Page 72 of Off Season

“Umm, friends. Out.” I grab my jacket. “Go see Tanner. I’ll check in on you later.”

I practically sprint out of our building. I’m the worst sister ever, but I can’t sit there and watch her shed tears for that woman.I know she’ll go to Tanner’s, and he’ll console her the way she needs it. I can’t give that to her right now.

For over an hour, I walk aimlessly around the city in the cold of the night. Without even realizing I was walking his way, I wind up at Cheetah’s building. Evan smiles as I approach. “Did you have a good holiday, Ms. Hart?”

I plaster on my best fake smile and lie. “I did. How about you?”

“I most definitely did. I got to see my grandson take his first steps.”

I give a genuine smile. “That’s awesome. I hope you got it on video.”

He taps his head. “I got it up here. That’s even better. Your generation likes to run to the camera. Mine prefers the memories to be stored the old-fashioned way.”

I nod. “I suppose you’re right. I’m going to head up to Cruz’s place.”

His face falls. “Mr. Gonzales is out for the evening.” He places his hand on my shoulder. “Are you alright? You look upset.”

“I just received some…concerning news. I didn’t realize he had plans. I’ll head out.” After the weirdness of last night and dealing with Ripley today, I haven’t spoken to him all day. I didn’t know he had plans.

I start to turn away, but Evan wraps his arm around me. “Nonsense. I know Mr. Gonzales would insist that I let you into his apartment to wait for him. I’ll have the concierge fetch you some hot chocolate. Dark chocolate, right?”

I pinch my eyebrows together. “How do you know that?”

He gives me a small smile. “Mr. Gonzales has had a steady stream of dark chocolate deliveries made to his place since you’ve been in the picture.”

“Maybe one of his other women likes dark chocolate.”

Evan tilts his head to the side in a bit of bewilderment. “He’s never brought a woman here until you.”

What?

CHEETAH

“Hey, Daylen, how does a Camel find a sheep in long grass?” I ask.

Daylen twists his lips. “How?”

“Rather enjoyable.”

Daylen lets out one of his house-shaking laughs as he folds his hand of poker by tossing them on the table.“Oh shit, that’s funny, Cheetah. You’re the second funniest person I know.”

I’m sitting in Tanner’s basement man cave with Layton, Vance, and Daylen. Tanner constantly runs upstairs for unknown reasons. Vance asks, “Where does he keep going?”

I shrug and joke, “He’s probably got Bailey tied up to his bed.”

Vance chuckles. “Maybe you’re right.” He stares at the big pile of chips in the center of the table. “How much is the pot right now?”

I shake my head in disbelief. “Fuck. You’re dumb for a QB. I thought it was supposed to be the smartest position on the field. You can’t even do simple math.”

He gives me his trademark scowl. “I know math. What’s sixty-nine and sixty-nine?”

“One thirty-eight,” I answer quickly.

The corner of his mouth raises slightly. “No. Dinner for four.”

My mouth widens in shock. “Vance McCaffrey, did you just make a joke?”

His scowl falls back in place. “Don’t tell anyone. I have a rep to protect.”

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