Page 223 of Cross Check

“I play for DC,” Grant explains. “Same division, different team.”

“I like DC.” Lainey sets down her wine glass. “How do you know Amelia?”

“Yeah, Grant. How do you know Amelia?” Hannah echoes, and there’s a glint in her eye.

“The sports world is small. Our schedules overlap. We chatted at All-Star weekend a couple seasons back.” Grant shrugs, nonchalant. “She also coaches my best friend’s wife, so we’ve seen each other around.”

“Our record is better than theirs, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he tried to join the Sea Crabs in the offseason,” I tease, and he rolls his eyes.

“We’ll kick your ass when we play in January.”

“Keep dreaming, Everett.”

We take turns ordering our food and another round of drinks. I go with the burger, and when I ask for it medium well, Grant scribbles on a napkin before tucking it in his pocket.

“Keeping secrets?” I ask, leaning close while the girls get a refill on their wine.

“From you?” His knee bumps mine under the table, and neither of us pulls away. “Never.”

“I’d like to make a toast.” Lainey lifts her glass. “Sorry, Grant. We’re going to make this about Amelia for a minute. Hope you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” He grabs his water and mimics her movements. “Happy to join in.”

“To our incredible friend who is thriving in her new role,” Lainey starts. “Who continues to impress not only us, but the world with her professionalism, beauty, and grace.”

“I don’t know about that.” I laugh. “I’m not Miss America, Lainey.”

“I said it, so every word must be true!”

“She’s right, Green.” Grant nudges my side. “All toasts are truth and nothing but the truth.”

“I like you. You may continue to hang out with our girl,” Lainey says, and his free hand grips my thigh. “We love you, Amelia. We’re proud of you, and we can’t wait to see what you do next.”

“Seeing that you’re not afraid to roast my brother makes you a winner in my book,” Hannah says, flipping off Grant when he gapes at her. “Sorry, bro. Girls rule, boys drool.”

The evening stretches on, the five of us enjoying our food and shared conversation. We swap stories and plates like we’ve been spending time together for years and stay until the restaurant closes.

Grant picks up the bill, ignoring our demands to pay our individual portions. When it comes time to leave, Lainey and Sienna give Hannah a hug. They exchange numbers, promising to text her tomorrow when I’m at the arena to see if she wants to grab lunch.

All my favorite people are getting along, and I’m on top of the world because of it.

“That went well,” Grant says while Hannah hands their receipt to the valet. “Lainey and Sienna are a hoot.”

“They really like you. I’m going to get an interrogation when we get back to my place, and I hate that I can’t tell them the truth,” I admit.

“One day.” The back of his hand bumps mine. His knuckles brush against my wrist. “One day our friends will all come over for dinner or Sunday brunch. Our families will be there too. I promise.”

“Do you really think that’s possible?”

“I do, and I’ll fight like hell to make it happen, baby.”

“You’re wonderful,” I whisper, waving to Lainey and Sienna that I’ll be one more minute. “And I’m happy you got to meet the people I care about.”

“Thank you for letting me meet them.” His pinkie hooks around mine. “Text me when you get home?”

“I will. I’m so glad I got to see you.”

“Me too, Lia.” Grant smiles my way, and I’m the luckiest girl in the world. “See you on Monday?”