sip of her bottled water, her head spinning once again and this time it wasn't from the roller coaster. "She interviewed the billionaire game maker Alex Donovan two months ago for the magazine cover story, and along the way they fell in love. Now they're engaged."
"Fast work. And she found herself a billionaire."
"She did, but Andrea isn't about the money. She's one of those reporters who just have to tell the truth, expose injustice in the world. I think that's what Alex liked about her. She's down to earth and she really cares about people. I'm super happy for her."
"Looks like you're going to have a chance to catch another bouquet."
She groaned. "I am definitely going to pick a better place to stand this time. Thanks for the water. I'm feeling a lot better."
"Good."
She looked around them, taking a few moments to just soak in the happy atmosphere of the park. Every person within her gaze seemed to be having a good time. "I wonder how Ed and Christa are doing," she mused.
"I'm sure they've ditched each other by now."
"Probably. So I think I'm done with the park. It's time to go home and start coming up with some brilliant ideas for Thursday's meeting."
"Do you know your angle yet?"
"I have some ideas, but I need to let it all sink in, or at least let get my stomach back from the roller coaster."
"So you might take a break tonight, not jump right into work?"
She tilted her head, giving him a curious look. "Why do you ask?"
"I have an idea."
"Am I going to like it?"
"I'm not sure I like it."
His words puzzled her. "What are you talking about, Michael?"
"I told you that my old coach wants me to meet him before the game tonight. I was thinking you could go with me. Have you ever been to a pro game?"
"No, never. My dad used to have tickets with my grandfather, but my brothers were usually first in line to go."
"I can get you down on the field."
She thought about his invitation and saw the strain in his eyes. "You don't really want to go, do you?"
"It sounds strange to say no. My whole life, all I wanted to do was play on a pro team. Now, I don't even know if I want to go to a game."
"Then why are you going?"
"Because Hank keeps calling me."
"That's not the reason."
He tipped his head. "Because I can't stop thinking about his offer and whether I made the right decision to cut football out of my life." He paused. "I have to say that yesterday kind of broke the ice for me. Watching games with your family forced me back into it. And your dad asked me so many questions, I never really had time to think about the fact that I wasn't playing anymore."
"You were a good sport," she said.
"So is it your turn to be a good sport?" he asked hopefully. "I could use a friend."
"Everyone on that team is your friend."
"They'll be playing. I need someone standing by my side."
She blew out a breath, knowing that she should spend the night working on her pitch. On the other hand, she owed Michael. He'd not only made her dad's weekend, he'd also helped her take on the roller coaster.
"All right. I'll go," she said. "As long as we can get those garlic fries. I love those."
"Cotton candy and garlic fries, my kind of woman."
"Well, I wouldn't eat them at the same time," she protested.
He laughed. "I might. And maybe add in a beer chaser."
"Now, you've gone too far," she teased.
"Let's go back to the hotel and check out."
She stood up, relieved that her legs didn't feel like rubber anymore. "I think I can actually walk again. I don't really remember how I got from the roller coaster to here."
"I practically carried you."
"Really? I thought I was still flying."
He smiled. "You're a gamer, Liz."
"Just what every girl wants to hear."
"It's a compliment. And if I told you how I really see you, you wouldn't believe me anyway."
She wasn't sure what to make of that comment. "I'm not going to ask."
"Well, maybe someday I'll tell you anyway—when you're ready to hear me."
Chapter Ten
Liz was still thinking about
Murray McDonald
Louise Beech
Kathi S. Barton
Natalie Blitt
Lauren M. Roy
Victoria Paige
Rachel Brookes
Mark Dunn
Angie West
Elizabeth Peters