Contrary to local scuttlebutt, I had not, in fact, reserved the "Sharkster" for myself.
Did I tell Franny this?
Nah.
I wanted to keep her talking, especially if it led where I wanted.
We were maybe halfway to the hotel when she said, "Youdoknow that Maisie and Tessa are roommates, right?"
No shit?"Tessa? That's the barista, right?"As if I didn't know.
Franny snorted. "Oh, please. Like you don't know."
Touche.I didn't confirm or deny. But Ididask, "And who's Maisie?"
"Nice try," she said. "But we both know she runs that bike shop – you know…the one that gave your fancy ride to a different VIP." She said it like she had sources. Or maybe shewasthe source. Either way, the story was a load of bunk.
Still, I laughed. "Oh,thatMaisie." On the surface, I was playing along. But underneath? I was zeroing in on what really mattered.
Tessa had a roommate.
Griff was working for that roommate.
This meant I'd be talking to Griff.
I'd been planning to, anyway. But another reason never hurt. I looked to Franny and said, "So that barista—"
"Tessa."
"Right. Have you known her long?"
"Nah. I just met her today." Franny smiled. "But you knowme. I've got the goods on everyone."
It suddenly struck me that Franny would be an excellent source of intel – and not only today.
Reliable intel?
Eh. That was probably hit or miss. But assuming the roommate thing checked out, she wasn'tcompletelyfull of it.
Testing the theory, I asked, "So, what do you know of her?"
Franny gave me a sly glance. "I know a crush when I see one."
I grinned. "So you think she's interested, huh?"
Franny chortled. "I meantyou'vegot a crush on her."
I laughed. "What?"
"I can see it in your eyes," she said. "You've got itbad."
Hell, maybe I did. But I didn't confirm or deny. I gave Franny a look and kept on walking.
The idea was ridiculous, anyway. I'd met Tessa only a handful of times. She hadn't even given me her name.
Some might call this unfair.I'd given her mine – well, thefirstname, anyway.
Did she know my last?
