“Maybe nothing. Maybe he’s fine and it’s my overactive imagination. But I’d feel better if someone else who knows him gave me their opinion. I can watch Simon for you if you’re weird about leaving him alone.”
“No, he’s going to sleep over at a friend’s house tonight.”
Deacon nodded. “I hate to impose, but it would mean a lot. Mitch and I don’t trust too easily. Price of fame, unfortunately.”
She understood. How difficult it must be to share yourself with others who often had an agenda. “You’re not worried I’m out to use your brother?”
“No.” He smiled. “After meeting Nora, it’s clear. Anyone who can handle that she-shark—her words, not mine—has to be a genuinely nice person. And then there’s Simon.”
“What about my son?”
“Not a thing. That kid says what’s on his mind. I like his honesty, and he says he gets it from you.” He chuckled. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your help. Mitch is home right now. He texted me a few minutes ago about a play we’re working on, but he won’t respond to anything personal. That’s not like him.” Deacon frowned. “I mean, Becca, he’s not even helping us with the coaches’ meetings this week.”
She hoped she hadn’t done something to hurt him. What if she was the reason Mitch hadn’t been himself? Did he feel dejected because she’d slept with him then hadn’t called? “I’ll head right over.”
Deacon looked relieved. “Thank you. I owe you.”
“Remember that the next time my son mouths off.”
Once Becca locked up the shop, Deacon walked her out to her car. After she’d driven away, he grabbed his cell phone and dialed. “She’s headed out. You owe me. Don’t forget.”
“If you think about it, I’m actually doing you a huge favor. She’s awesome.”
“Yeah, well, so is he. Anything happens to him because of her, you’ll be doing sprints from here until next year.”
Nora laughed. “Good luck with that, Coach. He’s got the hots for her. You know it. I know it. And she’s hot for him. Now if they don’t screw it up by being idiots, we might just have solved this particular puzzle.”
“Puzzle?” Man, he hated that he found her laugh sexy. As sexy as those smokin’ curves he’d been helpless to stop staring at the other night. Nora in a bathing suit should be illegal. He’d been forced to stay in the water for most of the evening so as not to show much he appreciated that suit.
“Puzzle. Of how Simon could see what’s right in front of all of us, but it took me a while to catch up.” She disconnected without saying goodbye.
Deacon called the boy.
“Hello?”
“It’s done. Kid, you’d better pass that physics test with flying colors. Or make no mistake, I’ll bench your ass until you’re a senior.”
Simon laughed. “Sure thing, Coach.”
“And make sure Nora knows she owes me. Big. I plan to collect at some point.”
Simon snorted. “Good luck with that.” Like his aunt, he disconnected without saying good-bye.
Deacon shook his head. Why was it “good luck with that” seemed to be a Bragg family catch-phrase?
