“Harsh, and I am selective. Every relationship is mutual, and they always leave smiling.”

“Ewww, that’s revolting.”

“Jealous, Pip?”

“Asshole.”

“Prude.”

Jack and Piper were friends, in fact they shared a lot more than a house. He was her confidant, just as she was his. She’d dealt with his angers and frustrations, dealt with his pain, just as he’d dealt with hers. But one thing she never agreed with him on was his womanizing. Jack had a different woman every week, and never one that lasted.

“So, Howard?”

He was also tenacious.

“Let it go, Jack.”

“I’ll be watching you.”

“There won’t be anything to watch.”

“How’s Joanie?”

Piper sighed. “I don’t know. I thought she was good when I was there, but I’ve been having doubts lately.”

“So call her.”

“I did, she’s not picking up.”

“Maybe we can go see her next week?”

“Really? That’d be great, Jack.”

“Sweet, we’ll work out a day later. For now, you need to get your head in the game, ’cause we have the Pissants to beat.”

“Peasants, Jack. Pilker Peasants. Maybe you should try and remember that as they’re coming back to the house after to wash up and share a meal.”

“Yeah, maybe. Be good when the rec center is done, then we can do all that stuff inside and not have them invade our place.”

“Sure.” Piper looked at the footings that were being laid beside the courts. Joe’s pet project was coming to fruition. He’d worked hard to get that passed, and plenty had opposed him, but he’d won in the end. “But for now, be nice.”

The courts were crowded as they pulled up. It was a loosely organized comp that had six teams who rotated game times and places. Due to the travel, players often stayed over, but the Peasants were only a three-hour drive, so they’d leave after a meal.

There weren’t many games left, as it was already cold and the rec center wouldn’t be finished in time for the winter season.

Piper only filled in when the numbers were down. She couldn’t play regularly because she was usually working.

“What the hell is he doing here?”

“Who?” Piper searched the people milling around and found who Jack was talking about.

“Dylan Howard.”

Chapter 14

“Come on, Dylan, I know you play, because we did in school.”

“Are you really short a player, or just trying to get me on the court so you can rough me up?” Dylan looked at the park ranger who was standing beside Joe Trainer. Both were dressed in shorts and basketball jerseys.

He’d come out for a jog, nothing too taxing, a simple loop around town following the river, and he’d been ready to head back to the house when Joe Trainer pulled up beside him.