I used this as an opportunity. “Where are you headed?”
She looked over her shoulder and whispered, “I’m having drinks with Coach Jeremy, actually.”
Shocker. “I should’ve known after he pulled you aside yesterday. I was wondering if he was going in for the kill.”
“You make it sound so…aggressive,” she said as she poured her coffee.
“Isn’t it, though? Making a move on one of your camp kids’ mothers?”
“I didn’t realize there was a rule against that. Did you make it up?” Her tone was sarcastic.
“I hope you see now that his offer to help you was officially bullshit.”
“He can be both helpful and want to take me out. That doesn’t make him a bad person.”
“Alright. I didn’t take you for gullible.” I took a long sip of coffee that nearly burned my throat.
“Gullible? Because I choose not to see the worst in everyone?” She set her mug down hard on the table. “Anyway, let’s suppose he was simply making a play for me when he offered help—who really cares? It’s not a crime.”
“I’m sure Alex will care.”
“Why is that?”
“You’re dating his coach. The other kids will give him shit for that when they find out.”
“First of all, I’m not dating him. Second, Alex won’t know where I’m going tonight. I’m telling him I’m meeting a friend.”
“Well, don’t worry. Your dirty little secret is safe with me.”
“Dirty?”
“There’s nothing clean about his intentions. I hope you know that.”
“I still don’t understand how you’re so sure of that.”
“I’m a guy. I know how we look at women we want to bang. That’s exactly how he was looking at you yesterday.”
“Well, luckily, this is none of your concern. So you can stay out of it.”
“My nephew is, though.”
Fuck. I’d been completely inappropriate playing the Alex card. I’d gone too far, but it was too late to take it back. She looked at me with daggers in her eyes and decided to hit me where it hurt.
“Since when do you take responsibility for your nephew? You never came to visit him once in New York, even when you played there, and suddenly he’s your concern?”
“I’m trying to change.”
“Look, I’ll have you know… Jeremy Brickson could have all of these bad intentions you’re warning me about. But I bet I’d still be safer with him than I ever was with your brother.”
She’s probably right. I sighed. “I’m not saying my brother was the right man for you, either. You probably dodged a bullet there.” My tone softened. “Listen, I’m sorry. Alright? I’m just…stressed about a few things today. I shouldn’t be giving you shit. Go have a good time.”
Presley sighed. “Well, I appreciate you offering to watch Alex. I think he’ll be excited about that.”
I sucked it up. “What time are you leaving?”
“Jeremy told me to let him know. But I’m flexible. You tell me what works for you.”
“Anytime is fine.”
“Okay, I’m gonna tell him five. That way it’s early enough that if I’m not feeling it, we don’t have to do dinner. I can make up a story that I have to prepare something for Alex.”
“And if it’s working, you’re gonna stay out late?”
“I don’t know. I guess it depends.”
I swallowed. “Okay, well…I have all night anyway.”
“Thank you. Again, I really appreciate it.”
Presley put her cup in the dishwasher and walked out of the room. My eyes might have lingered a little too long on her tight, round backend.
What is wrong with me?
“Sucks, doesn’t it?”
For a second, I thought my damn conscience was talking to me.
But it wasn’t. It was Fern.
I blinked. “What?”
“Watching her pretty ass go out with someone,” she clarified. “It sucks.”
Apparently, she’d been listening to our conversation.
“What are you getting at?” I snapped.
“Presley and you. Don’t think I don’t see that y’all secretly want to…explore each other. Why else would you be buttin’ heads all the time? Two attractive people don’t get that heated with each other on the regular unless they be wantin’ something more.”
My face heated as I dismissed her. “You’re nuts, old woman.”
“Am I, now?” She cackled. “Why are you so invested in her going out with a decent man? Not like her son’s coach is some guy she picked up in a bar. You’re manipulatin’ her by pushin’ guilt cuz you know you want a piece yourself.”
This woman is going to drive me crazy.
“Fern, who the hell made you the expert on what’s going on inside my head?”
“Your gramps, actually. You’re just like him. Wouldn’t know a good woman if she smacked her titties in your face. How do you think he and I got together?”
“Well, I hope it had nothing to do with you smacking your titties in his face. But please spare me the details.”
“You remember his friend Roland?” she asked.
“Yeah, of course.”
“You know Roland and I used to be together. We were a thing.”
“I didn’t know that, actually.”
“Yeah. Roland kicked me to the curb to go back with his ex-wife, and it took your gramps two years before he grew the balls to ask me out. He was too afraid of what Roland would think, even though Roland and I weren’t with each other anymore. I know that’s what’s going on here. You like Miss Presley, but she’s your brother’s ex girl. So you’re not making a move. You’re just taking your frustration out on her.”
“You know what I think? That you’re making shit up right now.” I shook my head. “You are right about one thing, Fern. I wouldn’t be pursuing any ex of my brother’s—but especially not Presley.”
“Why?”
“I don’t have to list the reasons. Plus, I don’t trust your big mouth—with all due respect.”
She flashed a mischievous smile. “How much are you gonna give me if I’m wrong, rich boy?”
I squinted. “Wrong about what, exactly?”
“About you two hooking up someday?”
“That’s a losing bet for you.”
“Ten grand,” she demanded.
This woman is out of her damn mind. “I don’t place bets.”
“Liar. You got one goin’ right now with Presley about whether she can book up this place.”
“That’s my one exception.” I scratched my head. “Anyway, what the hell would I get out of this?”
“Maybe I’ll consider leaving this place quietly so you don’t have to kick me out.”
“Now you’re tempting me.” I laughed. “Anyway, ten grand? You’re not asking for much, are you?”
“I know you’re good for it. Many times over.”