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“Sure, is it a luncheon?”
I made appearances on behalf of theChroniclewhen the editors needed a stand-in. They usually involved a mediocre meal and about a hundred handshakes.
“Actually, this is a fun one. It’s the Hampton Ball, the Hampton family’s annual fundraiser for brain cancer research. They host it at their mansion, which has an actual ballroom.”
“Wow, okay.”
“My daughter has known for a month that she has an orchestra concert that night, but she just told me yesterday,” Carly said with an eyeroll. “You’d think a senior in high school would be somewhat organized, but you’d be wrong.”
I laughed. “My priorities at that age were boys and makeup, so I wouldn’t worry. I assume I’ll need formal attire for this ball?”
“Of course, and also a mask. It’s a masquerade ball.”
“Really? I don’t suppose a Michael Myers mask would work?”
Carly grinned. “Probably not.” Her expression turned serious. “And I’ll warn you, the Hamptons’ son Darrell is an ogler when he’s sober and he gets handsy when he’s had a few drinks.”
“Lovely.”
She stood. “I’ll email you the invite so you have all the details. Thanks, Elle.” After walking over to the door, she turned and looked back at me. “Nice column yesterday.”
“Thanks. I got a call from someone who wants to cover the cost of the prosthetics.”
My boss nodded, looking impressed. “I’m thrilled to hear it.”
She left my office and I sat back in my chair, replaying my conversation with Ford yesterday. He hadn’t seemed like his usual calm and collected self. I could feel the tension in his voice. He was worried about the game.
And I’d found myself caring. About his stress. About…him? If he wasn’t the Coyotes captain and I wasn’t aChroniclecolumnist, I’d be interested in him. More than interested. He seemed to be everything I valued in a man. Strong, caring, generous, and smart. He was also very easy on the eyes.
Glancing down at the front page of theSportssection on my desk, I looked at the photo of Ford celebrating with his team after scoring a goal at the game last night. It wasn’t the first time I’d stared at it a little too long today.
Fortunately, no one had to know it also wouldn’t be the last.
* * *
That evening,I’d just changed into boxers and a T-shirt when my doorbell rang. My heart skipped a beat as I wondered if it was Ford.
I looked down at my outfit. MyThe book was betterT-shirt was dark gray and baggy, but I didn’t have a bra on. I grabbed a zip-up hoodie from the coat tree next to my door, put it on, and zipped it up.
Did I have food in my teeth? I’d scarfed down a leftover taco in my fridge as soon as I walked into the apartment because I was so hungry. I picked up my phone and turned on my phone’s selfie mode, checking my teeth. I was good, but I probably had onion breath.
No time to brush my teeth, though. I’d just have to keep my distance.
I put away my phone, unlocked the door and opened it, surprised when it wasn’t Ford standing there, but my brother. His dark blond hair was longer, curling over his ears and hanging almost to his eyes. He wore a backpack and carried a duffel bag.
“Luke,” I said, confused. “What are you doing here?”
“You said I could stay with you.”
I stepped aside so he could come in. “Of course. But I didn’t know you were coming.”
He shrugged. “I got here this afternoon. Figured you were at work so I’ve been walking on the trail around the lake. This place is nice, Elle.”
Guilt stabbed my chest. Luke had to know our grandparents were paying for this place, but they’d refused to give him anything until he went to rehab and got a job.
“Well, my place is your place,” I said. “You can stay as long as you want.”
He smiled and I saw a sliver of the little boy he’d once been. “Thanks. I was crashing on my buddy’s couch but his girlfriend and her kid moved in and it got crowded.”
