Page 37 of Finally Moore

“Scarlett, you’ve basically attended every family function and at least half of our Sunday lunches. Pretty sure they consider you an honorary Moore by now. Besides, Jake’s always looking for a reason to show off in front of an audience—God knows he needs the ego boost.” I roll my eyes and see a small smile start to form on her face.

Scarlett bites her lip, seemingly unsure, before she finally says, “Okay. But don’t expect me to be any good.”

“Trust me, you’ll be fine.” I grab her hand again and tug her over to our little group. “Mack’s been bowling for years and still throws a gutter ball every other time.”

“Hey!” Mack says, catching my off-handed comment. “I’ve gotten better.” He smiles. “It’s more like every third time now.”

Everyone laughs at his expense, but Mack’s always the first one to make fun of himself. He really is a good sport, win or lose. Unlike some of my other siblings…

“Why, Scarlett…” Jake beams in her direction. “I guess Scott’s finally decided to introduce you to his inner circle.”

Mack looks confused. “What do you meanfinally?”

Robbie elbows Jake, his way of telling our baby brother to keep his mouth shut. And I send him a silentthank you. If Mack’s out of the loop or just oblivious to the town gossip, it’s better to keep him that way. It’ll make it less awkward when this charade is all over and everything needs to go back to the way it was between Scarlett and me.

Something about that last thought tugs at my chest. Before I can figure out what, Letty pulls Scarlett in for a hug. “Oh, yay, another female. Now we can do teams and kick these boys’ asses.”

“I mean, I’m game if you wanna rough me up a bit,” Jake says as he drapes an arm across Letty’s shoulders. “But, babe, there’s just a small problem with your plan here. There are two girls and four boys. I love you, but there’s no way you’re going to win.”

“Want to bet?” Letty doesn’t shy away from the challenge even if the odds appear to be against her.

“Um, I’ve never bowled before,” Scarlett is quick to confess. “So please don’t bet on me.”

Jake’s smile widens. “Whatcha thinking?”

“If I win…” Letty leans up and whispers in my brother’s ear. Based on his expression and how he adjusts himself in his pants, I know she said something dirty. Letty pulls back with a smile. “And if you win, you can do whatever you want.”

“Anything?” Jake attempts to clarify. “Even…”

“Anything,” Letty repeats, sealing her promise with a handshake. Scarlett’s expression is panicked throughout their entire exchange. “But you’re right, Jakey-Poo. Things are a little uneven, so which one of you fellas wants to channel your feminine side for the night?” She looks at Robbie but shakes her head until her gaze lands on Mack. “You.”

“Really?” Mack isn’t the only one who’s shocked. It doesn’t make sense for Letty to pick the worst player on our team.

“Yup.” She nods as if she knows something we don’t. But that’s Letty for you. She’ll fake it until she makes it every time.

“Letty…” Scarlett cautions.

“Don’t worry.” She smiles. “Win or lose, I stillcome…out on top. Now, let’s get a couple of pitchers and some balls rolling. It’s time to show these boys what we’re made of!”

“Oh my god!” Scarlett screams as she jumps up and down, clearly excited about her second strike in a row.

“I’m starting to think she played us,” Jake leans in to whisper in my direction, but he’s not quiet enough.

Letty frowns at him. “Don’t be jealous, Jakey-Poo. Scar here just has God-given talent.” She looks him up and down. “Something you’re clearly lacking,” Letty adds with a smirk.

“Your pussy begs to differ,” my brother murmurs into his beer as he chugs it back.

Letty blows him a kiss, while Robbie quickly claps his hands together to get our attention. “All right, Scott, you’re up.”

As I pass Scarlett on my way to the ball return, I give her a high-five. “You’re amazing.”

She blushes. “Really? I’ve never done this before—I swear.”

“I believe you,” I assure her. “More importantly, though, are you having fun?”

She nods her head, her smile wide when she says, “I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun before. I can’t believe I haven’t stopped in here sooner. The nachos alone are worth it.”

“You should try their burgers. They’re the best in town,” I say loud enough that, even at a distance, Letty can overhear me.

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