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“You never offer to pay when I order,” Ben says while bounding back down the stairs. He’s changed into a black T-shirt and shorts.
“That’s because you always owe me money,” Charlie clarifies.
I wave the goalie off. “No worries. I’ve got it.”
Ben drops back down on the couch to slide his feet into a pair of sneakers. “I don’t owe you money.”
“You always owe me money,” the big man insists. “And you didn’t put much effort in for your date. No shower even?” Charlie says the word date like it’s a bad word.
“When you look this good, it doesn’t matter what you wear,” Ben insists with a wink. “And I’ll shower at her place later.”
I chuckle as Charlie rolls his eyes, rises, and disappears into the kitchen. He returns a minute later with two beers, handing me one of them.
“Thanks,” I say.
“Where’s mine?” Ben pouts.
“Aren’t you leaving?” Charlie asks. He sounds hopeful.
“Yep. I’m out.” He stands and grabs his keys and wallet from the coffee table, shoving both into his pockets as he moves toward the front door. “Honey, don’t wait up.”
“I never do,” Charlie promises.
The door slams behind him. I pull my attention to the game on the television. A few minutes go by before McMann speaks again.
“I was driving by Cheerz the other day, and I thought I saw Madison walking across the parking lot.”
It’s a statement, but there’s a question mark somewhere in there.
I nod, my eyes still on the screen. “She’s applying for a job there.”
“Really?” He sounds surprised. “She’s staying here for the summer? I thought she was heading home with your sister.”
“That was originally the plan.” I fill in the blanks. “But plans changed. She’s staying here now. Gonna waitress.”
“Where’s she living? The dorms are closed, right?”
I stiffen. I haven’t told anyone that Madison is crashing at my place. It’s not like I’m hiding it, but I didn’t plan to broadcast the situation either. Something about having her as a roommate feels illicit. I’m sure McMann will see it that way.
“She’s staying with me.” I rip off the Band-Aid.
From the corner of my eye, I can see Charlie’s thick eyebrows lift on his forehead.
“With you, huh?” His eyes are burning into the side of my face. “That’s interesting.”
The lines deepen around my mouth as I frown. “Why is that interesting?”
He scoffs out a laugh to match the annoying smirk on his face. “Because you have a one-bedroom place. And, oh yeah … because Madison is hot.”
“She’s my little sister’s best friend. I’ve known her since she was a kid.”
“Maybe,” he acquiesces. “But she’s not a little girl anymore. Madison is all woman now.”
Don’t I know it? My mind flashes with the image of her at the car wash again. But I stay silent.
I take a long swallow of my lager.
“Where’s she sleeping?” Charlie asks.
