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I sigh, resigning myself to the inevitable.
“I'll do it for the Thunder,” I say. Not for him.
Kate says, “Thank you. Truly, Cass. I know you’re not a fan of our QB. I wouldn’t ask if it weren’t important.”
“I get it. And I do want to support the Thunder.”
“Plus … you’ll get to go to the gala!” She says it like a bestie.
“That is a perk,” I say.
“We’ll pay for your dress and shoes. Just send me the receipts and we’ll reimburse you. Don’t hold back. The team can afford a very nice gown and shoes.”
“Now we’re talking,” I say. “I’m not beyond being bribed.”
We both laugh.
She shifts gears into business about Porch Light and my joy returns bit by bit as we talk about ways the team can be involved over the coming weeks. We’re still in preseason, so their time is a little more flexible than it will be once the regular season kicks off.
I hang up with Kate after we settle on some dates and which players will be included, and I walk back into the tea house to join my sister, mom and friends for lunch.
I’m at work the next day when Coleman comes down the hall.
“I’ve got a tour for Seventeen Cherry Hill, want to tag along?”
“To see the inside? Is that even a question?”
“That’s the idea. We’re not just touring the perimeter.”
“Snark doesn’t look good on you, Coleman.”
He rubs his hand down his jaw and cocks one eyebrow while pursing his lips.
Then he says, “Everything looks good on me.”
Loretta and I burst into laughter. Coleman’s a good man. Married with two kids. He’s got a dad bod and a sense of humor that won’t quit.
“You know what looks good on you, Coleman?” Loretta says.
“What’s that?”
“Those sock sandals you were wearing on Sunday when I passed by your house and you were out doing yard work.”
“Loretta, darling,” Coleman says, putting both hands on his hips. “I’ve waited years to be of the age to carry those off.”
“Well …” she says, smiling broadly. “Looks like you’ve arrived.”
“When’s the tour?” I ask.
“I’m leaving now.”
“Well, thanks for the heads-up,” I say. “I thought you were blocking that house off for the one and only Marcus Delaney.”
Coleman doesn’t answer me. He spins his keys and says, “Want to grab a coffee on the way? I’ll fly, you buy.”
“Oh. I see how it is.”
“Yep.”
