Snow Balls (Ball Games #2) by Andie M. Long Page A

into the bank on Thursday, I feel a foot taller than last time.
    Dylan comes walking over.
    'Hey, man. Can you give Camille a ring later? We want to ask you a favour.'
    'Oh, yeah? What?'
    'I'll let her ask you mate. Don't want to get in the middle of you two making a deal about something. Far too dangerous.'
    'I'll be free after seven. I'll ring her then. If I forget, tell her to ring me on my mobile, only I’m dead busy these days.'
    'Will do.'
    I'm struggling to fit my chores in this week. For one thing, I have to make sure my dad’s out the house. I don't need the money now I'm earning more, but it's keeping my mother in my pocket; so for that reason, the chores need to stay my job. One thing I've noticed with all the running about over the last month is that I've not been snacking so much. I've slimmed down with all the exercise. I'm always dashing everywhere. My body’s getting a little toned. As my appointment today isn't until one pm, I popped into the local barbers first thing and got myself a smart new cut. My blonde hair is now shorn at the sides and longer on top. I've also used some of my chore money to buy a fitting pair of navy trousers and a smart/casual jumper that hugs my new physique. I'm certainly not ripped but I'm pleased with my new shape.
    Jennifer comes tottering through on really high heels. This time, her long hair is up in a bun on the top of her head, with pieces hanging down and touching her face. She has the sexy secretary look going on.
    She looks around for a minute and then looks at me.
    'Tyler?'
    'Yeah. Hi, Jennifer.'
    'God, you look different out of that old fogey suit.' She looks shocked. 'Sorry. I shouldn't have said that. You might like that suit.'
    I laugh and raise a hand, enjoying her reaction. She's actually blushing. 'That was Smiths workwear,’ I lie. ‘Got my own gear on today.'
    'Yeah. Totally get you. Like I'd wear this suit usually. It's so hot and itchy and well, old.'
    She leads me back to the office.
    'Right, so I guess your circumstances have changed since we last met?'
    I sit up straighter. 'They have. Firstly, I'm now full-time employed with a high chance of becoming an Assistant Manager very soon.'
    'Really? That's amazing.' Jennifer types in my current annual salary.
    'I also have a ten thousand pounds deposit.'
    'Already?' Jennifer’s jaw drops. 'How have you managed that?'
    There's no way I'm saying it was from my folks when I have her slack-jawed and eating up my every word.
    'Sponsorship of my YouTube channel,' I lie. 'It’s taken right off.' I’m so pleased I’m not Catholic with all these fibs I’m telling.
    'Wow,' she says. 'What's your channel on there?'
    'Hmmm, I’m afraid I can’t tell you.’
    ‘Oh?’
    ‘I'm incognito, you see. It's the element of mystery that adds to it. So for the moment, I can't give away my identity. The people paying for the ads wouldn't like it.'
    Jennifer nods her head in understanding. 'I totally get you. That's okay.’ She puts in all the information on the screen.
    'Well obviously the application needs to be processed and agreed by my Manager but I feel we will be in a position to offer you a mortgage deal. It should be enough to get you a little property around Rotherham.'
    'Great.' I give her my best smile.
    'Although if you made ten grand in a month, you'd be wanting to live in London, or something.'
    'It's possible,' I lie once again. 'Anyway, thank you very much for getting me sorted mortgage wise.' I make a point of looking at her name badge. 'Er, Jennifer.'
    She blinks and looks at her own name badge.
    'Yes, Jennifer. Jennifer Lambert.' She scratches behind her ear while looking down over her body.
    'Gosh it's warm in here,' she says, undoing the top button of her blouse so I can see the top of her bra.
    'Well, thank you, Jennifer. You've been a great help.' I get up to walk away.
    'Erm, you said something about a date last time?'
    I turn back to her, 'Did I?'
    'Yes, I think so. Though I could have been wrong?'