Page 90 of In It to Win It

“Whisky. And beer.”

“That’s two.”

“Ha. How about nonalcoholic?”

“Lemonade. Or water.”

I nod.

I blink when she stops and makes a beeline to our left. I halt Byron and watch her approach a woman who’s digging in the trash container. With a smile, Taylor hands her a sandwich.

The woman doesn’t seem to know what to do. She stares at Taylor, then takes the sandwich and bolts.

Taylor returns, still smiling faintly. She meets my eyes.

My throat feels weirdly thick. “That’s what you wanted the extra food for?”

“Yeah.” We begin walking again.

“She didn’t seem very grateful.”

“That’s okay. I bet it’s kind of . . . embarrassing.” She clears her throat. “I can’t imagine how desperate for food someone would have to . . . Well.” She sighs.

Something shifts in my chest. For a moment, I don’t say anything as we walk. Finally, I ask, “What’s your favorite TV show?”

“What’s with all the questions?”

Our eyes meet and we both burst out laughing, realizing she’s just done it again. “Just trying to get to know you,” I say.

“Okay, okay. Sorry again. I don’t watch much TV, but I like hate-watchingThe Bachelor.” She lists a few other shows, some of which I also enjoy.

“How about hockey?”

“Ah. Right.” She slides a little smirk my way. “Yes, sometimes I watch hockey, but only the Condors.”

I slap my chest in mock dismay. “Come on! We’re way better than the Condors.”

“Well, that may be true. But they’re my team. They’re going to do better this year, with Théo managing them.” She laughs. “I still can’t believe I know the GM of the Condors.”

“What?” I scowl. “How about you can’t believe you’re walking along Santa Monica Pier with JP Wynn?”

Her smile is brilliant and sunny and reminds me of the first time I saw her. “Oh. Right.”

She says it with a wounding lack of enthusiasm that is meant to smack me down. But I only said it in jest anyway, and we both know it. Energy flows between us, a reciprocal sense of understanding and fun. Once again I take her hand.

Then I see a man digging in the trash ahead. I squeeze her hand and point.

She flashes me a smile and when we get closer, she darts over to give him the other sandwich. This time her gesture is rewarded with an almost tearful smile and thanks, the man clasping her hand.

Wow. This woman . . . she fascinates me. Humbles me. There’s no way I’m good enough for her.

But I want to be.

18

TAYLOR

It doesn’t take muchfor JP to convince me to spend the night at his place again. We stop by my apartment to grab a few things, then return to his condo. After changing and cleaning up, we leave Byron and JP takes me out for dinner.

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