Page 82 of Scored

Despite her smile, tears fell from Vee’s eyes, running salty paths down her cheeks.

“It was Dad,” she said. “He went above and beyond the will. Cammy thought he might have done it, but neither she nor Trish could find evidence.”

“Of what? What did your dad do?”

“He put the franchise into a trust. There’s only one beneficiary named in the trust.” Her eyes were wide. “Me. Not child or children. In the trust it says Maeve Mary Hubbard.”

“Fuck, Vee, that’s amazing news.”

“I’ve just…” She turned toward her desk and back. “I was so frightened of losing the Coopers. I didn’t realize how much energy I was using feeding that fear until suddenly it was gone.”

I wrapped her again in my arms. “I’m so happy for you.” Looking down, I added, “And proud of you.”

“Thank you. I can’t say a lot yet to anyone else. I wanted to share the news with you.”

We kissed.

“You know,” I said, “if this was a few weeks earlier or later, I would take you out tonight for the biggest celebration.”

Her smile was back. “You’re officially grounded, aren’t you?”

“Oh yeah. No public appearances that can be mistaken for a member of the Coopers’ team not taking preparing for the championship round seriously.” I had an idea. “That doesn’t mean I can’t stop by the grocery store.” My mind was filling with ideas. “How many more meetings?”

“Only one.”

“How long should it take?” I asked.

Vee shrugged. “Thirty to forty minutes.”

Squeezing her hands, I kissed her forehead. “Ms. Hubbard. We will celebrate tonight. It won’t be in public, which is probably good. My plan is to have you naked.”

She shook her head with a grin. “You are crazy.”

“Only for you.”

A knock sounded before the door opened. Jen cleared her throat. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but Fran Holland⁠—”

“I’m leaving,” I interrupted.

“Thanks, Jen,” Vee said. “I’m getting on the call right now.”

I closed Vee’s door after Jen and I both had exited into the outer office. “Sorry to be a bad influence.”

Jen grinned. “Judging by her smile, you weren’t all bad.”

“Have a good night.”

“You too, Fin.”

The illumination from the lights in Maker’s Mark’s parking lot sparkled like crystals in the cool night air. Getting into my truck, I turned up the heated seat and steering wheel. Warm air came from the vents as I planned our celebration.

My phone buzzed with a text message from Vee.

I hit the icon.

“I FORGOT TO TELL YOU. STEPHENS SECURITY INSTALLED A NEW SECURITY SYSTEM IN OUR CONDO. THE NEW CODE IS…”

CHAPTER 33