Page 58 of Famous Last Words
I glance at my friend, trying so hard to act casual, but it’s harder than I imagined it would be. Instead, I find myself smiling even more.
Calm the fuck down, Fran.It’s all an act. It isn’t real. Dial it back a couple of notches.
But that’s just it. If this is all an act, then why the hell is my heart racing, and why does my stomach feel as if there are a thousand butterflies swarming chaotically inside of it? And, most importantly, if this is all an act, then why do I feel like I’m in way over my head?
CHAPTER 24
ROBBIE
“Come on, man!” Dallas throws his head back on a groan as he finishes buttoning his shirt. “A win against Charlotte in fucking overtime calls for at least one beer.”
I pull on my suit jacket to the tune of every single person in the locker room cheering at Dallas’s suggestion. And I suppose I can’t blame them. For a lot of them, this is their first winning streak.
“Fine.Onedrink,” I relent with an eye roll. “I need to check with Fran first, though.”
Some dickhead in the back makes the sound of a cracking whip but I ignore it because, frankly, he has a point.I need to check with Fran? Who the fuck am I? Even I’m disgusted with myself.
With a huff, I grab my bag and hitch it up on my shoulder, following Dallas out into the tunnel where we’re stopped by a few over-eager kids asking for photos and autographs. I take a Sharpie from someone, but as I look up, my eyes immediately land on Fran, and I feel my brows knitting together because what the hell is she wearing?A bright pink pant suit? She knows the deal; she’s supposed to wear my jersey to games. Why the hell is she dressed like a younger, hotter Hilary Clinton?
After finishing up with the kids and stopping to chat to a few VIPs hanging out in the tunnel, Dallas and I make our way over to Fran, Hannah, and who I can only assume to be Fran’s friend, Vera, and her boyfriend, Tyler.
With a crease still etched between my brows, I sidle in close to Fran, wrapping an arm around her waist as I lean in. “Running for office?” I murmur close against her ear.
She looks up at me, obviously confused.
“Nice pant suit.” I smirk.
She offers me a deadpan look, but I don’t miss the tinge of pink that flushes her cheeks, the small smile that ghosts her lips. And I don’t know, but I fucking love that I have this effect on her.
“I was held up by stupid ass…work,” she says quickly with a dismissive wave of her hand. But if I’m not mistaken, there’s something else there. Something she’s trying purposely to avoid. “I didn’t get a chance to go home and change. Sorry.”
I hate that she just apologized to me. It actually makes me feel sick. She doesn’t need to apologize to me. I was just playing. But instead of pressing her, I nod and make a mental note to ask her about work when we’re not surrounded by people.
Fran clears her throat and plasters a broad smile on her face. “Robbie? Dallas? This is my friend, Vera, and her boyfriend, Tyler.”
I’m forced to turn back to the group, shaking Tyler’s hand when it’s thrust into my face.
“Oh my God, man, that was such a good game!” he practically shouts, his eyes wide with excitement, and I can’t help but grin. “The way you baited Rollins into dropping his gloves and then skated away grinning while he was escorted to the box was fucking priceless.”
I bite back my own cocky grin. “Rollins is a renowned instigator baiter. Dude thought he had me.”
I swear Tyler looks at me like he has hearts in his eyes.
“Yo, did you ask Fran?” Dallas smacks me in my chest.
Fran arches a brow, glancing dubiously between me and Dallas. “Ask Fran what?”
I roll my eyes. “I’ve beencoercedinto going out for a celebratory drink with the guys.”
“Oh, okay…” Fran says, and I’m not totally sure, but I almost sense a hint of disappointment in her tone. “You don’t need to ask me.” She laughs. “Have fun.”
“Franny,” Dallas interjects, pushing me aside and snaking his arm around Fran’s shoulders. “As the girlfriend of our undisputed MVP, you of course are expected to accompany us for said celebratory drinks.” He flashes his trademark playboy grin. “Someone’s gotta keep the puck bunnies away.”
Fran meets my gaze, and I almost laugh at the sheer panic in her eyes.
“And y’all are welcome to join us, too!” Dallas says, slapping Tyler on his shoulder, and I’m pretty sure the dude’s about to spontaneously combust.
“If Fran goes, I’ll go,” Vera says, looking at Fran.
