Page 100 of End Game

“I’m trying to do better.” I walk the platter of steaks over to the dining table and set it down. “You know I’m not good at this relationship thing.”

Sienna laughs and takes a big sip from her wineglass. “No kidding. But I think you’re on the right track with this dinner.”

I pause, trying not to get my hopes up. “You really think so?”

Sienna nods.

“I left her flowers in her room.”

“Aw.” Sienna rests her hand on her chest. “That’s sweet.”

“What else should I do? I need input. And I’m clueless.”

“Just—if you’re into her, let her know. Show her that you like her. Even better? Tell her. Say out loud that you want to pursue something with her.” She pauses. “You do want to pursue something, right?”

“I do.” The words leave me without hesitation, and I realize I’m speaking the truth.

I do want to pursue this. I want something meaningful with Everleigh. I like her. A lot. I care about her.

A lot.

“Let her know. And be serious. Don’t be all Mr. Player. The big man on campus who can get any girl he wants with a wink and a smile.” Sienna rolls her eyes.

“I don’t have to wink. I usually just smile and they come running.” I’m grinning.

She plucks a cherry tomato from the salad and tosses it right at my head, but I catch it just in time. “You know what I mean.”

Before I can say anything, Coop and Gav enter the kitchen, Gavin’s nose in the air. Damn, that guy got here fast. “What smells so fucking good?”

“That would be dinner,” I tell him, my gaze shifting to Sienna once more. “Could you pull the garlic bread out of the oven, please?”

“At your service.” Sienna salutes me, heading over to the oven.

Sienna and I work as a team to get everything on the table while Gav and Coop gather drinks for all of us. Frank eventually wanders in and makes small talk with me—progress. I am dying to ask him what’s really going on with Portia, but no way am I saying her name. There’s no need to bring her up right now. It’ll probably only end up pissing Dollar off all over again.

By the time Ever enters the kitchen, we’re all seated at the table, passing around the bowl of salad. The only empty chair left is the one to my right, and she sits down, smiling tentatively at me when I hand her the salad bowl.

Everyone remains quiet once we’ve got food on our plates, no hesitation as we all start to eat. Gav, Coop, and Frank are just shoveling it in like they haven’t been fed in days while the girls start in with their salad.

I’m the only one with no appetite. I’m too nervous.

Clearing my throat, I decide I need to say something and get it out of the way.

“I’m glad you all came tonight,” I start, causing them all to pause, their heads swiveling in my direction. “I haven’t been ... easy to deal with lately, and I want to apologize to all of you.”

Frank sets his fork on the edge of his plate, giving me his full attention. “Go on.”

“I was a dick this weekend at the party. And I was a major dick today at practice. I know I need an attitude adjustment. I’m working on myself.” I nod once. “Go ahead and keep eating. Don’t let your meal get cold. I just needed to say that. Thank you for being my friends, and I’m sorry.”

Gavin, who is sitting to my left, slaps me on the shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize, bro. Everyone has a bad day here and there.”

“Thanks, man.” I smile at him, grateful for his comment.

Gavin nods, his attention switching to Dollar. “Tell us what’s up with you and the blonde. Portia.”

I inwardly groan. That was the last thing he should’ve brought up.

Frank’s cheeks actually turn ruddy. “Nothing much.”

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