Page 63 of Playbook
“Yeah, you and the rest of the city.” Probably the country. Not that I imagine myself important enough that the entire country knows who I am. There were a few photos of us together from the community wellness event that popped up, including the one Alec was flashing around earlier, but I think people are used to seeing him with different women, so maybe they assumed I was just the girl of the night.
Brogan keeps mentioning the idea of posting a photo of us on his social media but that feels big and scary. I rarely post anything myself, so it isn’t like I have a lot of followers or anything. I have separate pages for my art, and I’ve gotten to where I really only check those.
“Why didn’t you tell me about him?”
“Because…” I trail off. Because it’s a sham?
“What’s it like going out with him? Where does he take you? Are women just like pawing at him everywhere you go? Have you met Cody St. James?” She fires questions at me, fully abandoning her search for invitations.
“He’s busy a lot so we haven’t gone out on a lot of real dates, but he’s fun and sweet.” I realize as I say the last part, it’s true. He is a sweet guy, considerate too. “Yes, he gets plenty of attention from people everywhere. And I have met him. Briefly.”
“Cody St. James is my free pass.”
“I’m going to have a hard time not imagining that now every time I see him.” I scrunch up my nose. He’s a good-looking guy though, so I get it. He has a whole serious, fuck anyone who gets in my way vibe going on that shouldn’t be hot, but it is. He was nice and polite the few times we spoke so maybe I’m projecting and he’s just intimidating as fuck.
“I’ll be sure not to bring him around so Ben is safe,” I tease.
She laughs. Me too. But somehow the idea of it isn’t as far-fetched as it was a few weeks ago.
“That reminds me, Grandma wants you to bring him to Mom and Dad's house next Sunday for a late afternoon pool hang.”
Panic blooms in my chest, but then I remember… “I’m pretty sure he has a game that day.”
“The game is early.”
Dammit, how does she know his schedule better than me?
Another laugh escapes from my lips. She must really love Ben if she’s let him convert her into a hardcore football fan. “And you expect him to head over to our house afterward?”
If I had spent three hours running and being tackled to the ground, the only thing I’d want to do afterward would be move into my bed and order takeout.
She shrugs. “He has to eat. Besides, he’ll probably want to see you. This way he can eat, see you, and Grandma can scope him out.”
I groan.
“Just ask.” She nudges my knee with hers. “We want to get to know him. You haven’t dated anyone seriously since Chris. I think this guy could be good for you.”
“You think dating a professional football player would be good for me?” I scoff. “This from the same girl who told me not to date Ken Reynolds because he was captain of the basketball team.”
“This is different. Ken slept with half the school.”
I don’t point out that I’m pretty sure Brogan has slept with at least that many women since he joined the Mavericks. It doesn’t matter anyway. It isn’t real.
“Bring him and I’ll let you choose your own maid of honor dress.”
“Oh, now that’s cruel,” I tell her.
She beams proudly, knowing she has me.
“Fine. I’ll ask, but I’m not making any promises.”
On Friday, I finally get my opportunity to ask when he texts me.
Brogan
Hey! How’s your week been?
Me
