Page 38 of Hitting the Gap

“Oh, that’ll be nice,” Peyton said.

“Why’d you move so early if you don’t start teaching till September?” Kendall asked.

“Umm…my lease was up.” Bailey glanced over at him. Her eyes widened in a ‘help me’ plea.

“How’s living with Gonz?” Ryan asked.

“It’s fucking awesome, of course,” Gonzo said. He took a sip of his beer, then smacked his hands together. “Who wants to play darts?”

The tension on Bailey’s face instantly disappeared. “I will.”

“Cool. Any other takers?”

“I’ll play.” Kendall pushed her chair back from the table.

“I humiliated myself enough the last time we were here.” Peyton shook her head. “Hard pass.”

“If we do guys against girls so I can kick my sister’s ass, I’ll play,” Ryan chimed in.

“Done.” Kendall stood up. “You any good, Bailey?”

“Not really, no.” Bailey grimaced.

“Well, crap.” Kendall laughed.

The owner of the bar walked up just as he was standing. “Hey Mark, good to see you.” Gonzo stuck out his hand and shook his ex-teammate’s hand.

“You too. Great game tonight.”

“Have a seat.” Pete gestured to the vacated seats around the table.

“You sure?” Mark asked.

Gonzo stepped away from his chair. “Yeah, take mine. We’re just going to play darts.”

At the board, he grabbed the darts off the shelf. “What’s the bet?”

“We’re betting?” Bailey squeaked.

“Bay.” Gonzo glanced at his friend. How long had she known him? Of course, this was a competition. And winning meant there should be a prize.

“I think if the girls lose, Kendall has to cook dinner for all of us.”

“You’ve seen me cook,” Kendall said to her brother.

“Yep, that’s why it would be funny.”

“Seeing me fall on my face would be funny?”

Ryan’s head bounced up and down. “Absolutely. Oh, and you have to pay for the takeout if it needs to be ordered.”

“Haha, asshole.” Kendall smacked her brother on the chest. She squared her shoulders and stuck out her hand. “Deal.”

“Umm, hold on,” Bailey interrupted. “That hardly seems fair. If we lose, it will be because I suck. Kendall shouldn’t have to cook some elaborate spread because of me.”

“We aren’t gonna lose,” Kendall declared confidently.

Bailey winced. “I’m pretty sure we will with me on your team.”

---