Page 210 of Ruthless Court
“No.”
“Potential girlfriend?”
“That isn’t a basketball question.”
Several reporters laugh.
He tries again.
The questions return to the game.
When the session ends, Vale waits until Coach walks ahead before leaning toward me.
“Potential girlfriend?”
“Not a word.”
“You looked terrified.”
“I was keeping her name offline.”
His amusement fades.
“That was smart.”
“I know.”
“Stella says she hates the attention.”
“She hates most things.”
“Seems healthy.”
His phone lights with Stella’s name.
He smiles before answering.
I leave before I have to watch him arrange the rest of their night.
Hannah still hasn’t texted when I reach the parking garage.
I call Eli.
He answers on the fourth ring.
“You know we were just together.”
“I need a favor.”
“That sentence never leads anywhere legal.”
“Do you know an RA in Briar?”
Silence.
“You cannot use university records to get her room number.”
“I know.”
