Page 12 of Deal Takers

She narrows her eyes at me. “Who’s the girl?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I manage through a mouth full of noodles and gooey cheese.

“Brody Jonathan Harris, don’t pull that crap on me.”

“Really? You’re pulling out the middle name?”

“Do I need to call Mom?”

I set my fork down and prepare to face the jury. Mysister is like a fucking kitten compared to our mother. Don’t let my blond hair and blue eyes fool you. I’m half Sicilian, which I got from my mom. Trust me when I say this. Youdo notwant to mess with a Sicilian mama.

“Ugh, fine. Theremaybe a girl I wouldn’t mind seeing while I’m here.”

She puts her elbows on the counter and bats her eyelashes. “I knew it! So…what’s her name? What does she look like? What does she do? Where did you meet her?”

“What is this, a fucking interrogation room?”

“Spill,” she commands.

I sigh. “Fine. Her name is Rainey, and she’s hot as fuck. I met her when I came home for spring break.”

Charlee gasps. “Oh, Brody.Do nottell me she was involved in Erection-gate.”

Yep, I made the mistake of telling her about that, too. What can I say? We’re both fans of the overshare.

“Fine, I won’t tell you.”

“Jesus, kid. I can’t believe you’re going there again. Didn’t you learn your lesson the first time?”

“It’s not what you think,” I say. “She’s a nurse at North Seattle Memorial. She was the one who treated me.”

Charlee starts laughing so hard, tears are spilling out of her eyes. “Oh…my…god.”

“What’s so fucking funny?”

“I can’t…believe…this…is…happening.” Now she’s snort-laughing.

“What the fuck? Why do you find this so amusing?”

“Are you seriously telling me you’re trying to pick up the nurse who treated your pocket pickle?”

“What’s wrong with that?”

She rolls her eyes. “You really are clueless when it comesto women, aren’t you? I don’t understand how someone can be so smart, yet so dumb.”

“I still don’t see where you’re going with this,” I say and frown.

She laughs. “I’m sure you’ll find out soon enough, little bro.”

CHAPTER 8

Rainey

Devyn has been hounding me to bring Adam around so we’re currently walking into Kelly’s Bar & Grill, my favorite place to hang out.

“Nice choice, Rainey,” Adam says as he looks around.

Kelly’s hosts a dozen TVs, a couple of pool tables, dart boards, decent food, and a fine selection of beer. Born and raised in New York City, Adam is a huge NY Renegades fan. Kelly’s owner is also a New York transplant, so they feature every one of their games on the biggest screen. Adam’s eyes light up when he sees his beloved stripes on the field.

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