Page 96 of Famous Last Words
“Yo, Henry, you making a move on my girl?”
I startle when I feel an arm snake around my waist from behind, glancing over my shoulder to see Robbie smirking devilishly as he squeezes my middle.
Alex backs away, hands held in the air, although I can tell by his smile, he’s just playing along. But then he winks at me, and says, “I’ll text you later, Fran.”
“What the?” Robbie laughs.
“Later, man.” Alex high-fives him before turning and strolling up the tunnel with his bag thrown over his shoulder.
I turn to face Robbie, my skin heating as he pulls me flush against him. Looking up, his dark eyes are sparkling with mischief, and I know he knows exactly what he’s doing to me. He’s such a shit.
“What was that about, huh?” He waggles his eyebrows.
I almost squeal with excitement. “The apartment.”
“He’s going to make an offer?”
I nod eagerly.
“Well, let’s go celebrate.” He turns so he’s next to me, his arm lazily slung around my shoulders as we walk back to where Dallas is regaling a bored looking Hannah with a story from the game. Happy and Logan are standing next to him, looking just as bored.
“Dude, we know.” Happy slaps Dallas in his chest. “We were there.”
“Cool. Eat a dick.” Dallas punches him in the arm. “I’m telling Hannah.”
Hannah snorts. “I was there too, Dallas. No need.”
Dallas throws his hands in the air with a groan. “Doesn’t anyone wanna hear about how awesome I am?” He spears me with a knowing smile. “Franny! You wanna hear all about my shutout, don’t you?”
With a sidelong glance at Robbie, I find him rubbing his lips in an attempt to conceal his smirk.
“Sure, Dallas,” I say, stepping away from Robbie to Dallas, who is quick to wrap his arm around me and lead me down the tunnel. “Tell me all about it.”
Behind me, the others laugh between themselves, but I ignore them. Dallas is like an adorable toddler who needs constant attention, and if I’m the one to give it to him, then so be it.
CHAPTER 38
ROBBIE
At the bar after the game, I grab the first round while Dallas continues talking Fran’s ear off about his shutout. I mean, yeah, it was a good game; with nineteen shots at goal and six close calls, he worked his ass off and deserves the kudos. But also…shut up, Dallas.
I carry the tray of drinks to the table we’re set up at in the back of Ned’s, doling out shots and beers and whatever else, before taking the empty chair next to Fran and sipping my Coke.
“Not drinking, man?” Happy asks, aiming the neck of his bottle at me.
I’m suddenly nervous. I hadn’t planned on this, but as I was ordering at the bar, I decided now was probably as good a time as any. So, with a hard swallow, I shift in my chair and clear my throat, my deliberate pause bringing everyone to stop talking around the table, all eyes on me.
I shake my head. “No. Actually I… I don’t drink.”
Confusion settles around the table.
“You mean tonight?” Dallas presses.
I shake my head again,another hard swallow. “No. I mean, I don’t drink. I haven’t touched a drop since August.”
“But, but—” Logan looks baffled. “We had beers after the game on Friday night.”
I take a big breath that shudders. Here goes nothing. “Yeah, I know. I’ve had beers with you guys a few times now, but I never actually drink them. I just hold them until they’re warm and then if I get another one, the bartender usually just tosses it and gives me a replacement.”
