Page 63 of Off the Clock
The meeting ended shortly after my speech, and I made my way over to Coach Willard.
“Should have warned me,” he grumbled.
“Would it have made a difference in your offer?” My stomach churned.
“You going on about me saving your life.” He shook a thick finger at me. “Can’t make me all misty in front of the team. You saved yourself, Capo. And those sisters of yours. Remember that. And as for whom you dance with, all I care about is that Inever have to chaperone another homecoming dance.” He gave a curt nod before adding loud enough for everyone around us to hear, “See you at practice.”
As I made my way to the cafeteria exit, I had to endure hugs from Angel, back pats from Eric, and kind words from several mothers, and then finally, right when I was almost free, I felt a familiar hand on my shoulder.
“You said people should come up to you afterward if they have concerns.” Caleb had a hard-to-read expression without his usual smile.
“And you do?” I glanced longingly at the double doors. If he was going to reject me outright, I might prefer a bit more privacy.
“Yes. I’m concerned about this homecoming date of yours.” He narrowed his eyes.
“Jealous? Or here to apply?” I smiled at him. “Because the position’s already yours.”
“You sound rather sure of yourself, Capo.” Despite his stern tone, he finally returned my smile.
“I am.”
“Not worried about your feet?” Caleb raised his eyebrows. “I’m rather notoriously bad at dancing.”
“My feet will survive.” I laughed, only too happy to be discussing high school dances. Hell, I’d take Caleb to Mars if I thought it would ensure a future. “As will our reputations. Yeah, we’re former coworkers, and maybe there will be a little gossip if we’re together openly, but we can weather that.”
“And some things are more important than reputation or gossip,” Caleb said solemnly.
“Couldn’t agree more.” My chest felt light, like I’d won an Oscar, Heisman, and Medal of Honor all on the same day.
“Speaking of reputations, are you going to come over tonight?”
“Scotty going out with the guys?” I glanced around the half-empty cafeteria but didn’t spy Scotty, Cosmo, or the rest of their crew.
“Not sure.” Caleb flashed a devilish smile my way. “Come over anyway.”
“Sounds risky.” I grinned so wide my teeth hurt. “I’m in.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Caleb
“Please, come in.” I ushered Tony into our house with a comical amount of formality.
“For fuck’s sake, do come in, Tony, and stop my brother’s pacing.” Scotty had a long-suffering tone as he lay on the couch, looking for all the world like he might bunk down for the night right there.
“Sorry.” I shifted restlessly, my arms feeling too stiff and too loose. “Tony is here because?—”
“Because this is the part of this dramedy where the handsome stranger comes courting.” Scotty sat up enough to give a dramatic flop backward, arm spread in a fake swoon. “Cosmo’s mom made us watch an episode of that period TV show with all the sneaking around and secret affairs.” His gaze swept between Tony and me. “You two really were the worst kept secret in this crazy town’s history.”
“Um. Yeah. About that…” I tugged my right earlobe, not sure how to label things for Scotty when I didn’t yet have that sort of clarity myself.
“If you’re uncomfortable with me being here, I can go,” Tony added with a smile worthy of a car salesman. Okay, maybe I wasn’t the only one nervous.
“Please, don’t make this weird.” Scotty hefted himself off the sofa with a mighty groan. “I’m gonna go watch a movie. In my room. With the new headphones Mom got me.”
“Thank you,” Tony chirped before I could figure out how to pick my jaw up off the floor.
“And I’ll take donuts for breakfast.” Scotty headed toward his room, turning back to add, “Coach.”