“He’s deflecting,” Poe says from behind Del. “He doesn’t want us to know what’s actually going on between the two of them.”
I nudge Anton forward, trying to get out from under their scrutiny … and if I’m being honest, back to texting with Lucy.
“I told you guys. There’s nothing going on between us. We’re friends. If you must know, she’s checking on my chickens for me while we’re gone.”
Anton looks at Del and Poe over my shoulder, his eyebrows arched.
“Why are you making that face?” I ask him.
“No reason.” He waves a hand. “You haven’t once had a woman over to your place in all the years I’ve known you, and suddenly Lucy Dupree comes along and it’s like Grand Central Station over there.”
“It’s really not that big of a deal.” I shrug. “She’s a friend like you’re my friends. If you weren’t getting on the same plane with me, I’d have one of you check on the chickens. Seeing as you’re all tied up and she offered, I figured, why not.”
“Okay, then.” Anton nods, but I can tell he doesn’t believe me.
Whatever. I don’t need the guys to understand, and if they want to rib me for my friendship with Lucy, I can take it. As I take my seat on the bus, I recognize that the feelings stirring in my chest when I see a new message from her pop up are different than the reaction I have when one of the guys texts me. But I’m not going to overthink that right now. I’m going to sit back and enjoy chatting with her.
Lucy
You’re ridiculous and relentless.
TJ
What I’m hearing you say is I’m ridiculously smart and relentlessly funny.
Lucy
Now you’re projecting.
Don’t you have anything better to do than text me right now? Not that I mind. But I figured …
I frown. There she goes again, putting herself down.
TJ
Nope. Boarding the bus to head to the airport. You’re actually doing me a favor, keeping me out of my own head before the game.
Lucy
Do you get nervous?
I chew the inside of my cheek. I don’t admit this because it runs in the face of the entire outside persona I project—the fearless, not-a-care-in-the-world guy who saunters around on the field like nothing can touch him.
TJ
I do. Don’t tell anyone, or I’ll lose my street cred.
Lucy
You? Street cred?
TJ
Very funny. I thought you were on my side!
Lucy
Just keeping you humble
