Page 113 of Pipe Dreams
“If we can’t get through it all now, we could talk on the phone before the game starts. Or we could Skype tomorrow morning,” her boss suggested.
“Or...” She spoke before she could second-guess herself.“...on the jet. I could ride along to Dallas.”
Nate’s eyes widened.
“Never mind,” she said quickly. “We can Skype.” She and Nate were close but it was a little audacious to invite herself along on his charter jet.
“No,” he said, rising from his chair. “I love this idea. I’m just surprised. Didn’t think you were still watching hockey. I haven’t seen you in the box lately.”
“What? You mean you don’t know every gossipy detailabout my personal life?” she teased. “I flew to Detroit for game seven with Mike’s daughter. And I’ve been watching from his comp seats.”
This drew a Nate smirk from her boss. “Reallly.”
“Go ahead and gloat.”
“Oh, I will. You don’t have a change of clothes for Dallas, though. I know how that goes against every fiber of your being.”
“It will be fine.”
He snapped his laptop shut and shoved it into its case. “Let’s go now. We’ll swing by your place and then hop onto the FDR.”
“You really don’t have to...”
“I know. But this gives me even more time to gloat. Let’s go, hockey lover. Don’t forget to bring some face paint. I could help you put Beacon’s jersey number on each cheek.”
“That is not happening.”
“You want a lift to Dallas or not?”
“Fine, but you’re getting painted, too.”
“Am not.”
“Are so.”
They argued all the way to the elevators.
•••
When they reached the charter terminal, Lauren was astonished to see Becca waiting there. “Hey! If we’re both here, who’s minding the team in Dallas?”
Becca gave an oddly self-conscious shrug. “The intern Nate stapled to my hip is surprisingly competent. We sent her ahead because I had a therapy session this morning.”
“How’s that going, anyway?”
Becca dropped her voice. “Really well, honestly. I feel so much better. I don’t tire as easily, and my headaches have stopped. These new doctors are amazing, but don’t tell Nate I said so.”
“He’ll gloat.”
“Exactly.”
“Ladies? Shall we?” Their fearless leader escorted them onto the sleek little jet. There were only a few seats, as well as a conference table.
“Where shall I set up?” Lauren asked. “You want to finish our debrief, right?”
Nate frowned. “Sure. Let’s take the table.” Lauren sat down on one side, with Nate opposite.
Becca set herself up in one of the plush chairs and pulled out a copy ofVanity Fair. Lauren didn’t quite understand the purpose of Becca’s trip to Dallas. But, hey, it made her own hitchhiking a little less weird.
