Page 45 of Playing to Win
Ruby. Fucking. Maguire.
She’s got on black shorts that are too damn short and show way too much skin and there are white Nike Air Force sneakers on her feet. She’s wearing another one of her T-shirts. This one is pale pink with black lettering in all caps that says:
DUMP HIM.
Straight across her perfect tits.
I scrub a hand over my face, waiting for her to evaporate, but she’s still there. Approaching our table with a friendly look on her too pretty face.
God, she drives me crazy. I don’t like it.
“Hey, guys.” She stops right in front of our table, offering us a little wave. As casual as she pleases, not singling me out but acting like she’s come to speak to all of us. “How are you?”
“Ruby, what’s up?” Derek nudges me in the side with his elbow, making me grunt. That fucking hurt. “You should join us. Loverboy here has been pining away for you.”
I send him a sharp glance and he shrugs.
How the hell did he know? Not like I told anyone I asked Ruby to meet me here.
“Sorry I’m late.” These words, the smile, it’s all aimed directly at me. “I was talking to my sister and lost track of time.”
Uh huh. I bet she was second-guessing herself the entire time tonight. Should she come here? Should she stay home? Surprised that she was able to convince herself to show up.
Alone.
This feels major.
“How is Blair?” I nod, remembering her older sister. Only pleasant thoughts filter through when it comes to that particular Maguire sister.
“She’s doing great. We haven’t talked in a while so we needed to catch up. She’s just so busy with everything going on with Cam.”
“How’s Cam doing? He’s playing his first game this weekend, huh?”
“He’s actually playing his first game in a few days. His team is playing the first Thursday night football game of the season.”
“Oh damn, seriously? We gotta get together and watch our fucking homie tear it up on the professional field!” Derek practically screams, making Ruby laugh.
I sit there and savor the sound, taking a big swig from my beer, realizing my mistake a second later.
My head is spinning. I swear I can see two Ruby’s standing in front of me.
Shit. I need to stop drinking before I do something stupid.
“You should totally put something together,” Ruby encourages. “I’m sure Cam would appreciate the support.”
“He wouldn’t even notice the support.”
She glances over at me, frowning. “What?”
“Cam. He won’t know we’re supporting him. How can he appreciate it?”
Ruby squints at me, tilting her head. Did I mention she’s got her hair in a high ponytail and my fingers itch to tug it?
Yeah. It’s true. And it sucks.
“Are you drunk?”
“Yes,” I say firmly. “Well, not drunk. More like pleasantly buzzed.”
