358 Meet the Parents 4 (1/2)

It's not like I hated Greg and Diana, but I definitely didn't like them. The way they spoke and the way they acted just wasn't what I had in mind. Yet, thinking back, Marie and Kaylee didn't leave good first impressions either so maybe it just takes some time to warm up to them.

I ate my food in silence, staying alert.

”I just don't think a free education can be passed up on.” Greg kept his voice low when speaking to Mr. Atkins. ”The only reason I train my girls so hard is for the free pass. I'd be upset if either of them pass up on such a wonderful opportunity.”

He trains them? In softball?

”It's different for boys.” Mr. Atkins told him.

”Why? Because they don't need a good education?” I could hear Greg's displeasure.

Mr. Atkins looked thrown off. ”No, nothing of the sort. I would prefer if my boys picked college too. But for boys, there's the MLB. Girls don't have the option to play professionally unless it's for the national team.”

”Wrong.” Greg raised his voice. ”There's the National Pro Fastpitch softball league. I just won't let my daughters give it a try until they get their college degree. Why waste a free degree.”

Mr. Atkins looked calm, but I was feeling a little restless on the inside. This guy was practically saying that Mr. and Mrs. Atkins are throwing away money.

”But it's different for Zeke.” Noah spoke up. Greg must have gotten his attention when he raised his voice. ”If Zeke is picked in the first round, he's almost guaranteed two million. That could easily cover the cost of college if he decides to even go back. But he's so good, he might make the majors his first year, so he would even make more money.”

”Stop living in fantasyland, son.” Greg told Noah. My eyes widened and Noah's jaw dropped. ”Only .5% of high school players will get the chance to become a pro.” He looked to Zeke. ”Do you really think you're so lucky?”

Zeke looked at the man, expressionless. He didn't clench his fists in anger like Noah, or look stunned like his parents. He replied with a simple, ”What's it to you?” He looked to his mom. ”I'm done eating, may I be excused?”

Mrs. Atkins shook away her daze. ”Sure, make sure to rinse your dish.”

Zeke lifted his plate when he stood, then walked to the kitchen.

”Arrogance will be his downfall.” Diana shook her head in pity.

Noah opened his mouth, but I quickly distracted him with a nudge. ”What do you think will be for dessert tonight?”

Kyle was on the other side of the table, making unpleasant faces so I don't think he liked how this dinner was turning out. It's better if Noah doesn't start an argument with the adults. It's not our place. They would get mad, Kyle would get mad, and then his own parents would get mad.

Noah could tell instantly that I was trying to distract him. He let out a breath of air. ”Oh. I don't know.” He looked to his mom. ”Mom, what's for dessert?”

Mrs. Atkins perked up at the subject change. ”I made chocolate cream pie.” She stood up. ”I'll go get it from the fridge.” She went to the kitchen and returned in seconds with the pie. She set it on the table towards the center. ”Here we go. Everyone help themselves as soon as you're ready.” She sat back down and returned to eating her dinner.

Noah was the first to reach for it, using the cake knife to heap a slice of pie on the small serving plate. He handed it to me. ”Here ya go, Jake. First one for you.” He got himself one next before settling down.

The feeling of someone looking at me, made me squirm in my seat, but I didn't dare to look up. I swallowed the lump in my throat and just focused on the food. Food, food, food. Good food. Sweet food. Homemade food. I hurried to finish it all. This atmosphere was stifling.