Page 32 of Big Stick Energy
I manage not to wince. “Thanks. We’ll get them next year.”
Tessa’s gaze bounces between me and Darcy, and then her eyes narrow. “You two know each other?” Her gaze rakes over me with obvious interest. “How?”
“I’ve worked for the Legends for years,” Darcy says simply.
Tessa’s perfectly shaped eyebrows arch. “I wouldn’t have thought the admin pool would mix with the players.” She gives Darcy a once-over. “Interesting dress. Where did you find it?”
“It’s vintage,” Darcy says.
“Looks it.”
I feel Darcy flinch, and something protective rises in my chest. “Of course we know each other. In fact, Darcy practically runs the front office.”
“That’s my girl!” Darcy’s father says, and Tessa glowers. I’m surprised she doesn’t sprout fangs and attack. Meanwhile, Kandi is taking it all in with an amused expression. Like she’s enjoying a tennis match.
Christ.“Where should we put our gift?” I indicate the shopping bag in my other hand. We’ve got to get away from these harpies.
Tessa looks down at the gift, and then her gaze pops between me and Darcy again. She appears confused, like I’ve asked her to solve an equation.
Maybe she’s not very smart.
“Just there,” Darcy’s stepmother says with a tight smile. “We’ve set up a table.”
“Super,” I say, trying to keep a friendly smile on my face.
Darcy’s father, oblivious to the weird energy bouncing between the women around him, cuffs my shoulder. “Have some food, grab a drink. Tessa planned a dance-off. Should be loads of fun. Enjoy yourselves! And Darcy—we’re on for lunch tomorrow?”
“Of course,” she says quickly. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
“Lunch?” Tessa echoes, looking confused again. “We’re doing lunch?”
“Just me and your sister,” her father says, patting Tessa’s arm. He’s a toucher. “Haven’t seen her in ages.”
I don’t miss how the look on Tessa’s face hardens again, even as Darcy practically marches me toward the gift table, where she pulls a beautifully wrapped box from the shopping bag and finds a spot for it.
Then she turns toward me and exhales. “Welp. That was fun. Let’s drink.”
“Your sister is such a charmer.”
“That was actually restrained for her.”
I guide her toward the bar, my hand settling protectively at the small of her back. “Pick your poison. There’s a special cocktail called the Theribel.”
“Aw,” she says, chuckling. “Not bad for a couple name. What’s in it?”
I study the printed sign on the bar. “It’s like a French 75 with pink champagne. Some nice beers back there, too…”
“I’d love a Theribel,” Darcy says, turning to me. “Listen, there’s something I need to do.”
“Hmm?”Keep your eyes up there, Tremaine.
“I have to give our music to the DJ. So they use the right clip.”
“If you must.” Still not happy about this dancing thing.
“Eric,” she hisses. “It’s going to be fine. You even insisted that we practice!”
“Practicing is what champions do.”
