Page 16 of Offsides Attraction

“Book four is even better. But there are no dragons,” he said, as Jemma opened her mouth.

She shrugged. “They can’t all be winners. Are you coming back next week to talk about the ending with us? Maybe give us a clue on the next book? Penny hasn’t said what we’re reading next, but maybe we could stick with the series?” Jemma asked. Seven pairs of eyes stared at Penny, six curious and one smug.

“I’d love to come back, and I think book four would be great, too.” Bash said, sounding like the antithesis of a cool, professional athlete.

“I’ll keep book four in mind, and we’ll be pleasantly surprised if you come back.” Penny thought she deserved an Oscar for pretending that she’d welcome Bash’s intrusion whenever it suited him, but his eyebrows drew together in what she considered his disapproving look. She’d let him off the hook. He should be grateful, not upset.

Javal’s mom waved at her from the corner where the other parents waited. “Okay, everyone, finish the book this week and next time we’ll discuss the ending. And, as you read it, ask yourself if you would have handled the scene in the barn differently than Ricky did.”

Bash stood as the children grabbed their coats and backpacks. He fist-bumped the kids as they left and did a complicated hand shake with Javal as Frederick watched. “Can you teach me?” he asked.

“Nah, it’s just for players,” Javal said, brushing him off.

“I don’t know, Javal,” Bash said. “I always thought it was for players and their families, and if families are people who support us, shouldn’t that include the fans?”

“I s’pose,” Javal said, shrugging.

“I’m a fan,” Frederick said. Penny gathered her book and notebook. She had better things to do than watch this.

“Excellent. You’re in school together, right?” she heard Bash ask as she walked toward the office. She planned to check her emails and see if any web orders came in before going upstairs to change for her hot date.

It was picture day at the animal rescue center, and Penny oversaw baths. By the time she was done, she’d be a hot, wet mess, but it was worth it. Since they’d started the grooming project a year ago, dogs found their forever homes much quicker. “Perfect. Javal can teach you, and we’ll do it the next time I’m here, okay?”

Penny shook her head, disappointed in Bash but not surprised. Frederick was a scrawny, geeky kid and it would have meant the world for him to have one-on-one time with Bash. And it would have helped at school, too. Frederick’s mom had wanted to pull him out of book club, because she thought it was contributing to him being bullied at school, but Penny pointed out that he’d made friends at book club, including Javal, who had the swagger of a popular kid.

“Great. You two work on it. I need to go talk to Penny.” Her heart sank. She turned away from the computer and watched him walk toward her. His gait was loose and unhurried, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, but the scowl on his face told a different story.

He stepped into the room, quietly closed the door, and leaned against it. No doubt thinking that he’d trapped her. Silly man, I could move you with the flick of a wrist or heat your feet so you’ll move. Or make the room smell like skunk, Penny frowned. Bad witch, you’d smell it, too.

“Why did you say that and make me look like a flake? Like I won’t follow through?”

Penny realized giving him a graceful out had also hit a nerve. “I don’t want to see them disappointed. Some of these kids have been through a lot, are dealing with a lot, and I don’t want books to disappoint them, too. Get Lost is a safe space for them, and I’ve worked really hard to build it up. I don’t want you blowing it up with fake promises.”

“I don’t make promises I can’t keep, and I don’t appreciate you speaking for me. It beats my other alternatives, so I’d like to come back, but only if I’m welcomed. I don’t want to ruin this for anyone.”

Penny closed her eyes. His aura spoke of sincerity, like it always did. From what she’d seen so far, Bash moved through the world from a place of sincerity. Anxious and nervous, but he meant what he said.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you look like a flake.”

“Am I welcome to come back?”

“The kids would love to have you.”

“Fine,” he ripped open the door.

“Wait”—she stepped toward him—“can I buy you an apology coffee?” She didn’t want him storming out in a huff. It would be bad for business, and for her conscience. The Buchanan girls were known for their sunny dispositions and likability, but she’d done nothing but insult him every chance she had. She knew her rudeness pierced his thick skin. He didn’t show it, but she knew it. She was better than this.

“Maybe another time,” he said, letting them both off the hook. He looked over his shoulder at her, and Penny didn’t know what he saw, but he fully turned toward her and leaned against the doorjamb, as if settling in for a talk. “How’s Maggie?”

Asking about Maggie was the last question she’d expected from him. “She’s fine.”

“Really? Because she looked devastated after the competition and Lucas can’t get a hold of her. We didn’t intend to win. We only wanted the team’s pool for the Food Shelf and the public library. We’d even picked tamales thinking they’d be on the fringe.”

“Cal told us it was for the Food Shelf.” Next to the shelter, the library was her other favorite place to support. She used to volunteer in the children’s section, but she’d had to stop. It confused too many kids. When they came to Get Lost, they thought the books were free, like the library, causing a lot of meltdowns when parents explained they had to choose one.

“It’s for both.”

Penny stared at him, wondering what it meant that this handsome man cared about something dear to her heart? The air around them warmed. I wonder if we could get a do-over? He’s really not that bad. After all, he’d rather be here than at the hospital. She cocked her head mid-debate. And, I’d rather be with the accountant than the lawyer, but I don’t want to be with either. She crossed her arms and frowned.

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