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“The only winning I’m interested in him doing is on the field.”
“Mm hmm,” she says, practically rolling her eyes as if she sees something I don’t.
“I’m serious.”
“Oh, I know you are. That’s what makes it so incredibly delicious. It’s not fun unless he has to fight for it.”
I laugh. She’s too much. The idea of Marcus Delaney fighting for me … He wouldn’t fight for me … not unless his image depended on it.
Coleman’s already back in his office. I head down the hall to make things right.
“I’m sorry, Coleman,” I say as soon as I open the door. “I didn’t mean to mess with your sale.”
“I know that’s your dream house, Cass.”
“Yeah. But I shouldn’t have been so outspoken.”
“It’s fine. You just want the home to go to someone who will care for it.”
“Thanks for understanding.”
“You know, Cass, Marcus is a really nice guy.”
“I see him do nice things,” I agree.
I don’t need to start a smear campaign. If Coleman wants to idolize an arrogant, bossy, self-centered pro ball player, who am I to stop him? Marcus does do nice things—when they get him a step closer to his goals. Even this gifting was strategic. Coleman’s going to help secure him the home he wants in our town. Why not win him over with a little merch to galvanize his loyalty?
I see Marcus Delaney for who he is off the field.
He might fool most people. He’s not fooling me.
The rest of our afternoon is uneventful. No more annoying clients, since we only have one of those. No professional athletes taking up too much space in our midst. I clear my desk and walk out with Loretta.
“Whatcha doin’ tonight, sweetie?”
“We’ve got book club. Winona and I are hosting.”
“You tell that sister of yours I said hi.”
“I sure will.” I smile at Loretta as she climbs into her old Cadillac. “Have a good night!”
On the drive home, I wind up the streets heading toward Cherry Hill. I park across the street from the house, putting my car in park and staring at it longingly.
“You deserve better, sweet girl,” I tell her. “I wish I could make it happen. If you were mine, I’d make sure you got all the care you deserve.”
I shake my head. I’m talking to a house. This may be a new low.
I put my car in drive and head home.
Not an hour later, our friends are all gathered in the living room. Charcuterie boards and platters of savory and sweet pastries line our coffee table. Crock-Pots and casserole dishes are in the kitchen.
We haven’t started discussing our book of the month. Instead, we’re just catching up on all the news.
Emberleigh takes a big breath and looks around at all of us. “Dustin and I have big news.”
Syd’s face lights up and she starts starts kicking her feet. She obviously already knows.
“You’re pregnant! Again!” Winona shouts.
