Page 7 of Crazy for the Coaches

“We’ll talk soon, Mandy,” Joyce said.

“Thanks, you guys,” Mandy said when we were in the conference room.

“We don’t want to ask your business, but that didn’t look good.” I stayed near the door in case anyone else came in.

She shook her head. “I can’t even believe it. They asked if I wanted to stay with them.”

Aaron looked at me. Surely they couldn’t mean what I thought that might mean.

“Okay.” Aaron said. “And that made you uncomfortable?”

“I think they wanted me to join them. They’ve made hints before but I put it off. Then Eli mentioned I was going to move in with him, and they cornered me after the meeting.”

“Seriously? Why you? I know you’re gorgeous and smart, but you seem a lot younger than them.” I enjoyed her quick smile at my compliment.

“I think that’s the point,” Aaron said. “Any way you can avoid them?”

“Isn’t that harassment?” I was already thinking strategy about that couple, and how we could all avoid them.

“If it continues, I’ll have a word with Charlotte, who handles our HR. But I don’t want them approaching any other young staff members.”

We surrounded her for a hug. She gave each of us a kiss.

“Come over for dinner,” Aaron said. I think he was as surprised that he said that as I was.

“Yes, we can pick up food from a restaurant you like, as we’re not done unpacking.”

“And we don’t mean the invite in a creepy way like Martin and Carol.” When she smiled, I knew my efforts to make her feel better worked.

“I can grab food from a diner near the college. What time are you guys done?” She asked.

Chapter Five

Mandy

“Mandy, we have to get along with the other owners,” Eli said, leaning back in his office chair.

There was a communal owner’s office, but each had their own desk at the stadium. I borrowed Eli’s desk when I needed to, but usually found a corner with my laptop if I wasn’t running around.

“Let’s talk about that later, Eli. In private.”

“Martin and Joyce said they made you an offer to stay in their house until you get your own place.”

It was hard to explain, and if you weren’t there, as Aaron and Steve were, it might be hard to understand the things that were really on offer.

“Eli, they said some strange things. I’m not moving in with them.”

“What? I thought it was nice. You’d only be there a while until you find something. What do you mean? They’re a married couple. I’m sure it would be fine.”

“Hey, Eli? The merchandise vendor union guy is on the phone.” The admin for the team poked her head in the office.

“I have to go anyway,” I said, noticing I had to go get the food soon for my dinner with the guys. “I’ll talk to you later.”

“Where are you going?” He said, but moved to pick up the business phone line.

I can’t believe he was pushing me to take Martin and Joyce’s offer. Was there a reason Eli didn’t want me moving into his place? Maybe he was dating someone, or someones, like I was. Then I smiled. I was already thinking like I was in a relationship with the guys. After one date. I wondered what tonight would bring.

I was still thinking about it when I arrived at the guys’ place.

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