Page 10 of Offsides Attraction

“I think it’s great that—”

“Go get seats. I need to check on Maggie,” Lucas said, pulling Bash away from them.

“There’s lots of seats left. We could have talked longer.”

“And watch you dig a deeper hole. I don’t think so.” Lucas shook his head.

“What? It was a compliment. I thought people liked those.”

“When they’re said sincerely.”

“I was sincere.”

Lucas cocked his head. “But you sounded condescending and snobbish.”

Bash winced. He’d made it worse instead of better.

Maggie stood near the island, checking her supplies as the audience slowly trickled in. She looked pale and her hand shook slightly as the teammates in the front row chatted with her. “Fine. Check on Maggie and get her started before she passes out up there,” Bash said, moving toward the back row.

The book clubs sounded interesting, and he wanted to know more, especially if what he learned could help VV Pub. Dad would have had them eating out of his hand. Bash wished he had even one tenth of his dad’s charm. If he didn’t figure people out, he’d drive VV Pub out of business. How can I run a business if I can’t even get information from someone?

Bash watched them out of the corner of his eye, wondering how he could salvage the situation. Penny didn’t like him, and she probably wasn’t the brains behind the operation. Bash needed to talk to Elspeth and make amends with Penny. Her dislike of him might bias Elspeth. If he befriended Penny, she’d want to help him, and he’d reciprocate. After all, life was an endless game of you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.

The room was filling quickly. He sprawled across two chairs and draped his arms across the two chairs in front of him. He felt stupid, but when he caught Elspeth’s eye and motioned at the two chairs in front of him with his head, she beamed and gave Penny a gentle shove toward him.

“How gallant. Thank you, Bash,” Elspeth said, before sitting down and pulling out her phone.

“Yes, thanks,” Penny said with a tight smile.

“You’re welcome.” Bash took a deep breath and channeled his inner nice guy. “And, for the record, I like Cascade City. I love how close it is to the mountains, how friendly everyone is, and there’s lots to do. It’s the best city I’ve been in.”

“Other than New York City.”

He shrugged. “Can’t blame a guy for being partial to his hometown, can you?”

“I guess not.”

Bash tugged at his collar and tried to smile as he thought of a way to keep the conversation going with Penny.

“Uncomfortable?” She tilted her head, assessing him.

“Not really. Why?” Bash asked, wondering if they were going to talk about the weather. He’d expected more out of her.

“Just seems like you’d be more comfortable in a three-star restaurant than a farm kitchen,” she teased, and some of the ice was missing from her previous smile.

I can do this.

“They both have their charms.” He leaned forward. “Tell me more about the book clubs.” She cocked an eyebrow. “Please.”

“What would you like to know?” Bash’s hopes dashed. She wouldn’t dump all her knowledge at his feet. Penny was going to make him work for it.

“How many are there?”

“It depends on the season.”

“What time do they meet?”

“Throughout the day.”

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