Page 52 of Delay of Game
“She used to be so much fun.” Cece rolled her eyes dramatically, flanking my other side. “But she’ll be here next game. You’ll love her.”
“I think this is a one game deal,” I said, already wishing it wasn’t as Cece slid a drink into my hand.
Maybe they were only being nice for appearances, but five years in elementary schools meant I had a good knack for picking out mean girls. Neither of them seemed like the type, and even as out of place as I looked in comparison, I sort of wanted them to like me.
Cassie scoffed. “Of course it isn’t. Youhaveto meet Lena. And Gloria’s been dying for an excuse not to come to the games. Mostly because Cece gets her drunk on mai tais.”
I eyed my drink.
Cece gasped with a playful smile, holding a manicured palm to her chest. “Don’t put this on me. I’m just being a good hostess.”
“Liar.” Cassie stopped the argument with a word. “Gloria would be all too happy to give up her tickets. Or get a third. Sorry if we sound a little bit desperate, but we need fresh blood.”
“Trent’s new girlfriend, Kit, is great, but she works at a hospital. Her schedule sucks.” Cece downed her drink and tapped the bar for another.
“So, you both date players?” I asked, instantly feeling foolish. Of course they did. They may as well have been models for the type of women players dated.
“Hell no,” Cece said with a laugh. “Lena is married to Noa. He’s a center, and she was my roommate. I just come here for the free booze. Cassie’s sister used to work at the stadium and hooked her up with the quarterback.”
“I doubt my sister would appreciate you saying that,” Cassie said with a laugh. “But, yeah, I met Diego through my sister. She trains him during the off season.”
“And you’re here with Rob…” Cece’s eyes lit up and her tongue poked out through her teeth. “I really never thought I’d see the day.”
“I’m not here with Rob,” I spluttered, unable to stop my face from burning with embarrassment. “Gloria and my aunt go way back, and I’m Mila’s kindergarten teacher.”
Cassie bit her lip and turned to Cece. “Looks like you owe me five bucks.”
She shook her head, nearly spilling her drink. “Uh-uh. No way. We haven’t even seen them together.”
“Five bucks for what?” I asked.
Cassie grimaced, but Cece answered without a hint of repentance. “We took a bet on whether Rob had a girlfriend coming to the game.”
“Looks like you owe her five dollars,” I said. “I’m not his girlfriend.”
“Oh, come on,” Cece said, wrapping an arm around me. “You can share with us.”
“You lost. Accept it,” Cassie teased. “But if Rob was dating you, he’d be punching up.”
“He’s definitely not,” I said, less forceful this time as a memory of broken greenware and tangled fingers came back to me.
“Look at her face!” Cece squealed. “She’s into him. Bet’s not off.”
“But it’s Rob.” Cassie elongated his name, emphasizing the improbability of Rob dating anyone, especially me.
I spared a glance at Mila who had infiltrated a gaggle of Norwalk Breaker cheerleaders. She stood between them, doublefisting cookies and replicating their dance moves as they ran through a routine.
“Exactly!” Cece exclaimed. “Rob’s got that angry daddy sex appeal. I’m really more of a rich stock bro type of girl, but if you forced me to date one of these guys, I’d pick Rob.”
“You used to say that about Trent.” Cassie rolled her eyes.
“And now he’s taken. Rob’s my second choice. He’s got mean daddy energy. Can you imagine being spanked by him?”
I ducked out of Cece’s grasp, signaling to the bartender for another drink.
She laughed. “See, she’s imagining it. And it’s super hot. Don’t worry, girl. You can still win this bet for us.”
“You’re embarrassing her.” Cassie frowned. “She won’t hang out with us if you make her uncomfortable.”
