“Let me check on it, man. You could work with us even from the sidelines. That would be fucking epic, dude.”
I’m speechless. Not because Bull has taken the phone but by the sheer number of words that just came out of his mouth. He’s a downright chatty Cathy with Cooke.
“I’m not sure I can, Bull. My contract may prohibit me, but I’ll check. I’d love to be there with Quinn and you lads.”
Oh my God. I’m practically shaking from excitement. I want to jump up and down and tell him to come. To please come. But I can’t. Where would he stay? He wouldn’t be able to do the steps here, and a hotel is out of the question. That’s too expensive.
Bull hands me the phone. “Talk him into it, Quinn.”
Is Cooke nervous? “Sorry about that. You’ve got a lot of people who care about you here. Me included.”
“I’m not opposed to the notion. I’ll have to give the front office a call.”
“Are you really interested?” I can’t believe this.
“I am. But don’t get your hopes up just yet.”
“I won’t.”
When there’s a knock on the door, Tayler rushes over and opens it. “What’s all this racket?” asks Vic. His brows are furrowed, and his voice sounds scratchy. The old fart.
“Hang on, Cooke.” Setting the phone down on the counter, I put my hands on my hips. “It’s seven o’clock, Vic. We don’t even have any music on. We’re not making a damn racket. Don’t be a party pooper.”
He chuckles. “Spitfire, where have you been all my life?”
“Around. Now, do you want to join us for dinner, or are you going to be a cranky old fool?”
“I smelled it all the way down at my place. Course I’ll eat.” Then he adds softly, “If you’ll have me.”
“You’re always welcome, Vic. You and Mary.”
“She don’t like crowds.”
No, I bet she doesn’t. I found out that she was in an underground dog fighting ring. The poor thing was left for dead. Thankfully, a whistleblower led the police to Mary and several other dogs. Some weren’t as lucky as she was. How can people be so cruel?
“Love?”
Oh shit.Picking up the phone, I smile. “Sorry.” I giggle. “Here, meet Vic.” I step over to the old coot as he talks to Robbi. “Vic, say hello to my boyfriend.”
“Boyfriend, eh? Where’s he been? I ain’t seen him around. If I was yours, I’d never let you outta my sight.”
“Vic.” I laugh. “That’s creepy as hell. You’d lock me up or something?”
Everyone laughs.
Vic puffs out his chest. “I’m not a creep. I’m just saying—”
Interrupting Vic’s mini rant, I say, “Cooke, meet Vic. He owns our building.” I turn the phone and hand it to Vic.
“You tryin’ to steal my girl, Vic?” asks Cooke. I’d love to tell you his tone was jovial, but it wasn’t.
“Nah. You look like you could kick my ass.”
Now Cooke laughs. “I live in England, Vic. Otherwise, I’d be there watching out for my girl 24-7.”
“Creeeepppyyyy,” I singsong.
Everyone laughs again, even Vic. Even Cooke.
