the dim light of the parking lot, L.R. power-walked toward him with enough determination to scare a hired thug.
His gut clenched and his grip tightened on the edge of the car’s open door. Had Gigi changed her mind and complained to the school principal about his sexual advances?
“Are you headed home?”
He relaxed at her non-confrontational tone and tried to gather his wits. Gigi had said she wasn’t going to file a grievance, and he’d believed her. He was just so exhausted he wasn’t thinking straight. This evening’s practice had been productive, and Butch was doing better thanks to their hard work, but he was physically wiped.
“Yes. Is there something I can do for you?” He hoped it wouldn’t involve staying even later.
“As a matter of fact, there is. I was supposed to meet with Tony Walters and Al’s new assistant, Gigi , at Lucielle’s Pies to finalize the fundraiser details. I’m not going to make it and wondered if you could drop this folder off for me?”
He passed the pie and coffee shop on his way home, so it wouldn’t take him out of his way. But Sean felt irritation for Gigi’s sake. She’d either had to hang around half the evening or had driven back to town from Greenville . The evening meeting time must have been made to accommodate Mr. Walter’s schedule.
“No problem.” He took the expandable folder and set it on top of his bag on the passenger seat.
“Give them my sincere regrets. I’m still dealing with the aftermath of last night’s vandals.”
Someone had spray-painted expletives on the school’s brick exterior. Not exactly original. L.R. rolled her eyes and waved as she headed back to the building. Sean was thankful he wasn’t an administrator. Too many unpleasant duties fell into their hands.
Driving to Lucielle’s took him only a few minutes in the light after-dinner traffic. Sean parked near the door and cut his headlights, immediately spotting Gigi at a round table next to the large front window. The shop’s track lighting reflected the burning copper highlights in her long hair. She was using her hands as she spoke with Tony Walters, and Sean resented her dazzling smile being directed at someone else.
When L.R. had asked him to drop off her folder, Sean had only thought of it as another opportunity for him to see Gigi . Now, noting Tony’s dark suit and tie, he realized she would see him as well. He should’ve at least taken time to change from his sweats and hoodie back into his street clothes.
Too late now. He snagged the folder and headed inside.
“Sean?” Gigi looked surprised as he approached their table.
He studied her expression for signs of anger or disgust at what had happened between them earlier, but saw none. “Hi. L.R. couldn’t make it and asked me to drop this off on my way home.” He handed her the folder and then directed his attention to Tony. “Sean Fitzgerald.” The two men shook hands.
Firm grip and direct eye contact . Sean respected that.
“I’ve heard a lot about you. My son, Kyle, is on the freshman team.”
“I’ve seen him run. He’s fast.” Sean had attended last Saturday’s game and been impressed with Kyle’s speed. He suspected the boy would develop into one of the school’s best running backs in the next couple of years.
Tony flashed a proud smile in Gigi’s direction, and Sean instinctively locked his jaw. “My ex-wife always used to say Kyle went right from crawling to running.”
Subtle, dude, real subtle . Sean ground his teeth behind his lips. He’d never considered himself a possessive guy when it came to women, but the thought of Mr. Suit-and-tie letting Gigi know he was unattached had Sean suppressing some pretty primitive urges.
“Thank you so much for dropping this off.” Gigi had opened the folder and spread out L.R.’s notes on the table.
“I’m sorry to take you out
Hugh Cave
Caren J. Werlinger
Jason Halstead
Lauren Blakely
Sharon Cullars
Melinda Barron
Daniela Fischerova, Neil Bermel
TASHA ALEXANDER
ADAM L PENENBERG
Susan Juby