Page 163 of The Rookie

The two of them look at one another, then burst out laughing. “That…is a crazy story.”

“We, um, met in the library,” Sloane says.

Somehow, I get the feeling like there’s more to their story than just that.

Cassie arches an eyebrow. “The library? That’s so… academic.”

Sloane blushes, her glasses slipping slightly down her nose. “It’s true. I firstnoticedhim in the library.”

“Oh? What did you notice? Seems a little veiled,” I comment.

Asher grins, throwing an arm around her shoulders. “She couldn’t resist my intellectual charm.”

Sloane snorts, rolling her eyes. “Sure, let’s go with that.” Then she turns to Cassie. “But really, I was studying, and he was...being distracting.”

“I was minding my own business!” Asher protests, laughing. “Youwere actually the one distractingme.”

Jackson comments. “What a couple of nerds.”

“And proud of it!” Asher bites back. “Youwishyou had my coaching abilities.”

“Bro,I’mthe one who is coaching the potential Super Bowl champs this year. Not you. Calm down.”

“You all are ridiculously cute,” Diana chimes in, winking at Sloane.

“And ridiculously hungry,” Asher adds. “Mom, what’s for dinner?”

The dining room is buzzing with noise, laughter, and the clinking of silverware against plates. Diana’s laid out an impressive spread—roast chicken, mashed potatoes, fresh rolls, and a dozen sides I can’t even name.

Jackson is at the head of the table, holding court as he tells a story about a disastrous pre-season training mishap, complete with exaggerated gestures that have everyone in stitches.

“And then,” Jackson says, grinning wickedly, “Coach Baker comes running out, yelling, ‘This is a football field, not Cirque du Soleil!’”

The table erupts into laughter, Asher banging the table for emphasis.

“How does this stuff always happen to you?” Cassie asks, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes.

Jackson smirks. “I’ve got charisma. People want to impress me.”

“Or you’re just cursed,” Asher says, grinning. “Either way, it’s hilarious.”

I laugh along with everyone, but my mind is somewhere else entirely.

The way Jackson and Asher’s banter reminds me of how Griffin teases me, and the thought sends a pang straight through my chest. I wonder if he’s on the plane yet. If he’s thinking about me.

God, how am I supposed to make it through this trip without spilling everything?

As dinner wraps up, I nudge Cassie and nod toward the kitchen. She grabs her wine and follows me, still giggling from whatever joke Jackson had just cracked.

“What’s up?” she asks, leaning against the counter.

I hesitate, fiddling with my glass. “Hey, do you think we could grab coffee in town tomorrow? Just you and me?”

Cassie’s brows knit together. “Sure. Everything okay?”

I force a smile. “Yeah. Absolutely. It’s just that, I haven’t said much yet, but…I met a guy.”

Cassie’s jaw drops. “And you haven’t told me!?”

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