Page 8 of Goal Line

Luke

I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m a fucking saint.

Good, at least his sarcasm is firmly intact. That’s got to be a good sign, right?

Eva

Hold, please. I’m busy building my shrine to St. Luke.

He sends back a GIF of a kid rolling his eyes so hard he falls over backward in his chair.

Eva

Dinner tomorrow? I haven’t had sushi in forever and I’m craving it.

Three dots appear, then disappear and, as usual, I know exactly whathe’s thinking.

Eva

Yes, I’m allowed to have raw fish. The worst that can happen is food poisoning, and it doesn’t cross the placenta. So it’s no more dangerous than having sushi when you’re not pregnant.

Luke

I didn’t want to ask . . .

Eva

Am I really *that* sensitive now?

Luke

I plead the fifth.

Eva

The asshole genes are working just fine tonight, I see.

I smile as I type and send the message, because Luke is the furthest thing from an actual asshole. His kindness sets him apart from his older brothers, who all share that trait. Fortunately, Luke got the lovable teddy bear side of his dad’s personality, while his three brothers inherited the shrewd business sense, which grew the family business into a billion-dollar company.

Luke

Am I picking you up tomorrow night? Or are you driving into the city?

Eva

You mind coming up here? We could go to that seafood place with the deck over the ocean? It shouldn’t be a problem to get a reservation on a weeknight.

Mostly, I don’t want to go into the city, because my car sickness hasn’t fully dissipated, and the thought of making the same drive there and back again tomorrow just isn’t appealing.

Luke

Pretty sure reservations won’t be a problem. You know Tucker bought that place, right?

Eva

Your brother bought a restaurant??? Isn’t he busy enough with his fancy new job with your team?

I can’t remember his exact title, but earlier this year, Tucker started working some high-level position with the Boston Rebels, so he’ll be poised to take over the organization once Luke’s dad, Frank, is ready to step back. Everyone thinks of Frank Hartmann as the sole owner, but technically the entire Hartmann Family owns the team.