Page 310 of Well Played

Lila grabbed it away from her. “I love these magazines. I mean, where else can I read about Alien Werewolves kidnapping women in Pomona?”

“Please, even we have more up to date magazines on the ship, and those are six months old and held together with duct tape.”

“I’ll remember to send new ones to you before you leave. That way you’ll get them before you retire.” Lila swatted at hercousin. “Besides, you’re not giving blood, so you don’t deserve new magazines.”

“She’s not, but I am.”

Lila turned to that voice, her heart racing in recognition.

Nando was standing in the entranceway to the drawing room. His face was pale, and he looked like he was two heartbeats away from passing out. Or tossing his cookies.

Lila walked over to him as he stepped forward, unsteady on his feet. “Nando, what are you doing here?”

“I’m donating blood, what does it look like?”

“It looks like you’re about to have a panic attack.”

“I can give blood and have a panic attack at the same time,” he joked weakly.

“Multitasking?” she mumbled, moving him to one of the lounging chairs in her station. Lila glared at him, then at her cousin. “This was a set up.”

He took her hand in his. “I needed to talk to you, Angel. And this was the only way I knew I would have a captive audience.”

“You’re really here to donate?” she asked.

The sweat beaded on his brow as he nodded. Jo glanced at him then at Lila. “I’ll head across the street and get a table. Let me know if you’re joining me.” She patted her cousin on the shoulder then cocked an eyebrow at Nando, giving him a reassuring smile before she left.

Lila tied the tourniquet around his bicep. “You wanted to talk. So talk.”

“I’m sorry…” he started.

“Sorry for what?”

He took a deep breath. “I’m sorry for ghosting you. I didn’t mean to, I swear. It was just…” he flinched as she started swabbing his arm. “Mama always got touchy when I was texting, wanting to know who I was talking to, what was so importantthat I couldn’t give her all of my time and attention.” He shrugged. “You know how moms are…”

“Yeah, I know,” she conceded. “My mom makes us put our phones in a basket by the door when it’s dinner time.” Then in a heavily accented, sing-songy voice, “Ay, Delilah,bakit ba, why do you need to hab dat ting at the table,Ay naku, you hate me so matss…”

Nando laughed at that, then realized she’d put the needle in his arm. “Damn, you’re good.”

“I know,” she replied. “So, your mom was busting your balls…”

“Yeah, and between her, my sisters and my brother, it was just easier to keep the thing on silent or leave it at home all together.” He sighed, “It was family time, and part of me thought it was nice to be unplugged for a few.”

She exhaled hard. “Fine, I get it. But what about that phone call.”

He smiled at her. “That was my dumb-ass brother’s fault. I called you, then he said he needed my phone to look up something. We were at the club, and I swear I was just playing wingman.” Clearing his throat, he continued. “He put my phone on the bar and started flirting with a few women. When the phone rang, one of them grabbed it before I could. Dork will back me up on this. I was just with him because my broke-ass little brother wanted his rich and famous older brother to attract the ladies. I never left with anyone, and the only time I spent more than a few minutes with any lady was when I was dancing.” He took her hand in his. “I’m sorry I hurt you. I don’t want you to think you’re just another notch. I like you, and I like this, what we have. What we’ve been doing.” He tilted his head towards her. “I think you like it do, don’t you?”

She gave him a shy smile. “I like it. I like it a lot. But Nando…”

“No buts. Please, just give me another chance. I promise, no ghosting, no strange women answering my phone and I’ll text and call you, even if my mom’s yelling at me.”

She watched him for a few moments before placing the gauze over the needle and disconnecting him from the tubes. “You’re done. Just sit here a few more minutes while I finish up and we’ll get you some food, so you won’t be all wobbly again.” She went to pull away when he held onto her hand and pulled her back.

“Is that a yes?” he asked.

“Yeah, but only because I like kicking your ass at Mario Kart.”

He grinned. “I can live with that. Maybe tonight we can play. Winner gets a kiss.”

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