Page 67 of The Game

“Great. I’ll be around getting everything sorted, so let me know if you need anything else.”

“Will do.” We part ways, heading in opposite directions, and I find Amira arguing with a harried looking guy by the back door.

“What’s up?” I ask.

She turns to me. “We’re missing two boxes of our auction prizes, and he won’t go back to pick them up for us.” The poor guy shrinks back under her glare.

“I’ve got to get to my other job. I picked up everything that was set out on the porch.”

“Do you think they got stolen?” I ask.

“Actually, I’m wondering if they got left in the prof’s office. They got delivered later than the rest.”

“Okay, so it’s not his fault.” I turn to our delivery guy, who’s trembling harder than a leaf in a hurricane. “What was your name?”

“Todd.”

“Thanks so much, Todd. We can handle it from here.”

“What are we going to do, Jazz? That’s all the way across campus and Laybourne is probably not going to agree to come in on the weekend.”

“I’ll handle it. You set up everything we’ve already got, and I’ll deal with this.” I head off to a quiet corner to make a couple of phone calls.

I can’t exactly leave the venue. There are so many last-minute details to oversee, but Cole and his guys are planning to come early to help direct traffic as we get going. If I can just get Laybourne to meet them at his office, we can make this work. I send off an urgent email to him and a text to our TA, Annie. If he isn’t checking his email on the weekend, I’m sure she’ll be able to get in touch with him.

“Jazz?” He picks up before the first ring has finished. “Is everything okay?”

“Hey. Everything’s fine. I just have a small favor to ask you guys.” I’m pacing the small hallway that leads to the office area.

“Anything. What’s up?” There are shouts in the background. “Hang on, let me go up to my room. These guys are out of control.”

There’s a steady thump and the background noise dims to silence. “Sorry. We were playing Call of Duty. What’s up? How’s the set up going?”

“It’s going well. I think it’ll all come together, but we’re missing a couple of boxes of our auction items.” Now that I’ve got him on the phone, I’m second guessing myself. Darryl couldn’t even be bothered to drive to my apartment. Why would Cole, my fake boyfriend, go out of his way like that? “Um, I was wondering if you guys could pick them up from our prof’s office on the way in. He’s in the Harbor building. If it’s too much trouble, you don’t have to worry about it.”

“Of course I can. No problem at all. Shoot me the time and room number and we’ll be there. I’ll have to hustle the team to get ready faster, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Except maybe Beau. The captain won’t leave the house unless every hair is in order.”

I’m not ready to breathe a sigh of relief yet, but at least that’s one piece of the problem handled. “Fantastic. I’m waiting to hear from my TA to see if she can let you in to the office. Fingers crossed, I’ll have details for you soon.”

“Perfect. And if there is anything else you need. And I mean anything, just let me know. I am, after all, already selling my soul for you.”

“You’re not selling your soul. Just your hot body.” Heat creeps up my neck as I realize what I just said, but he barks out a laugh.

“I was not informed that you were auctioning me off like a prized stud. I thought this was an innocent, platonic date.”

The burn moves inside, leaving an unpleasant trail of acid down my chest at the thought of another girl’s hands on him. “I take that back. I don’t know what I was thinking. I’m making you a hands off the merchandise sign to take up on the stage with you.”

The silence on the other end stretches a little longer than I’m comfortable with. What is wrong with me tonight? I keep blurting stuff out.

“Better.”

“Jazz, there you are.” Amira comes barreling down my quiet hallway with what looks like another fire to extinguish. I’mgoing to need a week off after this. Yeah, right, but it’s nice to have dreams.

“I gotta go. Amira’s calling me, but I’ll text you the deets. Talk to you later.”

“Can’t wait to see you.”

There’s a huge smile on my face as I turn to Amira. It doesn’t even fade at the slightly panicked look on her face. Whatever it is, I can handle it.

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