"He's awake and they're running tests," I tell her. "Crew says the coach is still at the hospital with Landon's family who has arrived. They live in San Francisco so luckily it was a quick plane ride away."
“That’s nice of the coach to stay.”
“They’re family,” I explain. “Coach Braddock played hockey with Landon’s dad and his uncle. They won two Cups together and Landon’s mom is one of Coach Braddock’s sisters.”
“Oh crap.” Mallory looks stricken. “And he was there when his nephew collapsed.”
“Yeah, and so obviously he canceled our afternoon meeting,” I explain. “And the PR team is in crisis mode trying to control the press around this, at least until they know what’s wrong with Landon. So I decided telling them about Dylan can wait until tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I understand.” Mallory nods and brushes her hair behind her shoulder. “I hope he’s okay? You guys must all be so shaken.”
“We are,” I admit and it feels really good to have someone to share this with. Mallory is my rock. I didn’t know I needed one, but now… I can’t imagine my life without her to confide in. “Some of the guys are at our local hangout now, waiting for news together.”
“Where’s that?” Mallory asks.
“A bar called Musica’s down by the beach,” I explain. “The owner, Rich, opens it whenever we get home from a road trip, no matter how early or late. He’s got a bunch of pool tables, crispy wings in forty flavors, and a bunch of the cheesiest nineties movie memorabilia on the walls.”
“Like what?”
“Behind the scenes stuff from movies likeFreddy versus Jasonand pages from old scripts likeClueless," I say that movie, and her whole face lights up like a Christmas tree.
She grips the edge of the fancy table. “Clueless? Like Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd's timeless classicClueless?”
“I wouldn’t exactly call it that, but yes, thatClueless.”
She gasps. So loudly that a couple of tables nearby turn and stare. She shrinks into herself, cheeks turning pink. I smile at her. “Don’t be embarrassed. These people all look like they could use a good gasp moment.”
She grins. “It’s a very nice place.”
“Yeah…” I shrug and catch her eye. “Too nice.”
She leans forward. “I agree. They have an attendant in the bathroom and she corrected me when I washed my hands, like I used the wrong soap or something. There were six soaps in there. And she instantly refilled the teeny amount I used from the lime one.”
“Lime was the wrong soap?”
"She said I should have used the melon-scented one." Mallory shrugs.
I lean closer too so now we’re whispering across the table at each other. “Do you want to go see theCluelessscript? It has shooting notes on it from the director. And rumor has it Rich also had an outfit worn by the lead. I’ve never asked because…”
“Because you don’t care, because you have horrible taste in movies?” she quips without blinking or a hint of sarcasm.
“Let’s go.” I start to slide out of the booth and she follows.
I feel so much better as I leave a fifty for the food we won’t be consuming and make our way to the front door.
“Tate,” she says as we pull out of the parking lot and I turn the car toward Venice and the bar I know and love. “Am I overdressed? Are your buddies going to be there? Am I going to meet them?”
“No, yes, and yes,” I reply. “Is that okay?”
“If it’s okay with you.”
“Baby girl I am happy to show you off,” I assure her. “Especially in that dress. I can barely look at you you’re so hot.”
I steal a glance and she’s smiling. I reach over and take her hand. “I’m sorry I didn’t mention Emmett. I can’t believe you ran into him.”
“I should be paying attention to my brother’s schedule. And yours,” she replies.
I turn into the parking lot of Musica’s. I recognize a ton of the parked cars. I slip into one of the few remaining spots and rush around the car to help Mallory out. I take her hand and keep holding it even after we walk into the place and every set of eyes seems to turn and stare at us.
