Angel in Disguise Read Online Free PDF Page A

further comments with a look. “Now, we’ve got you this far, but, Coach, you’ve got to do your part.”
    “We’re counting on you, Coach,” Mouse said. “When the TV camera’s on you, you gotta make the date look real good.”
    “’Real good?”’ she repeated, not at all sure she’d want to comply with their standards.
    “Just be all over the guy, Coach.”
    “Yeah, make him sweat.”
    “Put a liplock on him.”
    “Practice safe—”
    “Enough!” Sunny shouted. She loved these kids, but they got out of hand so quickly.
    “Settle down,” Leteisha bellowed. “You know how Coach feels about that kind of talk. How’s she gonna go on national TV with all this hassle? We’re here to give her our support.”
    The girls quieted down but grinned, unrepentant.
    Mouse waved an emerald-green chef’s apron and sung out, “Coach needs to put this on.”
    “Thanks, Mouse. Let’s get that apron on you, Coach.”
    Sunny groaned.
    “See how nice it goes with your hair?” Mouse coaxed, slipping the apron over Sunny’s hair.
    At least it would cover the tight, white sweater.

    “Go over the game plan, Mouse,” Leteisha ordered.
    “Okay. Coach, after you answer the door, pretend you forgot to take the apron off and act real embarrassed.”
    She probably would be.
    “Then take your time untying the strings.”
    “Take a lot of time,” Leteisha added with a wicked smile.
    “Slip the apron off slow,” Mouse coached.
    “Yeah, reeeeeeal slow.”
    “Yeah, like you’re doin’ a striptease.”
    “Then the guy sees you in that tight, white top and…”
    “It blows his mind!”
    The girls high-fived and yelled like they’d just scored the winning basket on a shot from midcourt.
    “That does it!” Sunny ordered. “You’re out of here!”
    Proud of themselves, the team called out outrageous advice all the way to their cars.
    Girls! You took two steps forward with them and one step back. She’d never been as bold, but then Eleanor Keegan’s daughter had known her manners before she’d known her ABC’s.
    They were good kids, and they’d worked hard all season, playing with more heart than ability. She’d felt safe promising them anything if they’d win the championship. Of course, now that she knew kids could play over their heads, she’d be careful giving out blank checks.
    Winning a championship had been an unexpected thrill and confirmation she was making her lifecount. Things would be great once she convinced her family to leave her alone. For the girls and herself, she would get through this evening and do her best to dazzle Pete Maguire…if she didn’t break out in hives.
    Her burst of confidence lasted until the doorbell rang. “Take deep breaths,” she told herself. “Lots of deep breaths. Focus. Be convincing. Pretend you’re happy to see this guy.”
    Donning a welcoming smile, she opened the door in a swoop and struck a pose.
    But Meggy, the woman from Dream Date, stood there.
    So much for dazzling.
    “Hi, Sunny,” the woman said brightly. “We’re set up and ready for Pete to arrive. Everything okay here?”
    She nodded, forcing her plastic public smile.
    “Good. Like we said on the phone, try to ignore the cameras. We’ll shoot some stuff to establish Part One of your date and be gone before you know it.”
    “Great. That’s just great. Really great.”
    Pull yourself together, Sunny. Use that college education. Speak in multisyllables. “Are we on schedule?”
    “Yes, we are. In fact, Pete ought to arrive in just a few minutes. Have fun.”
    “Thanks.” Sunny closed the door and worked on the breathing exercises she’d taught the girls for pre-game jitters. From now on, she’d have a new respect for people who went before the cameras for a living.
    She wondered if Pete was as nervous about allthis as she was. Probably not. Not with his experience charming the ladies.
    Pete popped a fourth antacid into his mouth and wished he’d been an only child. It was plenty