Page 142 of Hat Trick
“He doesn’t like methatmuch.”
“Sure he doesn’t. That’s why he looks at you nonstop. Because he doesn’t like you.”
I hide my smile behind a cough. He is always looking at me, and I like it when he does. Attention from him means more than attention from anyone else, and I hope he doesn’t stop looking at me anytime soon.
“He’ll get over it,” I say. “I doubt he’s losing any sleep over me.”
“I hope not. That boy has been through enough, and it’s good to see him so upbeat these days. Whatever he’s doing seems to be working.”
“It does, doesn’t it?” I grab for my highball glass. “Are we finished with the interrogation about my personal life?”
“Yeah, yeah. I’m happy for you and the good dick you’re getting.”
“Thanks for your support. It is good dick.”
“One day you’ll confess, and until then, I’ll keep pointing out the servers who are hitting on you. Oh, look. He’s headed back this way.”
“I’m not interested. For now, I’m a one-man woman.”
“Lexi Armstrong. I never thought I’d see the day.”
“Me either,” I say. “But I kind of like it.”
* * *
Me
Hey. Are we all set for tomorrow?
Maverick
Yup! Just got off the phone with the board of directors and made a generous donation to the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs. Everything should be up and running and fully staffed.
Me
Thank you so much for doing this, Maverick. I can’t tell you how much it means to me.
Maverick
Don’t mention it. I’m a little jealous I wasn’t invited, but I’ll let it slide.
You two have fun ;)
Me
I’m ignoring that winking face.
Maverick
And I’m ignoring the fact that people think I don’t notice things. I see everything, Armstrong.
Me
There’s nothing to see.
Maverick
Keep telling yourself that!
