Page 51 of Stick Fight

Rebound with benefits.

What is even happening in my life? I have no idea, but I’m just going to go with the flow. The car slows and I sit up straighter, looking for the café, and my phone pings when I see the sign over the door. I snatch my phone from my pocket as the driver eases close to the curb. My heart beats a little faster when I read the message from Roman.

Roman: We just finished up. You home?

Me: No actually. I’m sitting in a car outside The Nook. Thanks for arranging a car.

Roman: I’ll meet you there.

Me: You don’t have to go out of your way.

Roman: It’s not. Tuck and Tanner are headed there for lunch. I’ll grab a lift with them. See you soon. I have something I want to run by you.

Me: See you soon.

I resist the urge to ask him what he wants to run by me. Whatever it is, I have a feeling it’s best discussed in person and not over text. I put my phone back in my pocket and have a ridiculous smile on my face knowing Roman is meeting up with me. It’s probably because I’m feeling so alone in this big city. I catch the driver’s eyes in the mirror and quickly wipe away my grin.

“Thanks so much for the lift,” I say. I hate for him to be waiting around. “I might be a while.”

“Take your time. I’ll be here waiting when you’re finished.”

“You can go do other things.” It feels weird to have him just waiting around. “I can call you when I’m done.”

He hands me a card. “I won’t be far, Miss Gabby.”

I read the card and find his name. “Thank you, Ben.” I reach for my handle but stop when he exits the car, comes around my side and opens my door for me. I give him a smile, and he says, “Enjoy the cinnamon buns.”

I chuckle. Clearly I’ll have to have one, or maybe even two if they’re so popular. As I approach the door my stomach squeezes. I’m going to meet a couple of Roman’s teammates. What are they going to think of all this? I’ve read enough, seen enough to know the trouble a few of the guys had gotten into over the years. Yes, I follow the Bucks because Roman was on the team, and we go way back. But there have been many conniving women in their lives and I really hope they don’t think I’m one of them. Although I have no idea how much Roman has told them.

Inside the quaint café, I find a table for four, and slide in so I can keep an eye on the door. The place is busy, and no one is paying me any attention as I take in the décor and the young girl serving coffee and meals. She catches my eye and lets me know she’ll be right over. Maybe it’s Avery. I scan the place, looking for Gina, although I have no idea what she looks like.

Another woman comes from the back, and serves food. I catch her name, Maria, when she walks by. The younger girl comes over with a pot of coffee in her hand. “Coffee?”

“Yes, please.” I flip my cup over and she fills it. “Are you staying for lunch?”

“Yes, and I’d also like to pack up some cinnamon rolls to go. Can I get a dozen with some extra bags.”

She chuckles. “If Roman stops in and there’s no cinnamon rolls, he’ll lose his mind.”

I laugh at that. Ah, so he does sneak a few during the season.

She rolls her eyes. “Sorry, the Roman I’m talking about is Roman Marinelli from the Boston Bucks. They often come here after a practice. But don’t worry, I always put a couple away for him.”

Oh, so she clearly knows his schedule and does special favors. Isn’t that lovely of her. Clearly they must be a thing. Not that it’s my business and I have no right to feel this odd wave of jealousy. I was supposed to be a married woman today.

“Are you a fan?”

“What?” I ask, and shake my head. Damn, way to look like I was swooning just from hearing Roman’s name.

“Of the Bucks.” She angles her head, assessing me. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in here before.”

“I am a fan, and actually, I’m waiting for Roman.”

“Oh, nice,” she says, and if they did have a thing, I’m guessing it’s over. There isn’t a hint of jealousy in her eyes. “I’ll be right back with a menu.”

She disappears for a second and I add milk to my coffee and find myself eyeing the door, anxious to see Roman. I am nervous about his friends. Sure, it went well in Vegas at the party. No one knew I’d be going back to Boston with him, though.

Avery comes back with the menu and slides it in front of me. “I set aside the cinnamon rolls for you.”

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