Chapter 21
twenty-one
Sam already has a lemon-ginger tea steaming on her desk when I walk in. I close the door behind me and lean against it, trying for casual and failing spectacularly.
She grins. “You didn’t call in sick.”
I scoff. “I’d never do that.” I tried three times, but Calder wouldn’t let me. He was doing dishes in his boxer briefs when I left. I wasn’t mad about it.
“Well?” Her eyes glitter as she leans back in her chair and twists back and forth.
We both know stalling isn’t my strong suit. I launch myself into the egg chair and start in with every detail from the time we left Smash Point.
Sam’s cup is empty by the time I finish. It didn’t take Calder nearly that long.
Sam throws a pen cap at me. “Ugh. I’m so jealous.”
I laugh and toss it back on the desk. “How was the rest of singles’ night?”
She sighs. “Fun until I heard all that.”
“Did you see Justin again?”
Sam leans forward, lowering her voice even though the door is closed. “He’s the owner’s son. Talk about nepotism. I guess he works with some big-name pickleball company. Travels around and does tournaments or something.”
I purse my lips. “Well, that sucks.”
“Does it?”
I raise an eyebrow. “We could find out when he’s in town—”
“No! Do not ask Calder. I have less than zero interest.”
“But nights like last night only happen when—”
“No.”
I mime my lips being zipped. But we both know that’s happening. If she’s dishing out matchmaker, she better be able to take it.
Sam catches something through the glass of her office door.
Her eyes widen, and she motions for me to come to her side of the desk.
“Look natural. Pretend I’m—” She reaches for a folder of samples and flips it open.
“There. I’m showing you something you need to really consider and take your time with. ”
I pretend to pore over the swatches from the wedding invitations we did for the daughter of a real estate mogul last month, while sneaking a glance through the glass at the breakroom.
Garrett and Megan are posted at the counter, laughing over something on Megan’s phone. He’s leaning into her, and she tilts her head toward him, her arm brushing his when she swipes on the screen.
“Maybe you changed him after all.”
I sigh. “Just prepping him for the goddess.”
“You’re so selfless.” Sam pushes a book to the side and grabs the notepad I gave her, picking up her pen. She scratches out “Presses bridge of nose” and writes “Laughs with teeth.”
I cough a laugh and take the pen from her, crossing out “Hand touches face” and replacing it with “Looks down shirt.”
Sam devolves into giggles. We watch as Megan nudges his arm, and Garrett rinses her mug.
“We should invite Megan to play at Smash Point sometime,” I say.
Sam smiles. “I was thinking the exact same thing.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out. It’s from Calder. A screenshot of tonight’s schedule with the round robin circled at 7 p.m.
You two in?
Sam plucks it from my hand.
Yes. As long as Natasha and Ben are going to be there. I demand vengeance. -Sam
Vengeance is usually saved for DUPR events. I’ll see what I can do
“I need one of those.” Sam hands my phone back.
“What? A hot boyfriend?”
She snorts. “No, a DUPR.”
I blow her a kiss before exiting to the hall, then open the chat with Calder.
Alecia
I have a confession to make
Calder
I already know you don’t rinse your dishes. I emptied your dishwasher filter
I laugh, leaning against the wall so I don’t barrel into someone coming around the corner.
No, I think I’m one of those people
Mabel, no
I’m sorry. It just happened. I played with them, and I can’t go back
Frederick is my favorite brand of balls