Her smile blinded me, and she extended a twenty dollar bill to the security guy. “Edward, would you get me one as well?”

He nodded, took the money, and left.

I sat back. Of course. I should’ve seen that from a mile away.

And then the door opened again and two more men climbed inside. They gave us both cheerful grins and one took a seat in the farthest seat. A microphone was placed on the tabletop in front of him and the other took out a mechanical device. Each of them also wore a microphone in their ears with a mouthpiece in front. As they started to converse about the game, I realized these were the guys heard on the radio.

The rival team made its entrance.

Boos and chants were loud. They were abrasive, even through the box, as they took their side of the court and started their warm-up routine.

Then, it was the Fallen Crest Public High’s turn.

The mascot came first and the cheers were deafening. The walls of our box shook and I grabbed onto the table. I didn’t want the box to fall. I didn’t want to die. Helen covered my hand as she chuckled and looked back over. The team came next and the cheers tripled.

I felt like I should’ve been at a preteen concert. The screams made me cringe and cover my ears, but then I saw Mason and Logan. They were the last on the court and were slower than the rest. The bruises hadn’t faded since I saw them last, two days ago, but they warmed up with the rest of the team. When Mason caught a basketball and jumped back for an easy three-pointer, I let out a deep breath.

He looked good. His warm-up jersey clung to his muscular build and he jumped for his shot with a grace that took my breath. There was an animal sense to his athleticism. I cursed at myself because I hadn’t fully appreciated it when he was on the football team, but now that he wasn’t covered in pads or his restricting football uniform, his muscles bulged and shifted under his jersey with ease.

More girls screamed at the sight and I understood.

Then I glanced over and saw the small smirk on Helen’s face. She was proud of her sons, as she should be, but there was something else. There was a sinister look to her and I sat back, now cold.

The enjoyment of the game was gone. I was reminded who sat beside me, Helen Malbourne. Mason told me that she had taken her maiden name back recently. Her wealth surpassed James’ and she earned her respect from her sons. That spoke the most to me and I took in a small breath.

I felt like I sat with the enemy. But did I? She loved them as well, so…I glanced up. There was a hard cynicism in her depths. I sighed. This wasn’t someone I would ever confide in or let my guard down around. She hated my mother. My loyalty was spelled out with that statement. I loved my mother, though I didn’t support her all the time.

With her eyes still trained on the court in front of us, she asked from the corner of her mouth, “I take from your sudden tension that you’ve been reminded who I am?”

She turned then and her eyes caught and held mine. She studied me how Mason always did, but I slammed a wall down and raised my chin. “Your Mason’s mother. You hate my mother. You’re dating my biological father.”

Talk about confusion.

Her smile turned ugly as she preened. “All is true, what you say.” Then her gaze dipped down and her smile grew. The look of pride was an understatement. “Those two are my most precious gems in this world. They are my pride and joy. They are a force to be reckoned with. They are already men, and I am proud to call myself their mother. You want to take that away from me?”

I didn’t blink, but I spoke with a hallow ache in me. “I never said that.”

“You don’t approve of me.”

“You’re scary.” I threw away caution and went in balls-out. My gaze was strong. “You don’t like my mother. You think she’s beneath you. You’re dating my biological father, but you don’t approve of me. You think Mason could do better than me.”

“He could.”

She shifted in her seat and the two men in the box grew silent. I knew they paid attention to our conversation.

“Why?” I was honest in my question. “Because I don’t have money?”

“Because your pedigree is lacking.”

She had a predator’s smile.

I glanced back at the gym and saw the game had started. Mason and Logan were in the front, beside their coach. Kate, Natalie, Jasmine, and Parker were in the row of seats behind them. As I watched, Natalie snaked a hand through Logan’s hair and pulled his head backwards. She bent to whisper in his ear and he enjoyed it. His grin could’ve melted off someone’s panties. Kate tried the same with Mason, but he shoved her hand away. When she grew determined and grasped his hair, he reached back. His hand found her face and he shoved her backwards.

My eye never twitched. I grew stronger.

I turned back to his mother. “My pedigree is lacking?”

She crossed her legs and leaned forward. All her attention was focused on the game, but she spoke to me. “Your mother is a gold digger and an alcoholic. She is a social climber while the father that raised you is a high school football coach. What pedigree is there for my son?” She turned now and never blinked as she met my gaze. She meant every word she spoke. “There is no pedigree. Mason deserves better than you. Yes, I will be nice to you for him. He’s asked this of me. I invited you to join me in this box, but I won’t insult you by answering with a bold-faced lie. I give you respect when I say that you are not the girl Mason will end up with. He will find someone who will fit with our life and his future. He is in high school. He has yet to enter the adult world, but when he does, you should prepare yourself. You will fall to the wayside.” She blinked now. Kindness seeped inside and she gave me a sympathetic look. “And you know it. You already know he’s more than you. It’s why I imagine you’re holding onto that other young man. Was his name Adam Quinn? I believe Mason mentioned something about him to me.”