Jordan (Season Two: The Ninth Inning #5) Read Free Page A

to say when he turns around and almost glares at me. “Um...Mom is coming into town today. She’d love to see you if you have time.”
    “I know. She lands in two hours, right?”
    “I don’t even know what time she’s coming in.” I shake my head. “I’m glad you’re still close to them. They love you so much.”
    “At least they do,” he mumbles, but I still hear him. “Anyway, I’m having dinner with her tonight.”
    “Oh, well...okay. I’ll see you on Tuesday then. Bye, Jordan.” I swivel on my heels to head to my car.
    “You’re more than welcome to come with her, if you want, but if not, then Tuesday it is.”
    “I have work to do,” I lie. “Enjoy your night.” I give him a small smile and rush off to my car.
     

     
    Just as Jordan said, a little over two hours later, my mother appears in the salon. Her smile makes me feel better the second I see it, and I hug her tightly.
    “I missed you, Mom.”
    “I’m here now.” She pats my back lovingly. “Let’s catch up.”
    We walk into my office, and I shut the door. “Well, I’m sure you’ve already talked to Jordan, so you know how today went.”
    “Heidi, your father and I will always be close to Jordan whether you approve or not. He’s like a son to us.” Her tone isn’t mean, and I know she’s right.
    “I’m glad he has you both right now because I want you to help me convince him this divorce is the right thing to do.”
    Mom furrows her brow. “Absolutely not. I’ve stood by these past couple of years and watched you string Jordan along. He is right this time; you’re wrong.”
    “Mom!” I gasp.
    “No, Heidi. I’ve said nothing about your marriage, but Jordan loves you as much as you love him, and you’re letting your hurt and pain cloud your judgment. Now, you are my daughter, and I will have your back all the way into the pit of a fire, but I will not be quiet about it anymore.”
    I look away from her for a moment. The tears are creeping up, but I push them down as hard as I can. “He said you two are having dinner.”
    “Yes, this is his only free day this week. Now, are you ready to take me to your apartment?”
    I nod. “We can catch up there.”
    “I can’t wait.” She smiles and we head off to my car.
    Once we make it to my place, I set Mom up in my room. I’m going to let her have my bed, and I’ll sleep on the couch. I know most daughters would be upset with their parents if they were still talking to the ex-husbands, but I’m not. My parents loved Jordan the second they met him. Jordan’s parents are still around, but he’s not close to them, and he bonded with my parents almost immediately. Jordan really doesn’t have anyone and I’m not sure how close he is to anyone on the team. I’m glad he has my parents, and I know they’ll support him when he finds someone new.
    Mom goes on and on about the latest gossip and soon she’s getting ready for Jordan to come get her.
    “You can come, you know,” she urges me one more time.
    “Nah, I’m fine.” Ugh, even I’m getting tired of the damn word.
    “Okay. I’m going to meet him downstairs. I’ll see you later.” She kisses my cheek and then leaves.
    I’m alone again.

 
     
    I CAN’T HELP my grin when I see Heidi’s mom. It feels like it’s been forever, even though we talk on a regular basis. I love seeing her smiling back at me too. “Gemma, you look even more beautiful than that last time I saw you. Are you ready to go?”
    “Jordan, you are so sweet. I tried to get her to come, it didn’t work, but I’m ready for a night on the town with my son-in-law.”
    I lead her to my car, not at all surprised that Heidi decided not to join us. “Is she really working or was that a line she fed me?”
    “She was sitting on the couch when I left her. I honestly don’t know about her. She doesn’t seem to be eating. I swear she’s lost another twenty pounds since I saw her at Christmas. I’m worried.”
    “Me too.” I sigh. “I