Page 126 of Payoff Pitch
I let out a laugh. “There are certainly worse things I could be.”
He smiles. “I guess the Beavers coming to town will be good for business.”
The owners of the Cougars and Anacondas just announced that they’re bringing an expansion women’s professional basketball team to the area. The Philadelphia Beavers. They have the first pick in the upcoming draft and will undoubtedly pick Sulley O’Shea. She’s the biggest star in the sport right now.
I nod. “Yes, I have calls in to a few of their prospective players.”
He smirks. “Sulley O’Shea.”
“That’s an obvious one.”
“Arizona mentioned that she’s coming to see Philly next week, and Reagan asked Bailey to show her around.”
“Really?”
He nods. “Yep. The girls are all planning to take her out and about, but Reagan wants Bailey to be the main point of contact.”
“I suppose that’s smart. Thanks for the intel.”
“Sure thing. Also, my wife and I set a date for the reception this fall. Will you be one of my groomsmen?”
I smile. “I’d be honored.”
Two hours later,I’m sitting at a fancy steakhouse with a woman I know isn’t right for the position, but I can’t be rude and leave. We have to at least finish dinner.
She’s an attorney who said she was an athlete, but it’s clear she wasn’t. At least not at a high level. I need someone who can speak the language of these female athletes. A no-nonsense, strong woman who doesn’t take shit from anyone. Someone I can train to effectively advocate for these women.
She’s droning on and on about irrelevant topics. I’m simply sipping my whiskey when a body I know as well as my own walks through the door. She’s in a black dress, with her hair down and makeup on her gorgeous face. I’ve rarely seen her dressed up like this.
Because you’re an asshole who never took her out.
I see the hostess talking to her and then pointing toward a specific table. My eyes toggle to it. Sitting there waiting is Champ Williamson in a jacket and tie. He’s a star running back. The Philly Camels just traded with the Wranglers to bring him here.
He stands when she approaches, smiles widely, pulls her into his arms in a familiar way, and kisses her cheek.
She smiles and hugs him back. What the fuck? Are they on a date? Is she already dating? What happened to being in love with me? Why does my tie suddenly feel so damn tight?
“…is single?”
I turn to the woman I’m sitting with. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
“I asked if Vance McCaffrey is single.”
Is she fucking kidding me? “I’m not sure that’s my business, and Iknowit’s not yours. I also know that it’s not an appropriate question to ask at a job interview.”
Her face falls in horror. “Sorry, just trying to make conversation.” She mumbles, “This is awkward.”
I sip my whiskey again as I turn my attention back to Bailey and Champ. He’s holding her hand across the table, and she’s laughing at whatever he just said.
Why is he touching her? I should be the one touching her from across the table at a fancy restaurant. Anger brewsfrom deep within and sweat starts forming on my brow. I suddenly feel like I can’t breathe. I think I’m having a panic attack. I need air.
I scooch my chair back a little too hard and it falls over backward. Fortunately, I don’t.
Bailey turns her head at the loud interruption, and our eyes meet. She then looks at the woman with me and tears fill her eyes.
She stands, says something to Champ, and then walks quickly toward the bathroom area with her head down.
I toss my napkin on the table. “Excuse me for a moment.” I grab a handful of hundreds and slap them on the table. “In fact, you can head out. I’ll be in touch.” Or not.