Page 18 of Fair Play
“What did Bodi tell you?” she demands, narrowing her eyes. “That I’m a terrible driver? That maybe you shouldn’t trust mewith a Mercedes? That I don’t drive enough for him to know if I’m safe?”
I hesitate. I don’t want to get into this brother-sister pissing contest that appears to be a constant in their lives, but at the same time, I offered her the car and now it would be shitty to rescind it.
“Are you a safe driver?” I counter.
“Safer than him!” she says with a scowl. “Ask him how many times he wrecked his old truck. And contrary to what he probably led you to believe, I used to drive all the time. His roommate Blake—you can ask him since he’s right over there—would drive him to and from practice or games, so I could use the truck. All the time.”
“Jesus.” I blow out a breath. “The two of you are like oil and water.”
“Look, if you don’t trust me to drive the car, it’s fine, but don’t let Bodi manipulate you into believing something that’s not true because he’s nervous about me having my freedom.”
I glance over to where Bodi’s talking to Blake Rourke like he doesn’t have a care in the world and realize Billie’s telling me the truth. Bodi is overprotective, plain and simple, and even though I should stay out of it, that ship has sailed. At least when it comes to the car situation.
“Take the car,” I say quietly. “Be safe so your brother doesn’t hit me with one of those damn I-told-you-soes and enjoy it. My dad would like that.”
She smiles and it lights up her whole face.
Hell, it lights up the whole damn room.
“Thank you.” Her tone and expression turn serious. “I’m a careful driver, Rome. I promise.”
“I believe you or I wouldn’t have offered.”
She pauses, looking up at me curiously. “To be fair, you have no idea how I drive. You don’t even know for sure I have a license, although Bodi would have brought that up if I didn’t.”
I shrug. “I can’t explain it. I trust you. And honestly, it’s just a car. If you get a few scratches, well, that’s life. It’s not the end of the world. You think I’ve never dinged up a car? Believe me, more than one.”
She doesn’t have a chance to respond before Blake comes over and picks her up, spinning her around. “I never fucking see you—were you even going to say hello?” he demands.
She laughs and hugs him. “I’ve been super busy with school and work, but I’m here now.”
“Come say hi to Rowan.”
I watch as Billie follows Blake and, within a few minutes, she and Rowan—who happens to be one of the assistant trainers on the team—are talking like fast friends. She seems to have that effect on people.
“She’s lovely,” Athena says quietly. “A little young for you, no?”
“What are you talking about?” I scowl at her. “She’s my roommate’s sister. That’s all.”
She arches her brows and doesn’t say anything for a moment. “Then why do you look at her like you’re a condemned man and she’s your last meal?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” I mutter. “I’m just being nice.”
“It’s okay to like someone,” she says. “It’s okay to allow yourself to want something. Or someone. It doesn’t have to be forever, it can just be part of the journey. You’ve made some mistakes with relationships, but who hasn’t? You’re allowed to get back on the horse, Rome.”
“Yeah, well, her brother has made it clear that little filly is off-limits.”
She laughs. “Since when are you a rule-follower?”
“Since when are you the bad influence?” I demand. “Aren’t you the one who usually tells me to behave?”
“You’ve been beating yourself up since Dad died, and you’re struggling. Just like Mom. You want her to get past it, but you should think about that for yourself as well.”
“This has nothing to do with Dad,” I grumble.
“Uh huh. Keep telling yourself that.” She puts her hand on my arm. “I know we haven’t been close over the years, but I’d like to try. I’m willing to work on it. If you are. At least while you’re in L.A. Because we both know you’re not planning to stay.”
Fuck.
