Page 91 of A Whole New Play

“How have you been?” she asks, undeterred by my less-than-enthusiastic reply.

“I’ve been good.” I adjust my position when my back starts to protest. “You?” I ask to be polite.

“I’ve been great.” She continues to smile. “I don’t know if you know this, but I’m roommates with Angela, Deon Walter’s new girlfriend.”

“Oh. No, I didn’t know.” The defensive lineman has been bragging about his new girlfriend in the locker room these past few weeks, praising social media for finding her. He encourages other players to give the women who DM them a chance, saying maybe they’d be as lucky as him and find a girlfriend as incredible as Angela.

I don’t know much about Deon’s girlfriend, but I know she’s as young as the lineman. Which is nearly six years younger than Sara. How in the world did they meet, let alone end up living together?

“Yeah,” Sara replies, unaware of my growing unease. “It’s so fun living with her. She invites me to all the Rough Rider games to keep her company. You’ve been playing great this season.”

“Thanks.” Instinct tells me to end this conversation asap. Back in college, Sara was cute and had a natural look. She was never one to doll up. At least, not like Laura did. But now, with her highlighted hair and painted face, she looks just like my ex. Eerily so.

“Here you are, gentlemen.” Our waitress returns with our food. She puts each plate on the table. “Can I get you anything else?” She bats her lashes at Corey and then at me.

Being from Rose Hill, she knows who we are, but the man who owns this place demands his employees treat us like ordinary customers so I’m not worried about her hitting on us. Jerry’s a good dude.

“No, thank you,” Corey replies. His eyes lock with mine and I read the silent question in his probing stare.

I clear my throat and turn back to Sara. “Well, it was nice seeing you, Sara. Enjoy your lunch.”

“I agree,” she quickly says before I can turn back around. “Maybe we can chat again after one of your games? Angela always waits outside the locker room for Deon. I’m sure I can wait with her.”

Southern politeness urges me to agree to avoid any awkwardness, but my gut says that wouldn’t be wise. I need to nip the interest gleaming in her gaze in the bud. Right now.

“Sorry, but I’m usually busy after games.”

“Oh? With what?”

“My girlfriend,” I blurt, eager to end her persistence the only way I know how.

I thought anyone who knew me would be aware of the photo of me and Valerie that’s circulating the internet, but on the off chance Sara hasn’t seen it, I need her to know I’m taken. Something tells me nothing else will dissuade her.

“Oh.” She tilts her head to the side. “I didn’t know you had a girlfriend.”

I’m not sure I believe her.

“Yeah, well… I do.” I pray for this situation to end. It’s awkward as hell.

Thankfully, my admission seems to do the trick.

“Well, maybe some other time.” Sara’s bright smile returns. She flips her hair over her shoulder and then waggles her fingers in a little wave. “See you around.” She spins on her heels and struts away. I expect her to return to a table in the restaurant, but the doorbells jingle as she opens the door to leave.

“Was that the Sara from college?” Corey asks the moment the door closes behind the woman.

I dip my chin. “Yeah.”

“I’d be careful with that one.” He picks up his fork and scoops up a bite of potato salad. “She gives off a crazy vibe.”

“Yeah.” A shudder ripples through me. I’m not a fan of calling women crazy, but there’s something about Sara that rubs me the wrong way. “I couldn’t agree more.”

29

VALERIE

“I don’t get it.” Andy looks between me and Carter. A line creases the tiny space between his eyes. “We see Valerie every day.”

“Yes,” Carter agrees. “That’s true.”

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