Page 89 of Fighting the Odds

“Thought you two might be hungry.” She winks slyly as she steps past me into the living room and walks over to the table. “It’s still hot. Just took it off the stovetop.”

“Thank you, but you didn’t have to,” I remind her.

“I know, but I wanted to. Did you get a new video from Sam?” Her expression softens as she looks at me.

“She’ll have one tonight. If you like, I can get my brothers to make sure she makes one for you too.” Zander stands, walking over to us.

“You would do that?” Her voice hitches as tears well in her eyes.

“I’d be happy to. In fact, I’ll message them now.”

“Do you think Sam could call her?” I ask him. “I know she can’t talk to me, but maybe she can with Mrs. Butler.”

“I can check with my dad, but I don’t see why not.” Before he can turn away to go get his phone, Mrs. Butler wraps her arms around him and squeezes him tightly, the tears finally break free.

She quickly lets go of Zander and rushes to the front door. Before she steps out, she pauses. “Save some for Cyrus,” she says without turning around.

“She’s sweet,” he says softly as he turns around to grab his phone from where he left it. When he walks back over to me, his fingers flying across the screen on his phone.

“Yep. Hungry?”

“Starving and this smells delicious. What is it?”

Opening the lid, I smile brightly. It’s soup but not just soup. My favorite—chicken gnocchi.

“Holy shit, is that what I think it is?” he asks, licking his lips.

“It is. Sit down. I'm going to get us some bowls and spoons.” I quickly go to the kitchen, getting what we need.

When I come back, he’s looking at me slyly. “This isn’t a real date, just so you know. It was a homework date, so I’m going to need a do over. I want a chance to take you to a movie, bowling, mini golf or, you know, something like that. I’ll pick you up at your door, then bring you home and awkwardly hope the entire night I can kiss you goodnight.”

“There’s still a chance.”

Did I just say that out loud?

“Yes, you did. But now that I know I have the okay to kiss you, I will.” He laughs.

Shit, I need to learn to keep my mouth shut.

He winks as he reaches for the ladle and starts pouring some soup into our bowls.

“Listen, I don’t want you to think you have to tell me about your dates with the others, or what you do on them. I know that each of us is on a different page in our relationship, so there’s no pressure there.” He swirls his spoon through the creamy white liquid before scooping some up and eating it. His eyes close as he hums.

“Thanks. Yeah, I guess there are some conversations we need to have.” I look down at my spoon. “Are you a umm, a virgin? It’s okay if you aren’t, I’m not. Well, you know I’m not because of the video, but Cyrus and I, we’ve—”

“Stop right there, baby. You don’t have to tell me what you and Cyrus are doing, but thank you. As far as being a virgin, no, I’m not. But I’ve only slept with one person and we used condoms. I can get tested if you need me to. Actually, I think it’s a good idea that we all do.”

“I trust all of you, but yeah, that sounds good.”

“Are you sure everything was okay at school today? You seemed upset when we picked you up from the library. Did Wes do something? Say something? I’ll fucking kill him if he did.” He clenches his fist so hard, his knuckles turn white.

“I’m fine, Zander. I can handle a little name calling. As far as Wesley is concerned, he knows exactly how I feel. Now, can we get back to our date? After dinner, isn’t a movie and cuddling normally the acceptable protocol?” I raise my spoon to my mouth, tasting the delicious doughy goodness, and I do a little happy dance. It’s mouthwatering, but I expected nothing less from Mrs Butler, she’s an amazing cook.

“Then I guess we need to finish eating.” He winks and takes another bite.

We spend the rest of dinner glancing at each other, wearing matching smiles.

I’m warm and content, lying in Zander’s arms with my head resting on his chest. He’s rubbing tiny circles along the exposed skin of my arm, causing my hair to stand on end. Electricity dances down my arm as his fingernails scrape it gently.

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