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“Dunno,” Sully said as she handed Grayson a peeled orange.
“I saw you talking to him.”
“No,” she said with a sigh. “You saw him talking to me. I listened while he went on about how he has a boat and could see me on it.”
“Was that his pickup line?”
Sully shrugged. “Seemed to be.”
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t fall for the cheese,” he said.
“Why’s that?” Her eyebrows rose in a challenge to him.
He had to think fast. He couldn’t very well come clean that he was jealous. “He pinched me.” To prove his point, Grayson lifted his shirt. Reid looked and shook her head.
“I don’t see anything.”
“Are you defending him?” Grayson acted hurt, but he knew she would never take anyone’s side but his.
“Nope, just pointing out the obvious.”
“Thanks, Captain Sul—”
“Don’t say it.” If Reid hated the nickname he’d given her, she never said anything. Except when he called her Captain Sully, after the famed airline pilot who’d landed a plane on the Hudson. She hated that reference.
Pearce placed his bag on the bleachers and pulled at his tie. “I’m sorry I’m late.”
“Where have you been?” Reid asked.
“Lunch date with Emelia’s father.”
Grayson’s and Reid’s eyes widened. “Are you asking her to marry you?” Reid asked before Grayson could.
“Nah, and that’s the problem. Her father asked me to lunch to discuss the future. We’ve been together for a year, we don’t live together, and he wants to know what my plans are for his daughter.”
“What did you say?” Grayson asked.
“Not much. There wasn’t much to say. I stammered my way through some bullshit about how we’re happy, in love, and taking things one day at a time.”
“Do you think she asked her dad to say something?” Reid asked.
Pearce hung his head. “I don’t know. I don’t want to think she did, but come on. The invite was unexpected and more of a demand than a ‘Hey, let’s meet for lunch’ thing. And this was the first time he’s ever reached out to me. Sure, we’ve golfed, but Emelia set that up, and we were together.” He dropped his pants to the ground, apparently not caring who saw his boxers.
Grayson laughed as Reid rolled her eyes. He nudged her leg and winked at her, only for her to shake her head.
“Give me a slice,” she said as she pointed to his orange. He handed her two, knowing she’d ask for more.
“Anyway,” Pearce said as he sat down to tie his shoes. “Emelia has been calling and texting since I left the restaurant. I’m afraid to look or listen to what she has to say.”
Grayson started humming the wedding march, which caused Pearce to scowl.
“I’m not ready,” he said. “Not even thinking about moving in with her. How could she do this to me?” he groaned.
“Good luck,” Reid said. Grayson choked, and she patted him on the back.
“Rude,” Pearce replied to her.
The horn sounded, signaling that halftime was over. Grayson handed Reid the rest of his orange slices, finished his water, and then went back onto the court. He paused midway and placed his hand over his chest. The twinge was familiar but not something he’d felt for some time. He tried to place the memory; it had been well over ten years, if not longer.
