Page 27 of Stumped

“Hi.”

“Hi yourself,” she says and pulls open the mini fridge. She grabs a bottle of red wine. “Afterparty for two?”

“Sure.”

“I’ve also got this.” She rummages around in her bag and pulls out a tightly rolled joint.

“As much as I’d love to, I can’t.”

“Boo.” She pouts, but grabs a lighter and heads to the balcony. The view from the hotel is pretty incredible, but seeing her against the city lights might be even better. I’m also glad that while all the rooms have balconies, you can’t see into the other open spaces. Especially since I don’t trust either of us to stay fully clothed much longer.

She sets the wine down and I frown at the missing items. “Glasses?”

“Something tells me you’re a rule follower. Just for tonight, let loose.”

“The last time I let loose, you didn’t call me back.”

“Is this the hill you choose to die on?”

I shake my head. I should let it go, she invited me back to her room, after all. Vera sits and lights up. She stretches her legs out, resting them against the parapet and inhales deeply. It’s been impossible to look anywhere at her; I’ve been trying all evening. She’s distractingly captivating, especially with all that skin on display and puffs of smoke slipping through her lips. During the off season, I sometimes indulge in forbidden substances. Right now, I’d be an idiot to get caught. I’m already in enough trouble as it is, I don’t need to add ‘drugs’ to my list of offences.

Instead, I drink the wine and the sweet alcohol soothes my throat. It provides a temporary distraction since I can feel Vera watching me and I don’t want to come off more eager than I already am.

“Did little Elias dream of being a cricket player?”

I nod and glance at her; her expression is soft and curious. “My grandfather and father played for their school teams. They raised me with an intense love for the sport.”

“So you were always working towards playing professionally.”

“I’d like to say yes, but it really only became a dream when I was in college.” I hand her the wine and she takes a big sip, some of it spilling out the sides of her mouth. “What about little Vera, what was her dream?”

“Be a fashion designer. I realised pretty quickly that I didn’t really care about fashion. As long as I was comfortable, nothing else mattered.”

“You could start a fashion line of large, baggy T-shirts and I think it’d do well.”

She toys with the hem of her shirt. “You’d rather see me out of this, though.”

“Absolutely,” I reply quickly. Why lie? I want her naked, on top and under me.

“Why are you benched?”

My shoulder twinges at the question and I flex it gently. “My rotator cuff had enough of me. Went through the surgery and recovery process. It’s…taking longer than I hoped.”

“What’s the usual timeline for recuperation?”

“A year, give or take. I thought if I did it as soon as the season ended, I’d be able to play this year. Apparently not.”

“Why are you here if you’re not playing?” she asks, watching me like I’m some kind of puzzle she wants to solve. I’m not that complicated. I drink more wine and balance the bottle on my thigh, gaze fixed on the dark sky.

“The management didn’t like me partying with a hot woman when I was supposed to be resting, so they’re punishing me.”

“You’re welcome,” she replies and I smirk.

I hate the way the public has perceived what was an amazing night. But at the same time, it’s good to be back with the team doctor. While I didn’t expect her to be there, I’m thrilled our paths crossed again. I have no idea what kind of evening it’s going to be, but I’ll take what I can get.

She’s quiet as smoke enfolds her, making her seem ethereal and I take a mental picture. Vera’s the kind of woman people write poetry and love songs about. The kind of woman everyone wishes they had the opportunity to spend some time with.

“You enjoying the view, superstar?”

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