Until We Touch (Fool's Gold #15)

“The ranch has been there over a hundred years without Fool’s Gold getting involved. We can survive another hundred just as well.”


Two more people joined them. President Newham glanced at the paperwork in front of her. “I believe that’s everyone. Thank you all for coming today. At our last meeting we had a spirited discussion on whether or not to begin a football program at the university. It’s a complex and expensive decision to make. As Jack reminded us, there is a long-term financial implication to consider. Tad felt our programs were complete as they were and nothing else was required. I’ve met privately with Zane to bring him up to speed. Today I’d like to see if we can get consensus from this committee so I can report back to the regents and we can come up with a final decision.”

“Why don’t we call a vote now?” Jack asked conversationally. “To see where we stand. After all, no one’s going to change Tad’s mind.”

The athletic director glared at him. “We also know where you stand, Jack.”

Jack nodded. “Using the ‘you are, too’ argument, Tad?”

President Newham sighed heavily. “Gentlemen, if we could stay on the subject at hand, please. A vote isn’t a bad idea. This will be nonbinding, of course, until after the discussion. All those in favor of moving forward with starting a football team, raise your hands.”

Jack was gratified to see that everyone except Tad voted with him. Even the Aggie.

“You surprise me,” he told Zane.

“I have a kid brother in high school. If I can get him to go to Cal U Fool’s Gold instead of MIT, my life will be a lot easier. A football team would help.”

Done in by self-interest, Jack thought humorously. Still, it was good when a plan came together.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“YOU WERE GONE,” Larissa told Sam the following Friday. “You were gone for two days and no one knew where you were.”

She didn’t mean the statement to come out like an accusation, but she didn’t like it when the guys traveled. Score felt empty without the whole team there.

“You have my cell number,” Sam told her. “You could have called if there was a problem.”

“I know. But still.” She looked at him and waited. “Well?”

“Well, what?”

“Where were you?”

“I’m not going to tell.”

“Were you with Dellina?”

“None of your business.”

She sighed. “Your need for privacy is annoying. You were gone two days. You could have been anywhere.”

“Good to know. How about you, Jack and Percy join me for dinner tonight at Jo’s Bar and I’ll answer all your questions.”

“Really?”

Sam being Sam paused for a second. “Almost all of them.”

“Good enough for me. We’ll see you tonight.”

His dark gaze settled on her face. “No chiweenies.”

“Oh, Sam, I wouldn’t bring a dog into a restaurant.”

“No chiweenies.”

“I heard you the first time. Besides, one of the five at Jack’s has already been adopted. Only four more to go.”

She was smiling as she spoke, but Sam didn’t look happy or relieved.

“What?” she asked.

He lightly touched her shoulder. “Have you ever wondered why you keep doing this?” he asked.

“Rescuing animals? I care about their welfare.”

He didn’t look convinced.

“You don’t agree?”

“I don’t disagree. I find it curious. You respond in the moment instead of having a place to put your energy on a regular basis.”

“You mean like joining a local organization?”

“Wouldn’t you find that more satisfying? Being able to see a project through?”

“Maybe.” She always enjoyed working with the transplant families and a lot of that was because she got to stay close with them for a while. Often they became friends.

“I want you to be happy,” he told her, his voice gentle.

She hugged him. “Thanks, Sam.”

“You’re welcome.” He kissed her forehead. “No chiweenies.”

She laughed.

* * *

LARISSA, JACK AND Percy got to Jo’s right on time. There was a sign on the door that read Closed for a Private Event.

“Does that mean we can go in?” Larissa asked. “Did Sam know about this?”

“Sam knows,” Jack told her.

She looked at him. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“That you look especially beautiful tonight.”

“Hey,” Percy said as he walked in with them. “It’s still early in the evening. Don’t gross me out with your old-people lovey-dovey talk.”

Larissa laughed. “Hey, we’re not that old.”

The teen’s grin was unrepentant. “You are to me. I’m a man in my prime.”

The bar was filled with forty or fifty people all standing around and talking. Servers circulated with appetizers. Jo and a couple of other bartenders manned the bar.

One of the servers approached and offered them crab puffs. “Dinner will be served upstairs in about an hour,” she said as she held the tray steady.

Larissa took a crab puff. “Thanks.” She turned to Jack. “Do you know what this is about? Sam isn’t leaving Score, is he?”