Page 45 of A Little Crush
“Should’ve known,” I quip.
“Hmm?”
“Still a fan of Sour Patch Kids, too?”
“Always,” she returns. “Why do you ask?”
“I debated whether to order for you before realizing we’ve never had a drink together, so I didn’t know what you’d like, but I should’ve known,” I repeat.
“I mean, I’m not exactly the little girl you used to know, so you were probably smart not to assume.”
Yeah, she’s hardly a little girl anymore, is she? The thought hits out of nowhere, and I catch myself checking her out. I clear my throat and reach for my beer. After chugging a quarter of it, I offer, “Thanks for meeting me.”
“Thanks for the invitation.”
“How’s your day been?” I prod.
“Good.” She plays with the thin stem of her glass while eyeing me carefully. “Yours?”
“Good.”
“You gonna tell me why you wanted to meet?” she questions.
“I already told you.”
“Ironing out logistics,” she finishes. “Okay, let’s hear it.”
My mouth lifts. “Actually, I’m more curious if you have any questions for me.”
Surprised, she pulls back. “Me?”
“Yeah.” My amusement spreads. “I know you’re a go-getter who gets shit done without asking questions, but you’re doing me a pretty big favor. I figured the least I could do is buy you a few drinks and answer any questions you might’ve thought of over the last twenty-four hours.”
Her gaze falls to her glass, and she steals another sip. “Let’s see,” she whispers, though I have feeling she’s talking to herself more so than to me. She focuses on me again and sits up a little straighter. “What does the average day look like when you’re traveling? Am I on duty twenty-four-seven? Do I get days off? Am I supposed to bring Poppy to the games? That kind of thing.”
“As far as a daily schedule goes, it depends on the day, but I’ll share my calendar with you and have my assistant write up an itinerary before every week I have custody. Poppy’s just a baby, so she can’t watch the games, but you have a reserved seat so you’re welcome to sit with her in the family section whenever you’re up for it.” I hesitate. “I’d love to seeher as often as I can, even if it’s only in the stands some of the time.”
“Well, I’m sure she’d love to see her daddy as much as she can, too, so we’ll make it happen.”
“Thanks. There’s another thing.” Pulling out my wallet, I hand Rory a credit card. “When you’re on duty, all expenses go on here for both of you.”
“I think I can afford?—”
“It’s non-negotiable,” I order. “Use the card, Squeaks. I already feel guilty enough as it is. Speaking of which, I know we haven’t talked salary, but I emailed you an official offer earlier today.”
“Yeah, I saw it,” she mutters. “And you’re way too generous, Jax. I don’t need that much?—”
“You’re worth it. Trust me.”
She finishes her drink and orders another round, so I do the same, grateful for the liquid courage. Not that I need it. It’s just…yeah, okay, I guess I could use it, and clearly, so can she.
“Well, I think you answered all my questions,” she says. “Any more logistics that need ironing?”
“Let’s see, uh, my assistant was able to add you to all of our flights for the next month.”
“That’s good.”
“Yeah,” I agree, “but I wanted to ask how you feel about the room situation.”
