The Mane Attraction
Page 51

Ill say it again, Travis. Shes your sister. And if she needs help, thats all that should matter. I dont care who she brings home with her.
Lets face it, little brother, Sissy Mae is a
Sammy held up his hand, cutting Travis off. He loved his baby sister and wouldnt let anyone call her that. At least not to her face. Or his. Lets understand each other, Travis. You call her what youre about to call her, and itll be a dark day for both of us. Understand me?
Travis shook his head. Always protecting her.
Only from you. She or that cat shouldnt have to do a damn thing to stay here, and you know it.
But he will. Travis picked up all his stuff to bring to the field and walked over to his brother. And if you have a problem with that, little brother, youre more than welcome to do something about it.
When Sammy didnt say or do anything, Travis snorted and walked out.
I cant believe Im back here again. Sissy looked around the huge football field. The town boasted several. One for midget football, one for the junior high and high school kids, and this one, which was reserved for town-against-town battles. Every Saturday during her summers growing up in Smithtown had been spent here. When she and Ronnie Lee had left, she swore never to come back to this damn field. But here she was.
And the Smithtown Field wasnt just a plain old field with some markers up to show boundaries. It was a low-level outdoor stadium where any semipro team would be proud to play.
Even though the home game against the bears wasnt until the Saturday after next, they still sold the usual hot dogs and burgers during all practices for those who came to watch. But Sissy and Ronnie bypassed that for a couple of hot coffees from the Starbucks across the street.
As they walked toward the cushioned bleachers, Sissy looked over and watched Mitch catch a perfect pass. She knew he still hurt a bit, but he didnt show it. Instead, he caught the ball and looked downright bored by the throw.
She smiled.
So whats going on with you and Mitch?
Startled, Sissy glanced at her friend. Nothing. Why?
And thats when her best friend of more than twenty-five years slapped her in the back of the head.
Ow! Sissy stopped walking and glared at Ronnie. What was that for?
Because youre an idiot, Sissy Mae Smith.
Sissy didnt understand Ronnie sometimes. What are you talking about?
Im talking aboutshit.
Immediately, Sissy checked her bare feet. Where? I dont smell anything. But when Sissy looked back up, Ronnie wasnt looking at theground but behind Sissy.
She turned and looked up into eyes she would have done anything forwhen she was sixteen.
Gil. Her ex.
He smiled. Hey, sweetheart.
Mitch easily caught the ball, and he could tell by the wolfs face that he really thought hed motored that ball right at him. Canines. Ya just had to love em.
Theyd started off taking it easy on him because they knew he was still healing. But that didnt last long when nothing they did seemed to faze him.
You up to trying a few passes? Travis asked.
After finally meeting Sissys brother, Mitch knew for sure he didnt like the guy. Where Smitty had a heart, Travis had nothing but an empty hole.
Mitch moved his shoulder around. It hurt, but if he soaked it tonight, the pain would be tolerable in the morning. Yeah. Sure.
Travis motioned one of the guys out, and Mitch threw the ball. The wolf caught it, but was slammed back several feet. Startled, he looked at Travis.
Not bad.
I know.
Im sure my sister told you the requirements for staying.
Mitch smiled. Lets face it, Smith. You need me more than I need you. Especially if you want to win against the bears. Right?
Yeah. And?
Ill play.
But what do ya want? Cause I know you want something.
My brother on the team.
Traviss mouth dropped open, and for a brief moment, he lost that annoyingly cool expression he seemed to wear at all times. Fumble Paws? Forget it.
Make him offensive line. Hell never have to touch a ball. But either hes inor Im out.
Travis glanced over his shoulder at Bren sitting on the benchwell, it was more like pouting on the bench.
And make it sound like ya mean it.
Letting out a sigh Mitch often heard from Sissy, Travis called out, Hey, Shaw, you want in?
Bren sat up straight. Me? Yeah!
He charged out on the field like hed been called to pick up his Olympic gold medal.
This better work, Travis snarled at Mitch.
Leave him with me. Mitch looked around for Ronnie so he could let her know. But he caught sight of some guy talking to Sissy.
Grabbing Traviss arm before he could walk away, he asked, Whos that?
Travis looked in Sissys direction. Oh. Him. Thats Gil Warren.
Hes part of the Pack?
Today. He comes and goes.
Whys he talking to Sissy?