“But you said it was urgent,” I point out.
Nat blinks and I can practically see the wheels turning in his head. How far is he going to go to protect his fib?
Finally, he taps a button on the car’s dashboard. He looks jittery. I would be too if I lied like that.
Did he make up that ridiculous story because Cordelia offered to set me up on a date? My heart beats faster at the thought.
Is it possible that Nat was… jealous?
Before I can process that, the line connects and a feminine voice purrs from the car’s speakers, “Nat, I was just about to call you.”
My eyes fasten on the car’s dashboard. I didn’t know Nat’s agent was a woman.
“Hey, Renea.”
“I heard you made it on this week’s roster. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. But you don’t have to call every time I make it through the rounds.”
I bristle. This woman is calling every week? For what? Do agents need to be in touch that often?
“How can I not celebrate? You worked so hard to get this shot with the Lucky Strikers.”
“It’s not guaranteed yet,” Nat says, glancing at me.
I scowl at him in return.
His eyes widen and he jerks his gaze back to the road.
Renea coos, “When you get a break in training, you should fly back. Tierney texted me to ask how you’re doing. I think your old teammates miss you.”
Don’t use his teammates as a shield. You’re the one who misses him, Renea.
“Tierney has my number. He didn’t have to go through you,” Nat says.
“He means well. They all do. They’re just busy. You know how it is.”
“Yeah, I do,” Nat grumbles.
“Don’t worry about Tierney or anyone else. You just focus on getting the Lucky Strikers to the league.”
“You mean I have to focus on getting in.”
“Foregone conclusion.”
Nat chuckles.
Why is that so funny?
“I appreciate the vote of confidence.”
“Remember, Nat, I’m your biggest cheerleader.”
Something dark and bitter swirls through my chest. This conversation does not sound professionalat all.
Nat clears his throat. “Just keep being a cheerleader in the figurative sense. The last time you brought pom poms to one of my games, you got roasted on the Jumbotron.”
She broughtactualpom-poms to his games? What on earth?
