Page 38 of Prickly Romance

While Alistair thinks it over, I focus on Dejonae again. She is helping to clear up the UNO cards.

“Okay, guys,” she says. “Since Niko and I are the new kids today, we’d like to propose the next game.”

“What game?” Belle asks.

Dejonae’s eyes sparkle. “Gestures.”

“I’m in,” the boy with dark hair says.

“Me too.” The boy with glasses raises an arm.

“Don’t start without me!” a new voice cries.

The screen door bangs open and a little girl with light brown skin and hazel eyes rushes in.

She sends a distracted wave toward the table. “Hey, Mama Moira!”

“Hi, Beth!” the elder returns.

Beth makes a running leap and drops to her knees, smoothly sliding across the hardwood floors. She gains speed and barely manages to stop before she crashes into the older boy.

He extends a hand and steadies her.

“Thanks, Mikey,” Beth says.

“Don’t call me that,” the older boy grumbles.

“What took you so long?” the one with the glasses asks.

“Mom and dad had a meeting at Stinton Auto.” Beth rolls her eyes. “They tookfor-ever.” The newcomer whips her head around and notices Dejonae and Niko. “Hey.”

“Hi.” Dejonae grins.

“She’s deaf!” Belle points at Niko.

“Cool,” Beth says, nodding as if impressed.

Niko smiles tentatively at her.

“For this game, I’ll be the points keeper,” Dejonae says. “Everyone knows how to play Gestures, right?”

The children nod.

“I’ll add a new rule. Anyone who uses sign language correctly will get two extra points.”

“Oh, it’s on,” Beth says.

The two boys nod and lean forward as if they’re ready to run a race.

Dejonae chose Gestures intentionally.The realization hits me right between the eyes. In other games, Niko would be at a disadvantage. By choosing Gestures, Dejonae did not simply even the playing field.

She gave Niko the upper hand.

I can’t explain why I feel a sudden shiver.

“Okay,” Alistair says.

I startle and face him with guilty eyes.

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