Can’t believe I know a quote fromClueless, but I blame Raimo. He likes to watch obscure American movies, claiming it helps with slang. Despite my protests that Americans don’t all sound like the actors in that movie, it made his list. I’ll go to the grave before I tell him it’s actually pretty hilarious.
Before I can talk myself out of it, I start a voice text. “Hey, I hope you have a good time tonight. And here’s hoping you don’t get set up with Fran’s ex this time.”
I hit send before I can change my mind and delete the message. Hopefully, Val will find my attempt at a joke humorous and not the desperation that is my need to talk to her.
My phone begins speaking. “Incoming audio message from Val Elliott. Shall I play it?”
“Yes.”
“Ha! That’s exactly what I told Fran.”
My lips curve into a grin.
“I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.”
I’m not sure why her pronouncement makes me so happy, but the smile on my face doesn’t fade until well into the night.
14
Val
Why did I let Fran do this to me?
The man across from me is so tall that even though he’s sitting, I feel like a little kid sitting at the adult table for Thanksgiving dinner. Obviously he doesn’tworkfor the basketball team butplaysfor them. A small distinction Fran left out.
A discreet glance around the room tells me everyone’s occupied by their own company. Yet the disparity between our heights has me feeling like everyone is looking our way, sizing us up, and finding us wanting. I want to be anywhere but here.
Still, I’ll play the dating game. “So you play for the Washington Kings?” I ask, attempting the torturous small talk that is all first dates.
“Yes, I’m a point guard.”
“Hmm.” Though I watch basketball on occasion, it’s not my favorite. The men spend more time exaggerating their falls to the ground to cause a foul on the opposing player than playing the actual game. I’d rather watch college basketball since the sport is still pure. Fortunately for my date, I keep my thoughts to myself.
“And you? Are you an agent at Elliott and Harper?”
“Project manager.”
“Oh.” Malachi blinks. “What’s that entail?”
I explain to him my role, using Jabari’s confidence in my ability to say I run things. My date doesnotlook impressed.
“How do you know Fran?” I ask.
“Oh, she and I met at a meet and greet once.” His face lights up. “I spilled my drink on her, and she told me there went my chances of signing with her.”
I laugh. That’s so very Franny. “Did you sign with her?”
“No, but not because of that. We determined we’re not a good fit. I’m quiet and don’t want a lot of attention. Fran wants all of her clients to land deals and be on billboards.”
True, but not because that would line her pockets. Fran works really hard to make sure her players are the best in the league and receive the recognition they deserve for their skills. No one who plays just for the love of the game ends up signing with Fran. She’ll work them harder than their coaches.
“Do you have a quiet life?” I ask. Is that why Fran paired me with him? She knows how much I value my privacy and the ability to unwind when I need to.
Like I definitely will after this date. I already have a chocolate mousse waiting in the fridge for my power down.
“I do. I have a home in Leesburg, and my neighbors are a couple of miles away.”
That I can get behind. I ask Malachi questions about his house, if he has any plants or pets, and he answers each one, never telling me I’m being nosy. Even though the conversation is flowing more freely, and my nerves are abating, I don’t feel that spark. That interest you get when youknowsomething more is happening.
