Page 54 of Everything's Better With You
Randy held up his hand. “Now, it’s not my fault that he doesn’thave proper security on his phone, which he left in my capable hands while he plays pool against Sandy.”
“God, I hope there was no betting. I’m guessing you didn’t tell him your brother has a reputation as a pool hustler?”
“Noooot really, no I didn’t, but we didn’t bet money. I bet him he has to let me take his Bronco off-roading if he loses.”
“Absolutely not. Is he available to talk?”
Randy put his hand over the phone like it was a regular call and shouted over the din of what Leslie assumed was the Goalpost, and then laughed.
“He said he can’t talk now, he’s gotta concentrate on beating Sandy. He’s actually doing really well. Hey, how’s Dallas?”
“Hot. I’m glad this is my last network event for a while. How did practice go?”
“Brutal,” Randy said, shuddering.
“What do you mean brutal? Is Joe okay?”
“Oh,he’sfine. Your offensive line is going to be crying tomorrow and a few of the guys landed on their heads trying to do flips, but otherwise it was awesome. Joe’s amazing, Brother Leslie.”
Leslie sighed. “Yes, he is.”
“Hey, listen, we came up with a little fundraising event plan and I thought you’d probably want to approve it.”
“Hit me.”
“A jogathon. All athletes together. They all get their own pledge sheets and then whatever they raise goes on their team’s leaderboard.”
“Sounds good. Joe agree?”
Randy grinned. “It was his idea.”
Leslie laughed. “I never thought he’d get into it this much.”
“Oh, he’s into it. He ever gives up this Twinkle Toes shit he’d make a helluva football coach.”
“I’m sure he would. May I speak to him now, please?”
“I mean, I’ll try, but he’s pretty into his game here. And that kid Terrell? Man, you missed out persuading him to join the team. Sounds like he was done dirty by his team in high school and now he wants to dance? That’s pretty cool Joe and Marti stayed friends all these years. Did you know—”
“Randy. The phone?”
“Oh, right. And don’t worry, Brother Barry is our designated driver. He’s coming in a little while to pick us up. You were great tonight, by the way. I think Joe thought so too. He was real quiet when you talked.”
“Stop it. Give him the phone.”
“So pushy. Gosh.”
Yeah, Randy totally regressed when he’d been drinking and judging by his current slurred speech, he’d had at least a couple of drinks. The screen got all shaky while he walked across the bar and Leslie could hear shouts and laughter.
“Here he is. I told him you were playing. He’s your problem now.” The screen went all wonky and then Joe’s smiling face appeared.
“I was just about to make Sandy wish he’d never messed with Twinkle Toes. How are you? You were great tonight.”
“Hey.” Leslie melted into the chair in his hotel room and sighed. “It’s good to hear your voice. And see you, although, you’ve got company.”
Sandy was behind Joe, jumping up and down trying to wave to Leslie. Joe turned around and laughed and then walked outside the bar.
“There, is that better?” he asked.
