AR - Thinking about it

Now that you’ve started to think about it, you can’t stop.

Your team cannot beat that team. But… would there be a way to level the playing field?

And on a level beyond that, would there be a way to use this situation to make trouble for Ellen? It’s not about politics, it’s about right and wrong. Even if Ellen’s politics were closer to yours, using kids as chess pieces this way would be messed up. You’re starting to understand how Stef and Jessica feel about this.

They don’t… hate Ellen, but they don’t want to see her win. At least, not like this.

You call Stef, who picks up after a couple of rings. Adella is taking a shower.

“Riley?”

“Hi. Are we, uh, are we going to war here?”

“I take it you didn’t like what you saw,” she says. “I didn’t watch it.”

“We have a big problem.”

Stef sighs. “It’s kind of up to you, Riley. You and Adella. We asked you for a favor, and you’re doing it. How far you want to go is up to you.”

“Yeah. But if I wanted to, uh…” you trail off, glancing at the bathroom door. It’s hard to say it. “If I wanted to play rough.”

“I would give up my bike and my right arm to see you play rough,” Stef says, but you don’t even notice her flirtiness. “But I know what you’re asking. If you want to play rough, the club is behind you. Whatever you need.”

You thought so.

“Ok. Here’s what I need. There are two kids in the video who are way too good. I want to know who they are and where they’re coming from. Are they local or what? And the coach.”

“The coach is Cassie Stark,” Stef says.

“I know that. The one helping her. We need to know who she is.”

“You thinking something?”

“I have some ideas.”

“Maybe you aren’t so much like your mom after all,” Stef purrs.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you ask, bristling.

“I just mean that for your mom is just so… not a schemer,” Stef says.

“Oh. Well, neither am I. I’m just thinking. Thinking isn’t scheming.”

“Sure, sweetie. I’ll see what I can do. You and Adella want to come over for dinner sometime? Have a drink? Get in the hot tub?”

You blush hotly. “Um,” you stammer. How does Stef pivot straight from business to this? Is she seriously coming after a couple so much younger than her? When she’s friends with your mom? “Um,” you repeat.

“Tell you what. Think about it,” she says.