Page 24 of Winning Play
“Promiseyou’ll plan a brief break so we can have some fun.Soonerthan later.”Jeanineplayfully messed his hair.Spencelaughed and shook off her hand, then caught it in his with a smile.
“Jeanine,Ihonestly have little free time.”
“Truth,”Toddinterrupted with a laugh. “Webarely see him off the field.”Hiseyes flickered toward the exit. “Ithought our official scorer was going to theSunsgame tonight.”
“That’sthe plan.Why?”
“ThoughtIjust saw her at the entrance.”
Spenceturned to look in the directionToddnodded.NotseeingKim, he shrugged.
“Who’syour ‘official scorer?’”Jeaninequeried, pulling a chair besideSpence.
Ericmoved over toJeanine’sother side. “Newgrad student whose brother plays for theTampaSuns.She’sour ‘unofficial scorer.’”Ericsmiled at the confusion inJeanine’sandBarb’sexpressions. “Andgood luck charm.Right,CaptainSpencer?”
Spencesmiled noncommittally, then shook his head whenJeaninegrabbed his arm.
“Teamcaptain, that’s an honor!Whydidn’t you say anything?”
Spenceshot a look atEric. “Theseason hasn’t started yet.Nota big deal.”
“You’retoo modest,”Barbcountered.
“Nah,”Spencereplied with an easy smile. “Theguys can change their mind anytime they wish.Thesetwo,” he indicatedEricandTodd, “don’t want to be the bad guy.Toomany underage kids are enjoying the college experience.”HemetTodd’seyes. “Maybewe shouldn’t encourage team gatherings off campus?”
Toddshrugged. “Sure.Wecan get together for a meal and entertainment in plenty of places.Wecan even host a party in the athletic complex—plenty of space.Nobig deal.”
“Letus know,”Barbsaid. “We’dlove to help you with a party.”
Spencegrinned as he pushed back his chair and stood, picking up his tray. “So,Todd, you’re accepting the role as coordinator of team gatherings?”
“Whateveryou say,Captain.”
“You’releaving already?”Jeanine’sdisappointment showed in her expression. “Youhaven’t eaten.”
“ForgotIneed to be somewhere.I’llbag this to go.Seeyou guys later.”
Backin the relative quiet of her apartment earlySundayevening,Kimpoured a glass of wine and settled on the comfortable couch she’d found atRoomsToGo.Thelittle apartment suddenly felt like home.She’dplaced family photos on the small table beside the sofa and hung framed photos of her nephews on the wall—her “cozy corner.”Brightsilk flowers added a hint of summer.
She’dthoroughly enjoyed the weekend with her brother andLauren, but it felt like visiting an exclusive resort with her favorite people.Andmy new friends.Shelooked forward to meetingCassiefor lunch and visitingShannon’sfitness center.Bothso open and easy to talk with… not too much older.Thoughlight years ahead of me with their careers and married to their soulmates.
Hercell phone pinged with an incoming text, andKimsmiled when she sawSpence’sname.
Hearda rumor you’re back on campus?
Ratherthan reply,Kimcalled him directly.
“So, it’s true?”Hegreeted her.
“ThatI’mon campus?”Kimlaughed. “Yes, word travels quickly.”
“Nah,Toddthought he saw you standing by the food court entrance.”
“Goodeyes.Iplanned to get dinner, but it looked too crowded, andIdecided to wait.”
“Yeah, very congested, soIchose ‘to go.’Youknow how the usual servings are more than enough for two—Thaivegetables—want to share?”Spenceasked.
“Loveto—where are you?”