Page 24 of Offsides Attraction

“She did, but she’s the exception to most rules.” And it was true. Gloria Sebastian had never met a rule she hadn’t challenged, a trait she’d passed to Bash. Sometimes he pitied his obedient father stuck with two proud rule breakers. His mom challenged them because she didn’t like to be told no, but Bash wasn’t about to agree to something unless he knew the why or the reasoning behind it. Following arbitrary rules meant for everyone was personal lunacy.

Bash cleared his throat. “I was wondering if mom could be one of the guinea pigs. The two of you could make a long weekend of it. Book signing for her on Saturday, and I could get tickets to the game on Sunday. I could probably get seats in the owner’s booth.” He swallowed. He’d never asked his parents to a game, not even in high school. They’d seen him play at MetLife Stadium, but they’d never traveled to a game. Catching a day game was easy, but traveling meant planning and commitment. And a greater chance of disappointment for him. He’d spent his childhood being disappointed. He’d be damned if he spent his adulthood that way, too.

“Send me some options, and we’ll check our schedules.”

“Sure.” Bash fought the disappointment. He’d foolishly hoped for a glowing yes. “I’d better go. Early morning tomorrow.”

“Did you call the architect back? They can’t finalize the plans until you sign off on your kitchen changes, and I know they wanted to talk to you about the garage and how much space you wanted. Do you really want it?” he asked.

Bash heard his dad’s frustration. He’d never understood Bash’s fascination with restoring old cars, preferring his son to spend his time on the tennis court, golf course, or sailing. But working on the cars was therapeutic. Tearing something apart and rebuilding it. He did most of the engine and electrical work and there was a couple across the river in New Jersey who did the upholstery and body work.

“Yes, I want the enclosed space with all the ventilation in the underground parking garage, and I want the bigger kitchen.” One of the surprising perks of living with Cal and Lucas was that he’d learned more cooking techniques, and that he preferred cooking meals with others. The original galley kitchen wouldn’t work for him now. He wanted something bigger, with an island and two sinks. Other than the major appliances and a Jura espresso machine, he didn’t know what he needed, but he planned to ask Maggie.

“And what happens when you get tired of cars?”

“I’ll move to motorcycles.”

“Are you trying to kill your mother? It’s already bad enough that your day job requires a helmet.”

“And pads. Good night, Dad. I’ll text you the home games so you can share it with Mom and your assistants.”

“Fine, but make sure you—”

“Call the architect. I know and I wrote it down. We’re good. I’ll call later in the week.”

“Good night, Bash, and watch your left.”

Penny glanced at the duplex. Harper’s side was dark, which either meant she wasn’t home yet, or she’d gone to bed. Either option worked for her because Harper was her cover story.

She knocked on the men's front door, wondering what it was like for Harper and Cal to be neighbors for the season. Everyone had pitched in to renovate the ranch-style home into a short-term rental. They’d knocked out walls and expanded the kitchen. Housing was always tight in Cascade City because of the mountains partially surrounding them and the river cutting through the middle, and Alison knew they could turn a profit on renting the house to Tetons’ players during the season and then vacationers for the summer. Five had never dreamed he’d be living in it as he’d painted and tiled during his spring break.

“Hi,” Penny said, squeezing by Five when he opened the door.

“Come on in.” He shut the door behind them, shattering her plan of a quick in and out. Bash was supposed to answer the door where she’d give him a quick apology before inviting him to dinner so she could master the challenge. Cal opening the door, tossed a wrench into the works. Penny needed to buy herself time until Bash showed up. She glanced at Cal. He looks beat.

“Can I make you a snack?”

“I could eat,” he shrugged.

“Tea?” He nodded. “Do you have some of the special blend?”

“Top corner by the fridge. Nanna’s honey is in there, too.”

Penny looked around and noticed his laptop paused. “I don’t remember this room being so small.”

“It wasn’t until Mom added all the oversized furniture.”

“Did she add the gaming system, too?”

“Mine.”

“I bet I can still beat you.”

“You probably can.” She wrapped her arms around him and laid her head on his chest as he rested his head on hers. Her baby brother was all grown up, and Penny realized she didn’t really know the man he’d become; not like she’d known the boy. He was seven years younger and six inches taller. He’d still been in elementary school when she’d left for college. His stomach rumbled, and she stepped away, laughing.

“What do you expect? You woke up the beast showing up at my door like the snack fairy promising treats.”

“Fine. Sit. Any requests?” she asked as Cal settled into the corner of the couch, dragging the laptop toward him.

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