“Yes.” I couldn’t take my gaze from the photo. It was Fiona, but years ago, with a tall lanky kid. Fiona looked so innocent that my chest tightened.
“Yeah. Of course. We adore Fiona, Jade, their whole crew at TTL. They come into the hospital sometimes and talk to some of the patients who are sick, needing company. They never allow cameras in there and, hell, I admire that. Why do you ask?”
“Fiona Davis is my co-coach.”
“No fucking way!” Her eyes bugged out of her head. “Fiona is awesome. Jade is kind, but Fiona… She brings such a joy to the place. She cracks jokes with the staff, the sick kids and makes people laugh. I can’t believe it.”
“Yeah.” I grunted. My co-coach had a better reputation than I did. And I played in the majors. Okay, I had an ego problem.Bite me.
“I thought you said she was annoying, Gid. Fiona wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“Well, we didn’t get off to the best start.” Shame filled me again. “It might be my fault.”
“Of course it is. Jackass,” she scolded me in her Cheryl way and shook her head. She had done that look a million times, from the fallout from my injury to leaving the toilet seat up. “What did you do?”
“I tried to get her to quit by doing everything in the book. I offended her. Baited her. Insulted her. Ignored her. I thought she was just some chick wanting to score with me. Shit, you know how crazy fans can get, Cheryl.”
“I know. I really do. But, Gideon, Fiona Davis is a force of good in the world. It isn’t good karma that you tarnished that.”
“Shit. You don’t think I realize that now?” I rubbed my forehead. A light ache began there. “To be fair, she gives me just as much shit. She called me old.”
“You are old. Older than her at least.” She snickered and a glint came into her eyes. I didn’t trust her when she worethatlook. “This is perfect for you. Name someone besides me that gives you shit? Insults you? Keeps you grounded?”
“Calm down. I don’t need an ego check constantly. I’m fine.” I pouted. I was a grown man and I was pouting because my older sister was picking on me.I need a handle of whiskey.
“No one. That’s who. Damn, this’ll work out good for you. I know it.” She flipped on the TV and I went back to researching my co-coach.
Yeah—I wouldn’t call it stalking, but I wanted to know more about her for whatever reason. By the time I crashed on Cheryl’s couch, I was ready for tomorrow.
* * * *
I scanned my call history to get to the day Fiona had called me. I found it and pressed Call. The ringing left me time to wonder.
Why the fuck did I agree to a sleepover?
Why did I insist on having her there?
Why do I care?
“Hello?” Her singsong voice irritated me. Why was she so happy?
“Fiona. It’s Gideon.”
“Ah, yes. Your majesty. How is it going in your world?”
I ignored her. “What time are you showing up tonight?”
“I was going to blow it off. I could think of about a million other things I’d rather do than go to your place.”
I tightened my grip on the phone. This woman was infuriating. “Fiona. You insisted on being a part of this team. You aren’t fucking leaving me with—”
“I’m kidding. Undo the knot in your panties, Gid. I need your address. That is if you trust me with it. I could sell it to all your fangirls you insist are obsessed with you.”
“I’ll text it to you. Can you use that Remind thing you mentioned to let the kids know to come at six? Text them the address?”
“Let me enjoy this moment. You need me.” She fucking giggled. “This is great. But yes, I’ll make sure the kids know what’s going on because I rock.”
“You’re annoying.”
