Page 250 of Well Played

“Hey, Christa? Going somewhere?”

“Anywhere, really. I understand you think I'm stupid, but I'm not completely dumb. It's Alice, isn't it?

“What?”

“Your Angel … it's Alice.”

“Well …”

“I couldn't believe my luck when my dad said his new account manager played volleyball and that he knew you. Ihoped that could be my ticket back to you. I could learn more about your precious volleyball. Then, bump into you at events to make you jealous and see what you are missing. There was the minor problem of a girlfriend, then when did a little thing like that stop me?”

Ryan shook his head.

“Never. Right? Little did I know that by tempting him away from his clingy little girlfriend, I had set her free for you!”

Ryan's lips twitched into a half smile. “Come on, you have to see the funny side.”

Ryan straightened his face. “What about Tom?”

“He'll get over it.”

“And Alice?”

“She should be thanking me.”

Ryan looked at his hands, unsure how to react. Christa smiled up at him, sitting on the tailgate of his truck.

“So, I made a call. Ah, here's my lift.” A red Lamborghini limped slowly across the grass towards them. Ryan lifted an eyebrow.

“You called Marcus? I thought you said …”

“I guess I've been rejecting him because he’s so available. I prefer a challenge.”

“And now?”

“Let's say I've had a lot of time to reflect this weekend.” Ryan hopped down and pulled Christa into a gentle hug.

“Christa,” Ryan kissed her forehead, “I hope you find someone who makes you happy.”

“So, you keep saying. I'd say the same to you, but you already have.”

“And yet here I am. Alone.”

“Don’t give up, Ryan. I wouldn't.”

11

Alice

Back at the field,Alice’s heart pounded in her chest when she saw Ryan sitting on the tailgate of a shiny red truck, wearing a crazy pair of sunglasses. He looked as if he was waiting for someone. Surely not her after the words they’d exchanged.

“Hey, is that Ryan? Why isn’t he out with Sam and the rest of his team?”

Jake sounded as shocked as she felt. Grace turned around to look at Alice.

“Don’t say it, Grace; I understand what you’re thinking.”

“Just be careful. Is this really the time for something new, especially with someone like him?”

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