Page 61 of Angel In Armani

“It’s bigger than I thought,” Sara said.

“Yeah, we’re like an airport that way. The public only sees half of what goes on. Thank goodness.” Maggie stared out at the buildings. “It’s bad enough running security for the stadium on game day, so we limit access to the rest of the complex. Less potential for chaos. As much as that’s possible in the majors. So what has Lucas told you about the place?”

“Not much,” Sara said. “There hasn’t been that much time. He’s always reading stuff on his laptop when I fly him places.”

“Yeah, his schedule is pretty nuts. Mal’s and Alex’s, too. But yay, you’re a Saints history virgin.” She rubbed her hands together. “I can tell you all about us.”

“Ollie Shields told me a little bit about spring training when I was in Orlando.”

Maggie rolled her eyes. “Let me guess, he did it while flirting madly.”

“Yeah. Don’t worry, I figured he pretty much flirts with anything female.”

“It is kind of instinctive with him,” Maggie said. But her expression was fond exasperation, not annoyance. “He’s a good guy, though. Just needs the right gal to sort him out, maybe.”

Sara held up her hands. “Don’t look at me, I don’t think I’m any athlete’s ideal mate. He needs someone who at least understands the game. Like you. You must know it inside out.”

“Yup. Hopeless baseball nerd. Always have been. In the blood, like we said. But despite that, I’ll leave Ollie to someone else’s capable hands, thank you very much. He and I work best as friends.”

There was a story behind that, Sara thought. But she wasn’t about to ask the woman about her love life on their first meeting.

“Okay, enough about Oliver,” Maggie said. “He’s already got a healthy enough ego without us boosting it vicariously. Let’s go touring.”

They made their way out to the stadium via another trip in the elevator and a confusing series of turns and corridors that ended in a locked fire door. Maggie produced a security card, swiped it, and the door opened. They stepped out into a concrete tunnel that looked pretty much like the ones in every stadium where Sara had ever gone to a concert. There were stripes in Saints colors running horizontally along the walls but that was about the only distinguishing feature.

Maggie kept walking. “I always thought it must be pretty cool to know how to fly a chopper. Just never had the time to learn.”

“Well, it’s never too late. And helicopters are more fun than planes. Most of the time.”

“Maybe after this year’s season is done,” Maggie said. “Things might have calmed down a little by then. Then you can show me the basics.”

“Sure. And if I fly you anywhere, you can sit up front with me and I can explain some of it to you.”

“That would be cool.” Maggie stopped as they reached a security screen. This time she pulled out a key and dealt with the chain and padlock that secured it. “Better put on those gloves … this is where we get into the stands.”

Sara pulled on her gloves. “So do you travel as much Lucas does?”

Maggie shook her head. “His schedule is the worst,” she said. “Alex’s is bad enough but now that they’ve dumped Lucas with spring training, he’s got the short straw.” She paused. “You know, I’m not sure that he even likes flying. We did quite a few plane trips when the deal was being approved. He always goes quiet and works through the whole flight, like you said.”

Sara nodded. “Yes, I got that impression, too. Though he’s pretty good at hiding it, if he really is bothered by it. Which is better than the ones who white-knuckle the whole thing. Or barf.” She wrinkled her nose. “The barfing is the worst.”

Maggie grimaced sympathetically. “Ugh. That’s bad enough on a big plane. So Lucas has never tossed his cookies on your helo? Too bad, that would give me something to tease him about. Dr. Gorgeous shows a weakness. He’s kind of a little too perfect, that one. Makes you want to rumple him up a bit. Or it would if I didn’t have Alex,” she added with a wink as she dragged the screen back. It made a rusty protesting whining noise as she did and she frowned at it, obviously making a mental note.

Sara decided to ignore the rumpling comment. “No, no barfing. How long have you known him, or them, I guess?”

“Not long,” Maggie said as she started walking again. “I only met the three of them when Dad sold the Saints.”

“And you and Alex?”

“Yeah.” Maggie rolled her eyes. “It’s kind of ridiculous. I should hate the man. After all, he kind of stole my baseball team … but, well, you’ve seen him?”

“I have,” Sara said. “He’s pretty easy on the eyes.”

“Well, so is Dr. Gorgeous. And Mal, for that matter. Though easy on the eyes isn’t always easy on the heart…” Maggie trailed off.

“So I hear,” Sara said. She stopped to take in the view before her. They were standing about halfway up one of the empty stands, looking down on the field. The stadium arced around them, the stillness kind of eerie. “This is pretty cool.” Not as cool as being up in the air, but somehow the emptiness gave the same feeling of space.

Maggie smiled. “I think so. You’d better be careful. Baseball kind of sneaks up on you when you least expect it.”

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