When he was gone, Noah pulled out his phone.You watch any of that nonsense?The reply came in less than a minute.No.I prefer living in denial.
Smart. They called us intimate competitors. That sounds fucking ridiculous.
Noah let his head fall back. He missed Piper’s touch, the Four Seasons had been a while back and he was tired of waiting.
The dots appeared, disappeared, then reappeared. Let’s try not to get distracted. We still have to get to the fucking playoffs, against each other for that matter! Piper texted.
Another pause. Focus on your next game.
Yes, coach,Noah replied.
Piper’s phone buzzed. It was Jayson. Dinner. 8:30 PM. Tomorrow @ Delilah. Confirm. No excuses.
Fuck Joan, we in danger girl.
Chapter Eighteen: Los Angeles
The restaurant was on Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood. Delilah was the kind of place where you could feel the money in the room crawling under your skin. The old Hollywood vibe was a favorite of Piper’s but he was not enjoying it tonight.
The hostess greeted him like she had no idea who he was on purpose. The Delfonics’Ready or Not Here I Come (You Can’t Hide From Love)oozed from the speakers, the opening violin and horn arrangement penetrating Piper like a dark spirit.
Jayson stood when Piper approached. Dark jacket, Open collar, not a wrinkle anywhere.
“Piper.”
“Jayson.”
They shook hands. Jayson’s palm was dry and cool.
“You are late,” Jayson said, though Piper was not.
“You said eight thirty, it’s eight thirty.”
“I prefer you early.”
Piper sat.
“Next time say eight fifteen,” Piper said, slightly annoyed.
“Sounds like irritation.”
Jayson ordered for both of them without asking. The wine arrived first. Jayson had ordered the 2009 Château Lafite Rothschild.
“You look tired.”
“Long day.”
Piper let it hang.
“The special tonight was interesting. You watched it?” Piper asked.
“I watch anything that affects my investments, you know that, Piper. The league seems delighted. Based on social chatter the ratings should be strong. Reyes helps.”
“He is good for television,” Piper replied nervously. Jayson always made him nervous, especially when Piper knew he knew something was up.
“He is good for many things, I imagine.”
The sentence was smooth enough to miss if you wanted to. Piper did not miss it.
