Page 145 of Cross Check

“I’m not making my Top Chef debut any time soon”—I hum in agreement with his enthusiastic assessment—“but this might be the best dish I’ve ever made.”

“Thank you for the hospitality. I got a text that my hotel room is ready, so whenever you want to kick me out, I’ll roll on back with a full stomach.”

“You at least have to wait until the snow stops falling.” I pass him a napkin when marinara sauce splatters on his shirt. “I don’t need Brody Saunders coming after me because one if his players got injured in my care.”

“If I told Coach I was hanging out with you, he’d scream at me.” Grant snorts. “I’m not going to lie. It would be kind of fun to see him lose his shit.”

“I like him on my good side, so let’s keep this between us.” I twirl my noodles around my fork. “How are things with Riley?”

“So much better than they were. He’s been coming to book club and team dinners, and he’s letting himself be included in things. The team isn’t performing as well without him, but we’ll sacrifice some wins if it means having him around.”

“I’m glad to hear it. And your sister? How is she? I remember you said she was acting different a while ago.”

“She’s good too, and back to normal. I need to introduce you two. You’d like her.”

“If she’s anything like you, I’m sure I will.” I grab the parmesan cheese and sprinkle some on my plate. “You’re pretty great.”

“I wish you said that in a text message so I could print it out and keep it in my locker.” He looks up from his plate with a soft smile. “How are your friends? Lainey and… Sienna, right?”

“Good memory. They’re doing well. Sienna just wrapped up another season with her NFL team, and Lainey is on the same schedule as me with the NBA.”

“I bet the three of you would be great leaders. Add in Emmy, and y’all could take over the world.” Grant sets down his fork. “I ate way too fast.”

“That’s a shame.” I shrug. “I have dessert.”

“Damn, Green. I thought we were friends. You should know dessert doesn’t count toward how full I am.”

“Tell you what. It’s been a while since the two of us went head-to-head in athletic endeavor. How do you feel about a snowball fight, Everett? Winner gets all the cookies they want.”

“And what does the loser get?” he asks.

“A sympathetic glass of milk.” I rest my elbows on the table. “What do you say?”

“I’d say you’re going down, Lia.” He reaches over and tucks a stray piece of hair behind my ear. “And I won’t be gentle with you while I kick your ass.”

FORTY-SIX

GRANT

Puck Kings

Easy E

Did you make it out of Denver, G-Money? I’m sitting first class lol

Sully

Did you come out of the womb being a pretentious asshole, Richardson? Or did it take time for you to become so insufferable?

Huddy Boy

Ignore him. Piper, Madeline, and Lexi went out to Los Angeles for All-Star weekend to support Emmy, and he’s lonely.

Mavvy

*Attachment: 1 image*

How does it feel to know I’m hanging out with your wife while you’re at home, Sullivan? ;)