Page 69 of I'd Never Date my Brother's Best Friend

“Yes. I was young. But I enjoyed the game. Every day after that, I started going because I wanted to play one round. My favorite person there is Steve; he’s very old but agile. You’ll meet him at the hall; he’s always there.”

“I cannot wait,” Jessica says. “Why is he your favorite?”

“Because he’s a sore loser, just like you,” I laugh. “When Steve loses, he goes on about how his eyesight is bad, or his fingers are stiff, just excuses to invalidate your win.”

“And when he wins?”

“Oh, the entire hall must celebrate with him.” I shake my head. “He suddenly forgets about his bad eyesight or stiff hands.”

“He sounds like a character.”

“He is.”

“Who would’ve thought Sean O’Connell loves spending time with elderly people?”

The fact that she is serious and not teasing me makes my heart melt. This woman and what she does to me.

“Spending time with them is like spending time with Grandma Mae. When I lost Gram, I missed her hugs so badly. But on the first day, I went to the hall without her; everyone hugged me, and it felt like being hugged by her all over again. I hope when I’m old, I give such amazing hugs.”

When we reach the hall, everyone is present, and already teeming with laughter and banter. I’m always surprised that people this old could cause such a ruckus, but it’s always fun to watch.

“Sean!” Faith rushes forward to hug me. Faith is ninety years old, and she was Grandma Mae’s close friend. “It’s so good to see you. We thought you wouldn’t show up today.” Before I can respond, she turns glittering eyes to Jessica. “And who is this pretty girl?”

“Hi, Faith.” I point my hand in Jessica's direction. “This pretty girl is Jessica.”

“Hello.” Jessica holds out her hand.

Faith swats Jessica’s hand out of the way and hugs her. Then, she turns to the rest of the group.

“You guys, come on, Sean brought his girlfriend!”

I open my mouth to say that Jessica isn’t my girlfriend but the rest of the group rush toward her, shouting questions and jokes. I glare at Faith. “Faith!”

She shrugs and winks at me.

Jessica is passed from one person to another in tight hugs. By the time she’s done, her shirt is rumpled and her hair sticks out in different angles, but her face has a smile on it. I pull her close and smooth her hair before turning to the group.

“You guys, Jessica is my friend, okay?” I stare pointedly at them because they can be as hard-headed as teenagers sometimes. “She’s Evie’s best friend and my best friend’s sister.”

“Jessica.” I look at her as I point to each person. “This is Faith. Thomas. Alisha. Steve. Desmond. William. Hannah. Leah. And Tom. We have been playing Bingo together for more than a decade.”

“It’s so nice to meet all of you,” Jessica says.

“It’s great to meet you too,” they chorus. Steve steps forward, and I roll my eyes because he’s about to say something silly. “Sean has never brought any girl to the bingo before.”

“Really?” She draws out the word with raised eyebrows and a smile. She’s enjoying this, I can tell.

“Okay, guys. Let’s play.” I clap to get their attention. “You see Jessica here; she thinks she can beat me at bingo.”

They all gasp, and I nod, so proud they’re taking my side.

“She’s very competitive and such a sore loser, like Steve here.”

Everyone laughs except Steve and Jessica. “I’m not a sore loser,” Steve argues.

“It’s okay, Steve,” Jessica comforts him. “They’re just jealous.” She turns her smile to me and I feel my heart pound against my rib cage.

Steve smiles up at her. “I like this girl.” Then he nods. “Let me get the caller; everyone can sit down. The game will start in ten minutes.”

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