The Guy in the Middle (The Underdogs 3)

“How do you know?”

“I told you, I’m a fan.”

This has my attention. “You watched practice today?”

“For about fifteen minutes. My sister was at the school, bringing my dad lunch. I met her there.”

“Huh.”

“You’re looking good out there.”

“Thanks.”

“I just ordered a pizza. You want some?”

“What kind?”

“Does it matter? This is your third workout today and you’re barely standing.”

“Good point.” I work my gloves off just as a sharp knock sounds on the tin door of the gym. Harper disappears briefly before hauling a huge box back in along with a plastic bag.

“You ordered that not knowing if I’d want any?”

I approach her and take the box, setting it down on a stack of mats.

She shrugs. “Leftovers. Someone at home will eat this if you don’t.”

She unveils some plates and napkins from the bag and passes them between us. I take the seat opposite her on the mat. Lifting the lid, I see it’s plain cheese, New York style.

“Shit, you did good. This is my favorite.”

“Mine too. This is the only place that makes it right. Like authentic New York.”

“You ever been there?”

“Oh yeah, it’s my second home. I’m a half Jewish New Yorker, Mom’s side. I guess that’s where I get my love for numbers. Double major; dance and accounting. I work some summers for my nana at her accounting firm in New York City. Nana knows her numbers and thanks to her, I’ve been invested since I was young. She’s a wizard. After I hang up my dance shoes, I plan to run my own firm and later, live off dividends. If you need help getting your investment portfolio started, I’m your girl.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I chuckle dryly at the irony I don’t have much in my account due to the fact my dad swiped it to pay for a couple of Red Angus.

“We’re supposed to see a Broadway show this Christmas. I can’t wait.”

I question her while devouring the perfect bit of gooey bread and cheese. “Is that your goal? Broadway?”

“Any dance troupe. I’d love to dance backup in a tour. What about you? Ever been to New York?”

“Nah, we didn’t travel much when I was young. We had too much work to do at the ranch.”

“I’ll bet it must have been awesome growing up there.”

“It was. Lots of vitamin D but a shitload of hard work.”

“Yeah. I can imagine.”

She lifts the pizza to her mouth and takes a huge bite.

“How in the hell d

id you get all that in your mouth?”