Page 3 of A Major Puck Up

“Just Peaches. Princess Peach is from the Super Mario game,” I say, deciding it’s probably best to ignore the old man and his judgment.

Finn shrugs, his legs swinging. “That’s how I picture her. Does she drive a cool car at least?”

I snort. “Ya know, Finn, I don’t know if she drives at all.”

That makes my chest ache a bit. That’s the kind of thing I probably should know, but I’ve never seen her drive a car. She lives in Paris, so she walks or takes taxis. If she lived here, maybe I’d know.

I shake my head. She doesn’t live here, and that’s just one of the millions of issues we had.

“You got any great advice?” I ask the old man.

He cocks his head and studies me, his wrinkles deepening. “About what?”

“You’ve clearly been listening, and you were quick to judge my choice in a confidant, so you got any suggestions?”

He narrows his eyes and purses his lips. “I’d need you to start from the beginning.”

Finn spots a group of kids on the playground and takes off without a word, leaving me with the judgmental stranger. I stare at the man and wonder if it’s even worth it. Then I remember the moment I first saw her. And every moment after that.

Every moment is tattooed onto my brain, forcing me to relive it daily. Maybe I just need to say it all out loud. Maybe going backwards will free me…

Or maybe I’m a glutton for punishment and I’m just looking for someone else to talk to about Peaches.

“Well, it all started two years ago…”

TWO

GAVIN

TWO YEARS EARLIER

March

Me: Are you guys coming?

Brooks: Can’t. Seb has me working with Fitz tonight, since I’ll miss two practices while we’re traveling for the wedding.

Aiden: I met a girl. I think I’m in love. Can I bring her to the wedding?

Beckett: You can’t invite people to someone’s wedding at the last minute. Especially the wedding of a fucking pop star. They vetted everyone who is coming to the island.

Aiden: No plus-ones?

Beckett: Aiden, you are not in love. Sorry, Gav. I’m stuck in the office with Liv. We just ordered food.

I chuckle to myself as I pocket my phone. Despite being annoyed that they aren’t meeting me at the bar, thinking about Beckett and his insane obsession with Olivia Maxwell always makes me laugh. My poor besotted brother and his unrequited crush.

I look out the window at the rain pouring down in sheets. I should go home and have a quiet night before I have to get on a plane and head to Aruba for Ford’s wedding. My best friend is marrying Lake Paige. Yes, that Lake Paige. America’s sweetheart, one of the biggest musicians of our time, and his son’s ex-girlfriend. It’s going to be a huge weekend, and between the events and parties and dealing with my brothers, I doubt I’ll be getting much sleep.

I should go to bed.

Should turn in early and rest.

But ever since Ford started dating Lake, I’ve been restless. The way he looks at her, with contentment and a happiness I’ve never experienced before, has messed with my head.

The one-night stands aren’t cutting it either.

Women in general aren’t cutting it. I don’t know; I need something more than just a warm body. I need a challenge.

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