Page 65 of Falling Fast
‘Hey.’ I wave to him without moving my eyes from the field. ‘I didn’t know you were coming.’
‘Of course I came. I knew you’d do an amazing job.’ He coughs. ‘So you can stop worrying about things going wrong.’
I shoot him a glare. Sometimes it’s annoying how well he knows me.
‘Not until it’s over. I thought race days were stressful, but this is a whole new level.’
‘It serves you right for not telling me who your date was last week.’
‘Like I said in my text the next day, you deserved that.’ I smirk. ‘How longdidit take you to figure it out, by the way?’
‘About an hour. I googled him as soon as I got home.’
‘You what?’ I spin towards him. ‘Dan, I appreciate you looking out for me, but –’
‘I should butt out and mind my own business? Yeah.’ He looks embarrassed. ‘That occurred to me too. I guess, after what happened back in school, I got a little over-protective of you. But you’re right. I can’t encourage you to date and then try to micromanage when you do. It’s your life.’
I give him a double look. ‘So you’re saying that maybe I’m not the only control freak in the family?’
‘I guess so.’ He laughs. ‘And about last week … I should have taken the hint and left when you asked me to. It’s just … Hailey’s flight to Australia was that day.’
‘Oh, Dan.’ I press my lips together. ‘You should have said.’
‘No, I shouldn’t. I messed your night up enough. Sorry about that.’
‘Don’t worry about it. Us control freaks need to stick together.’
‘Thanks.’ He jerks his head towards the pitch. ‘You know, your boyfriend isn’t such a bad player.’
‘Shhh,’ I hiss at him. ‘Don’t call him that. It’s a secret.’
‘What is?’
‘That he’s my –’ my tongue trips over the word – ‘what you just called him.’
‘Boyfriend?’
‘Yes! It could make things awkward at work.’
‘I thought he said you two were serious?’
‘We are, but it’s easier this way for now.’ I give him a sharp look. ‘It’s my decision, so don’t tell anyone.’
‘OK, but –’
Fortunately, Hazel Muir chooses this moment to interrupt, her dark-blonde curls scooped up into a gigantic bun on the top of her head. ‘Ava, I can’t thank you enough. This whole event has been wonderful. The kids look like they’re having loads of fun too.’
‘They definitely are,’ Dan agrees. ‘Some of them are pretty talented. What’s the score now?’
‘Fourteen–twelve to the reds.’ Hazel lowers her voice confidentially. ‘Although I have to admit, I’m secretly rooting for the blues. Leif has been so generous with his time and money. He’s such a lovely guy.’
‘He is.’ I smile sentimentally. ‘But I don’t think there’s time left for his team to catch up. It’s almost over.’
‘That’s it!’ Dan confirms as the final whistle blows. ‘Corey’s won.’
‘And nobody got injured.’ I press a hand to my chest and exhale. ‘I can start enjoying myself now.’
‘Good. You deserve to.’ Hazel puts a hand on my shoulder. ‘I guess this means it’s time for the trophy?’
