“Hi. Billie Michener. I’m Bodi’s sister. Sorry if we broke the rules in Vegas.”
Coach’s eyes widen and then he throws back his head and laughs. “Nice to meet you, Billie. The boys were technically on lockdown. However, I didn’t say they couldn’t havefamilystop by to say hello, so next time I know to be more specific.”
“Of course. Just make sure your spies are a little more accurate next time.” She’s grinning broadly, like she thinks it’s funny, but it’s just a barb masked as a joke. “And what a great game tonight, right?”
“About time.” He glances at me. “And I’m glad to see you finally living up to your potential, Bodi.”
“Thank you.” Hopefully, he can’t see how pissed off I am.
“You coming to dinner?” Coach asks, looking directly at Billie.
“My boyfriend plays for the Phantoms,” she replies lightly. “So, it’s probably not a good idea.”
Coach pauses. “Who’s your boyfriend?”
“Rome Castellano.”
There’s no mistaking the tic in his cheek when she says Rome’s name.
“He’s close to the end of his career, isn’t he?”
“Probably.” She smiles again, though it doesn’t reach her eyes. “But at the moment he’s doing well with the Phantoms.”
“I’m not sure inviting someone from an opposing team is a good idea,” Coach says diplomatically, scratching his chin. “You know how these guys can be.”
It’s probably more about howLourdeswould react, but I don’t say that and let Billie do her thing.
“Of course. I think we’re going over to Bodi’s place to hang out for a while anyway. I don’t get to see him often since you stole him away from L.A.”
“Had a team to build,” he says, rubbing his hands together. “And a championship to win. Anyway, it was nice to meet you, Billie. See you at practice tomorrow, boys.” He nods at West and me before walking away.
“Come on, let’s get going,” Billie says, nudging me back to the present. “It’ll be easier to talk once we get to your house.”
“I’m going out with everyone,” West says quietly. “Gives you a little more privacy and me a chance to play nice. I’ll see you later.”
He heads toward the exit and Billie and I exchange glances.
“Let’s just meet up with Rome,” Billie says, tugging my arm when I don’t move right away.
I’m worried about Jayne.
About a lot of things.
Tonight has been a stark reminder that this road Jayne and I have chosen isn’t going to be an easy one.
We have the house to ourselves since West, Felix, Simon, and Vik all went out to eat with everyone, and I call Jayne the minute we get there.
“Hey.” She sounds tired.
“What happened?” I demand. “Did they make you leave?”
“Well, Lourdes asked me to bring Lindy home since it’s late for her. I didn’t have much of a choice.”
“Making it impossible for you to go to dinner or come here,” I rumble in annoyance.
I’m not sure why I’m so upset.
It’s not like this is our first day sneaking around. Something about being in the family lounge, with everyone else and their significant others, without being able to even talk to her, just makes our situation that much more frustrating.
