Page 221 of Cross Check

Tell me more.

GE

Pick a spot for dinner, and I’ll happen to show up at the same place. Hannah and I are supposed to hang out tonight, so you can meet her too.

Me

You’d give up your evening to meet my friends?

GE

Of course. They’re important to you.

Me

*Attachment: 1 location*

How about this place at 7?

GE

I’ll be there, baby.

“The apartment looks better than it did on our FaceTime calls.” Lainey sits on the couch in my living room and yawns. “And the furniture matches so well.”

“I going to paint the walls over the summer,” I say. “The beige is too boring.”

“You’ve never been a beige girl. How is the season going?” Sienna takes the spot on my velvet chaise lounge and stretches her legs. “I don’t buy into the media bullshit, but all of the news outlets like you and what you’re building here in Baltimore.”

“We’ve won more games in two months than the Sea Crabs did all of last year. Season ticket numbers have jumped, and our games through the holidays are sold out,” I say. “We’re on the right track, and I’m hoping we keep the momentum into the All-Star break.”

“I can’t believe this is your life. I mean, I can believe it—you’ve worked so hard to make it happen—but does it all feel like a dream? From assistant coach to head coach in a few years. You can’t make that up.” Lainey wipes her thumb under her eye. “Dammit. I told myself I wasn’t allowed to cry this weekend.”

“It feels like a dream I never want to wake up from.” I reach for her hand and lace our fingers together. “I don’t take it for granted either. It’s a gift to stay up late and study game film. To know people look up to me.”

“We’re so proud of you, A.” Sienna leans over and pinches my cheek. “And we’re excited to be here for the weekend to celebrate you.”

“Speaking of the weekend, we have a lot on the agenda. I got us a table for dinner tonight,” I say. “There’s the game tomorrow night, then brunch on Sunday.”

“Who are you all playing tomorrow night?” Sienna asks.

“Los Angeles. The Bulls, not the Suns.”

“That’s the team with the guy who posed naked for Men’s Health, isn’t it?” Lainey says. “Shoot. What’s his name?”

“He was wearing nothing but skates, and all that covered his dick was a hockey stick. You expect us to remember his name?” Sienna asks. “Our priorities are different.”

“Carter Wiley,” I tell them. “And I know that from the stats sheet I was looking at this morning, not his magazine shoot.”

“He might have used a hockey stick to cover his dick, but it didn’t hide everything.” Lainey grins. “God bless those photographers.”

“Sorry to break it to you, but he’ll be wearing clothes and pads tomorrow night. I hope that doesn’t stop you two from spectating.”

“Forget Carter. Can you introduce us to Emerson Hartwell?” Sienna asks. “She’s my girl crush.”

“I can make that happen.” I smile at my best friends. “Do you want to get cleaned up before dinner? The guest rooms are ready, and each has its own bathroom.”

“She’s living large in Charm City, folks,” Lainey teases, and I laugh. “I’d love a shower.”