She waves a hand in the air. “That’s fine. I don’t expect you to divulge anything you’re not comfortable with. But with a new coach and so many transfers to the team, I figured the returning veterans would have some insight about how things are going with Coach Santos and how you’re feeling about the upcoming season.”
That sounds fairly benign. Although I’m not sure the daughter of the athletic director is the best person to cover the football team, but that’s her editor’s problem, not mine.
I look at the time on my phone. “Could we do this another time? I’m running late for something.”
“Sure! I’m interviewing several of your roommates next Friday at the football house. Billy told me you guys are having a party, so I’ll have a good chance of hitting up everyone I need to talk to. Could we do it then?”
I forgot about this, how Vanessa loves going to football parties. At first, I thought she just liked hanging out with me, but now I’m wondering if I was merely her social ticket all along.
“Please.” She folds her hands like she’s praying. “My dad said you really should be one of the guys I interview since you could speak about the different coaching styles between Sully, Krugman, Nicholson, and Santos.”
“Uh… sure. I wasn’t planning to go to that party, but I can stop by for a bit.”
She gives me a funny look. “Don’t you live there? How could you not attend your own party?”
That’s an interesting story, one she’ll never be privy to. “I’ll text you when I get there.”
When I get home, I give Maggie the rundown of my conversation with Vanessa. I’m not one of those dumbasses who keep that kind of shit from their girlfriends. “So… would you like to come with me to the party on Friday?”
She laughs. “No, but thank you for inviting me. Go have your chat with Vanessa. When you get home, I’ll remind you why you love sleeping in my bed.”
God, I love this woman.
I yank her into my arms. “Could I get a down payment on that?”
* * *
After a week of training, classes, and trying to get a few minutes to hang out with my girlfriend, the very last place I want to be is at a party. The music is loud enough to make the windows rattle.
Maybe I’m just getting old.
I see Billy at the DJ table, so I grab a beer and join him. After half an hour, the room is packed, and I’m starting to sweat. Finally, I spot Vanessa coming down the back stairs with Cam. She’s patting down her hair, and she and Cam are making eyes at each other. I nudge Billy. “What’s up with those two? They hooking up? Or is she really here to do a story?”
“I have no idea. For the record, I’m not opposed to boning her. That okay with you?”
Frowning, I shake my head. “I’m the wrong person to ask, bro. Vanessa is the only one who can answer that question. I have no claim whatsoever. Although you might want to check with Cam. If they’re dating, he might have something to say.”
That’s probably a moot point. I have a sneaking suspicion Cam and Billy occasionally share girlfriends, but it’s none of my business. I’m starting to think the less I know about people’s sex lives, the better.
Billy starts to walk toward them, but I grab his shoulder. “I need to get this interview over, so if you want to mix things up on that front, you’re gonna have to wait.”
Vanessa smiles when she sees me, but I’m watching Cam to see if me talking to her is gonna cause any weirdness. He just gives me a bro hug and wanders off.
She and I sit out on the back patio. She wanted to talk somewhere quiet and suggested my bedroom, but there’s no circumstance that would have me bringing a woman up there who isn’t Magnolia.
I answer all of her questions while she jots down notes in her journal. By the time we’re done, people are spilling out onto the back patio, stripping off their clothes, and leaping into the pool.
Time to go.
“This is crazy, huh?” Vanessa says as she points at the ensuing nakedness.
“Be careful. The guys try to look out for everyone, but there are a lot of strangers here tonight.”
“You’re so sweet. Thanks.” She hugs my arm, and I awkwardly pat her back.
“No prob. Take care.”
On my way out, Samuel calls out my name. He’s a six foot, five inch basketball player from Chicago with an infectious laugh. We might have met in an unconventional way, but I’m psyched to call this guy my friend.
