Page 50 of Off Limits
I sit with my back straight while she drinks. She seems like your average southern belle, yet there’s something odd about her, like she’s just saying all this to get attention. Maybe she’s invented the whole thing. There’s a sad look in her eye that I can’t figure out.
‘You’re a franchise man,’ she continues. ‘You’re gonna have alooongcareer with the Mutineers, I can tell.’
She averts her gaze as she drinks, almost like she doesn’t wish to make eye contact with me. ‘What’s your role in the organization, Lemon?’ I ask. ‘I mean… what is it that you do?’
‘Oh, I do plenty. I mean, my brother Brody, he got the brains. He’s the future of the Mutineers brand, for sure. I work for my Momma. I do all kinds of things. I go where I’m needed. I know all the staff at the Danube on a first name basis.’
I nod my head. Seems like a pretty good way of saying she does nothing at all. ‘Right. I guess, I mean, is that what you see yourself doing in life?’
‘I wanted a career in fashion. But Momma says… it’s better I stay in the family business. My grandpappy only has two grandchildren. Brody and me.’
‘How old is your brother?’
‘Twenty-seven. I’m twenty-three.’
‘What about your father?’
She stiffens, then glowers at me. ‘We do not talk about that man. He left. Then Momma cut him out of her life when he started seeing somebody else. He got remarried.’
Lemon’s attention seems to waver. I look around the bar and it’s quiet. My heart sinks because I want to be on a date with Serenity, getting to know her better. No offense to Lemon, but I don’t wanna be sat here. It’s not like I’m ever gonna be her boyfriend.
I think about the note I left for Serenity at the diner. When she’ll get it. If she’ll read it. If she’ll respond to my request.
Lemon’s talking again. I know I should be listening.
I just want this so-called date to be over.
Chapter Thirteen
Serenity
Kathleen’s command echoes across the locker room. ‘Ladies! Get your poms and line up! Final checks!’
I’m all ready to go. In a quiet corner, poms at my feet, my back to the wall, I’m looking down at the small slip of paper concealed in my hand with Jake’s neat handwriting on it. Staring at it makes my heart flutter, but the moment I hear Kathleen’s voice, I refold the note, retrieve my poms and walk over to my locker. I secure it back inside my duffel bag and check that no one has seen me.
It’s Monday night. First game of the official season. The Danube Stadium is packed to the rafters. There’s a commotion as my squad mates have thrown down their makeup bags and hairbrushes, picked up their poms and lined up, side by side in one long line, which I join.
Kathleen raises her chin. We all follow her lead. As is customary, we stand with one leg out in front of the other, with our knees slightly bent.
She starts walking, hands behind her back. For a moment, I forget to breathe.
Further down the line, Kathleen stops. ‘Persia, I thought I told you to do away with the caterpillar eyes?’
‘The extra liner compliments my eye shape.’
‘It’s not regulation, sweetheart, go redo it, please. It makes your eyes look too dark.’
‘But, Kathleen—’
‘Better make it quick, Persia.’
Persia lets out a heavy sigh and stomps over to a mirror. I keep my smile fixed.
‘Shawny, that hair makes you look like somethin’ outtaBack to the Future, sweetie, you’re gonna have to tie it back. Maybe rethink your choice of shampoo.’
‘Yes, Kathleen.’
Shawny moves.
