Page 31 of Puck Fest
“Gentlemen,” he says when he reaches our table.
“Noah,” Carter raises his beer. “Join us. We’re celebrating.”
“I’m here in a professional capacity,” he says in a tight voice.
“Professional capacity. That sounds like fucking torture.” Jack grins. “Relax, man. Have a beer.”
“I don’t drink on the job.”
“You’re always on the job,” Cam points out.
Noah doesn’t respond. His eyes tangle with mine and I swear my heart jumps. “Masterson. Can I speak with you?”
I take a long gulp of my beer before slinging my arm over the back of the booth. “We’re kind of in the middle of something.”
“It’ll only take a minute.”
The guys are watching now, curious as hell about what he wants to tell me.
I drain the rest of my beer, stand up, follow Noah to a quiet corner near the bathrooms.
“What’s the problem?” I ask.
“No problem. Marshall wanted me to check in. Make sure you’re not doing anything that could create issues.”
“I’m having beer with my teammates. That’s not exactly scandalous shit.”
“You’re still on probation. Your behavior reflects on the organization. You need to remember that.”
“Do you think I could forget with the many, many reminders you’ve given me?” I ask, my words loaded with sarcasm. “It’s also why I’ve been on my best fucking behavior for three weeks.”
“Language.”
“We’re in a bar, Noah,” I scoff. “Not a youth clinic.”
He looks around, and I notice the tension in his jaw. Like being here is making him uncomfortable.
“How many have you had?” he asks.
“Two beers. I’m not drunk.”
“I didn’t say you were.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“There’s no problem. I’m just doing my job.”
“Right. Your job.” I lean against the wall and fold my arms over my chest. “You know, most people would just trust that I’m capable of having a beer without destroying my career.”
“Most people aren’t responsible for managing your public image.”
“Lucky you.”
A woman approaches, maybe in her late twenties with dark hair and bright blue eyes. She smiles at me, ignoring Noah completely.
“You’re Danny Masterson, right?” she says.
“That’s me.” I flash a wide smile.
