Page 55 of My Almost Ex

Presley kisses Cade’s cheek, but he puts his finger to her cheek and turns his head, turning the kiss R-rated.

“Hey, you’re not alone out here.” Nikki throws a marshmallow at him.

“Should we be upset that we weren’t invited?” Posey screams from the deck, standing next to Xavier and Clara.

“It was impromptu. We’re welcoming Lucy back the right way!” Cameron yells.

The three of them walk down and unfold the chairs they brought, well aware of what happens when we all get together—there are never enough seats.

“I stopped at Mom’s and she’s watching Brody. She told us you were having a party. And Rylan said he better see every one of us at his soccer game tomorrow.” Posey points at each of us. “Hank added even if you’re hungover.”

We all groan. It’s not that we don’t love the kid, but we’re into football, not soccer.

“The kid should be playing football,” Jed says.

“I don’t know, have you seen him throw?” Fisher says. “He’s got stronger legs than arms.”

No one says anything because it’s true. Although I think that’s only because Rylan’s been playing soccer so long. If there wasn’t such a big age gap, I’m sure he would’ve been a football player like the rest of us.

“It’s just as dangerous,” Cade chimes in. “And since Rylan has the Greene competitiveness in him, he’s gonna end up with a concussion the way he throws his body around.”

“Maybe we’ll have a pro soccer player and a pro football player in our family.” Mandi smiles at Xavier. It’s his off-season and he stays up here for most of it, spending time with Clara, his best friend. I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks they’re screwing behind closed doors.

“Did everyone see Xavier’s passing yards this season?” Clara asks.

“Yes,” we all say in unison.

“Oh, Xavier plays the pros?” Lucy asks.

“Yep.” I sip my beer.

“That’s amazing. What an accomplishment. Congratulations.”

Everyone grows quiet.

“Okay, what am I missing?” Lucy asks.

“Nothing,” I say.

But everyone’s silence speaks louder than my answer.

“Adam?” She looks at me, obviously worried.

“It’s nothing.”

Everyone’s gaze tips down to their drinks or the fire.

“Nikki?” Lucy asks.

I narrow my eyes because that probably means my stepsister has already been a source that’s panned out for Lucy in some way.

Nikki sighs. “It’s just, um…”

“Nik,” I say to get her to stop.

Lucy stands. “Someone tell me.”

“Adam had a chance to play,” Nikki blurts.

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