“No, I’m very happy for them. Why would you think that?”
“I thought maybe it was because they’re joined at the hip, and you’re stuck with me.”
I chuckled and shook my head.
“What is it then? Is it a pro athlete thing? Jock itch? Is it because of the playoffs? I know I’m just an event planner, but that game was months ago. I don’t mean to sound insensitive, but aren’t you supposed to be focusing on this season?”
A few passersby gave me an extended look. It was something I’d become accustomed to since going pro. Being the starting wide receiver for the local pro football team did little to provide any privacy. Normally I’d relish the fans’ adoration, but today I just wanted to hang low. If it weren’t for Sophie, I’d be at my house and not in a plaza full of people.
Rather than stand around, I tossed my arm around Sophie’s shoulder and steered her toward my car. I clicked the key fob to unlock my Maserati. Sophie slid into the passenger seat, and when I was behind the wheel, I turned to her. “It’s Smythe. He left for Texas today.”
Smythe was our kicker who’d unfortunately missed the winning kick to extend our season. He’d had an off year thanks to an injury. The poor guy felt horrible, as we all did. He’d decided to retire and return to his home state to be close to his sister and her son.
“That’s great. He was so excited at his going-away party.”
Sophie had helped plan the party, so she was there and had witnessed the camaraderie between us.
“Yeah, I know. I’m happy for him. Just going to miss the guy. He was my first friend on the team and my mentor.”
“I get that, but would you want to be close to your sister? Smythe told me all about Emmy and her growing family.”
“Yeah, of course I would. When she wasn’t being a pain in my ass.” My sister, Sally, had just graduated from college, and despite our eight-year age gap, we were close. That most likely had to do with our parents moving around a lot. Sally would get nervous starting new schools, but thanks to her brother… me… I paved the way for her. It didn’t hurt that I was on the varsity football team each of my high school years. I had a reputation that lingered long after I graduated, and people (especially guys) knew not to screw with my little sister. Since then, she’d gained a confidence all her own—which made me both happy and terrified.
I remember when I was in high school, she and her little friend, Chrissy or something, would giggle and stare at me and my buddies. Anytime I tried to call Sally out on it, she’d tell me I was hallucinating or conceited. Still, as much of a pain as Sally was back then, Sophie was right. I would want to be close to her, if possible.
“I’m sure you were the picture-perfect brother,” she touted with a roll of her eyes. “Plus, when I met her, I thought she was a doll. She probably idolizes you.”
“Whatever.”
“Look, stop moping before I make you go watch another movie.”
“Not a shot. If I hear another sappy theme song, I might get sick.” I started my car and savored the purr of the engine. “So sweet,” I said, finally smiling. “Now that’s a sound that doesn’t make me grumpy.”
Sophie shook her head. “You’re ridiculous. Anyway, tell me about the new kicker.”
“Not much to tell. I don’t know much about him except that he’s recently graduated from college.”
“I wonder if he’s cute,” she said. “How much older do I need to be in order to be considered a cougar?”
Shaking my head, I pulled out of the parking lot. “Can we not go there?”
“I’m just asking. Say, if a woman is called a cougar, what’s an older man dating a younger woman called?”
“Lucky?” My snarky retort earned a punch to my arm. “Listen, Rocky, I was kidding. Can you stop hitting me?”
“Stop being an ass.”
I leaned over and kissed her temple. “Sorry. If you want to test your cougar waters, that’s fine. Although you might be too young to fall under that term.”
Truth was, I didn’t know much about our new teammate. All I knew was what I’d told Sophie. And rumor had it that the kid had a leg that was sure to break some team and league records. Even social media hadn’t given me any answers.
“I’m just saying, Harley has Lucas, who is hot as hell, and you’re off-limits thanks to being one of my best friends, so… yuck—”
“Hold on. Lucas is hot as hell, and I’m yuck? And I thought I was depressed before.”
Sophie giggled. “You know what I mean.” When I remained silent, she added, “Fine, Mr. Please Boost My Ego. You’re gorgeous. You have that surfer vibe going with your disheveled, blondish hair, eyes that look like I could swim in them, and your body is just stupidly perfect. Not to mention, you’re tall. You’re every woman’s dream… but not mine. No offense.”
“None taken after that glowing critique.”