draft next year.”
We all looked at Conner strangely. Why would you lie?
”Hey, hey.” Conner said. ”I wasn't lying. Compared to the serious players here, my skills can't compare. I'm not on y'all's level.” He looked at Zeke. ”First round draft pick, right?”