AllFreeNovel
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“If that’s what’s bothering you, I wouldn’t let it.” My brother pulls me back to the present.
“You can forgive that?” I know he remembers what happened as well as I do. Hell, possibly better. Jack’s two years older than me.
He exhales heavily. “A lot of the boys I coach come from pretty rough situations. Bad parents, no money, crime, drugs, but they’re doing what they can to rise above it. They’re working hard to stand on their own and have something better the only way they can.”
It’s not often Jack talks this way about his work, but I know he’s right. I remember how it was when I was in high school playing on the team.
“Hell, look at Allie and Austin,” he continues. “I’m not going to judge him because his dad’s a piece of shit.”
Nodding, I turn the bottle in my hand. “I hear you, but giving her a chance feels like letting Jayden off the hook. It feels disloyal to Mom and Dad.”
“Things worked out like they were supposed to. I can’t imagine Cooters & Shooters any other way, and Rachel’s only been honest and helpful.”
I’m about to say her dad started off as a friend, too, whenSalina Duck appears. “Howdy, partners.” She’s chewing gum, and she cocks her hip to one side, sliding her eyes up and down me again.
I straighten, exhaling a low noise. I don’t like it. Salina’s barely twenty-two, and I remember when she was Kimmie’s age, running around here.
“Thomas said he’s got extra burgers if y’all are hungry, and Dylan said to make Edward have another one.” Just as fast her voice changes and she rolls her eyes. “Of course,Rachelmade some comment about paying her back.”
Jack and I exchange a glance.
“I’ll get Kimmie and meet you there.” He places his beer in the trash.
Yacht rock is playing softly throughout the restaurant, and Kimmie dances in circles, kicking her leg out behind her as she sings along. She’s not as naturally talented as her aunt was at her age, but she makes up for it with enthusiasm.
“Dance with me, Ed!” she cries.
“I’m decorating, Kim.” Edward has three small, painted pumpkins in his arms.
“Have you eaten?” I reach out to stop him.
“I had a burger when we got here.” He looks down at the gourds. “Austin’s mom asked me to put these out by the pool tables.”
“Come to the kitchen when you’re done.”
He nods, and I follow Jack and his little dervish through the double doors. A crowd of friends is gathered around the silver work table when we enter, and Logan’s face is beet red.
“It’s getting worse!” he groans.
Dylan is right beside him stroking his arm, and Allie is holding a towel over her face, barely hiding her laughter.
Craig rushes to him with a glass of milk. “Drink this.”
“It’s made with serranos, babe.” Dylan’s voice is soothing. “They’re only one step above jalapeños on Scoville.”
“I don’t like jalapeños.” Logan gulps the milk quickly.
“How do I love this man?” Dylan’s hand is on his shoulder, and she’s doing her best not to laugh.
I have no idea what happened, but I can guess knowing my little sister. What I can’t believe is Logan fell for it again.
“I’ll eat it!” Rachel pipes up from his other side, then ducks as if she’s embarrassed. “If Logan doesn’t want it, I mean.”
“Knock yourself out.” He slides the plate to her, drinking more milk.
“I feel like I missed something.” I’m standing at the end of the table, and Allie waves me over.
“Thomas is experimenting with some new menu items.” She puts a plate in front of me. “He’s calling it the Melt yo Face burger, and it’s made with serrano peppers. I think it’s delicious, but Logan, well…”
