My phone chimes from across the room.
Elliot
Brunch. Now. We’re outside. Bring your purse.
I have work
Elliot
Jake’s covering. We’re kidnapping you. Goldie’s driving.
I look at Jake, who’s suddenly very interested in his phone.
“You called them?”
“I texted Brody saying you seemed upset. What they chose to do with that information is between them and God.”
“Jake—”
“Go. I’ve got your sessions covered.” He makes a shooing motion. “And Marnie? Whatever happened, talk to him. He’s making everyone miserable with his aggressive moping.”
I look down at myself—team polo, leggings, hair in a messy bun for two days straight.
I look terrible
Elliot
Perfect. You’ll match our vibes. Get out here.
Goldie’s SUVis idling by the staff entrance. Elliot’s in the passenger seat holding what looks like a book with a shirtless hockey player on the cover.
“Get in, we’re going to day drink and discuss literature,” Goldie calls through the open window.
“It’s 11 AM?—”
“That’s why it’s called day drinking. Now get in before we make a scene.”
I slide into the back seat. Elliot immediately turns around, holding up the book.
“New book club selection. ‘Ice Hot.’ It’s about a team captain who falls for the athletic trainer and they have to hide it from management.” She grins. “Very on brand for current events.”
“I hate you both.”
“You love us.” Goldie pulls out of the lot. “Now. Spill. Because you left my house with Roman weeks ago looking very cozy, and now Brody says he’s biting everyone’s heads off at practice.”
“I didn’t—it wasn’t?—”
“Marnie.” Elliot’s voice is soft. “We’re not idiots. Something happened. And you’ve been hiding ever since.”
I lean my head back against the seat. “We had dinner at his place last night.”
“For coffee?” Goldie asks innocently.
“For sex, Goldie.”
“Okay, not-coffee got it,” Elliot says. “And?”
“And I gave him a blow job and then shut down completely when he tried to reciprocate.”
