Hitman's Creed - 48

 

When Joey glanced up a while later he was surprised to see Eck right behind Mary, apparently showing her how to hold the ball. A quick glance at Judy showed she was less than pleased with how close he was standing. Joey thought about going back to join the group if for no other reason than to keep a good eye on things just in case. Then Eck went back to sit beside Judy and whisper something to her. Whatever he said seemed to appease her because she smiled.

Joey was deep into his book again when he heard Nate say from beside him, "That must be an interesting read." Joey showed him the cover and the younger man nodded. "I read it a couple of months ago," which immediately set off a discussion on the pros and cons of what the author was putting forward on the subject. The debate might have continued if Eck hadn't called Nate's name to let him know it was his turn.

"I'll be back in a minute," Nate said with a shake of his head. When Joey cocked an eyebrow Nate told him, "This is much more interesting than throwing a ball at a bunch of pins."

As good as his word Nate was back as soon as he'd bowled his turn. As he sat down again there was a cheer from the others. Joey laughed at their excitement. "Looks like your cousin made a strike."

Nate looked puzzled. "My cousin?"

"Judy?"

"Why do you think she's my cousin?"

"That's what Eck said she told him, and that you just came in from out of town. I take it you aren't."

"Ah, that explains it. I wondered why he kept calling me 'cuz'. I figured it was like 'man', 'Hey man', 'Hey cuz'. And no I'm not her cousin. I'm just her friend from upstairs."

"Then why…?" Joey asked.

"Knowing Judy, I bet I'm supposed to be deflecting any females that might show an interest in Eck though she didn't say that in so many words. He's got a reputation as a lady's man and she definitely does not like competition. I guess telling him I'm her out of town cousin made a better excuse for dragging me along," Nate explained.

Joey shook his head in amusement. "You're shirking on your job then."

"It's more fun talking books than trying to convince some woman I'm more interesting than Eck, which I'm not."

"I'm sure there are women that would debate that; you're rather cute you know."

"Yeah, well…" Nate shrugged. "Now, where were we before…" He sighed when he heard his name called again. "Sorry, duty calls."

"I've got a feeling this time Judy wants you to take over helping Mary," Joey commented as he watched Eck again giving Mary a lesson in how to throw the ball.

"He does seem to enjoy doing that," Nate agreed with a chuckle. "Be right back…again."

Joey's gaze followed Nate as he crossed to the lane, then he dropped it quickly when he realized he'd been admiring the younger man's ass. 'Get a grip,' he thought with a touch of asperity. 'Even if I were looking, which I'm not, he's undoubtedly straight.' He shook his head and opened his book again since it looked as if Nate was going to be longer than he'd planned if the fact that Judy had corralled him and seemed to be having a deep conversation with him was any indication.

"I'm in deep shit with her." Nate's voice interrupted Joey's concentration.

"Judy?"

"Yeah, well with both of them." Nate plopped down beside him. "I pointed out that Eck might pay more attention to her than Mary if she stopped sitting there and pouting. Judy wasn't a happy camper. So when it was Mary's turn again I stepped in before Eck could to adjust her stance. Mary just about bit my head off. Said she knew what she was doing."

Joey laughed. "Well on that point she's right, she's an excellent bowler."

"She is?" Nate looked at him in surprise.

"Oh yeah, big time, so I'd say she's just having fun acting like a novice to catch Eck's attention. And I bet if you'd stepped in first to help her she'd have been just as happy."

"Women," Nate muttered.

"Half the human race, so I guess we're stuck with them."

Nate nodded. To Joey it looked as if he was going to say something more then decided against it. When Joey looked at him in question Nate just shrugged and turned the conversation back to the book Joey was reading.