Page 9 of Sparks Like Ours

“Because you never know when you’re going to need additionalsponsorship, and a juicy, plump endorsement deal wouldn’t hurt your portfolio.You don’t have enough of ’em. Now, get over there and play in the sandbox.”

She hated the reality, but Gwendolyn had a point. Given her highranking on the tour, she really should be pulling in more from external sources.She tended to shy away from those opportunities unless pushed. “All right. Allright. I’ll talk to him.” She glanced back at Gwendolyn. “You’re a bulldog.”

Gwendolyn growled in response. It frightened her. She gave herselfa quick shake and brightened into a smile.

“Well, if it isn’t the rankings climber herself,” Theo said as sheapproached them. He shook her hand heartily. “Gia Malone, your name’s all overthe place these days. Theo Trowebridge, marketing director for Trainers. Niceto meet you.”

“Likewise. I’m a fan of your product.” A stretch. Corn chips werecorn chips. Apparently, Trainers were a healthy alternative to the stuffalready on the market. That’s about all she knew.

Elle grinned at Gia like they were best friends, but then she didthat with everyone. “How are you tonight, Gia?”

“It’s a good night. And you?”

“I’m having a fantastic time. Everyone looks great.” Well, no onereally came close to Elle. Her hair was down and a little wavy tonight in anunderstated, glamorous kind of way. She wore a patterned skirt and a sleevelesstop that really brought out the blue of her eyes. Not that Gia had noticed.Though the men in the room sure seemed to, stealing not-so-discreet glances atElle’s legs as they passed. The world was a virtual meat market.

“Wait,” Theo said, glancing between the two of them. “Have you twoseen each other since Fiji and the big final?”

“Not since Fiji, no,” Elle said sweetly.

His eyes widened. “So, this might be a little awkward. I readabout the controversy.” He made a face that saidyikes.

Gia held her smile. Tried to. “I don’t think there was anythingtoo controversial about that final.”

He seemed thoughtful. “Lot of folks thought there might be aninterference call on that last wave of Elle’s you dropped in on.”

“I didn’t drop in. I wasn’t anywhere near Elle,” Gia told himcalmly. “I think she would agree that she had every opportunity to capitalizeon that wave outside of any interference from me.”

Elle held her thumb and forefinger close together. “You were alittle close.”

“That’s not what you said at the press conference afterward.” Giafelt her defenses flare, though she would hold that damn smile if it killedher.

“Well, that was neither the time or place. Did you take someliberty on that drop-in? Yes. But those press events should be more about thelove of the sport.” If there had been popcorn nearby, Theo would have grabbed abowl as he listened in fascinated amusement. This was probably not whatGwendolyn had had in mind.

“I guess I try to be up front and honest with whoever I’m speakingwith.”

Elle’s perfect smile faltered. “Why have you decided that I’mdisingenuous?”

“You kind of just said so.”

Theo’s head swiveled to Elle for her response, and Gia inwardlycringed. She was behaving badly in front of a potential networking mark.

Elle scoffed uncharacteristically. It was nice to know she wascapable. “You know what? Never mind.”

Theo held up a hand. “I’m sensing some hostility.”

“Not at all,” Elle said, brightening, probably remembering whereshe was. “Just some post-tournament playback. Gia and I have always had ahealthy, if not competition-laced, respect for each other. Right?”

Gia shrugged. “Sure.” And then thought better and amended that.“Yes. We have.”

“Just what I was hoping you’d say. I have a proposition for youboth.”

Gia and Elle exchanged an uneasy glance. For thetwoof them? “And whatwould that be?” Elle asked.

“A Trainers campaign featuring the two of you. Highlighting therivalry in the water and out. You’d be joint spokespersons, and the stars ofour campaign.”

“There’s no rivalry,” Elle said, as if it were the easiest thingin the world.

Theo raised an eyebrow. “I beg to differ, and so do most surffans. But even the people who have no clue who you are will love the spotswe’ll put together for you.”

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