Page 98 of End Game

“They’re delicious,” Frank chimes in.

How can I tell him no when my favorite roommates are praising my salad-making skills?

I give in.

“Fine.” I head for the fridge, hip-checking Nico when I walk past him, and he practically leaps out of my way. “I’ll make one. Who else is coming to dinner?”

“Me!”

We all turn our heads to see Sienna standing in the kitchen entryway clutching a giant bottle of wine in her hand. “I brought the spirits, just like you requested, Nico.”

“Thanks, Sienna.” He’s smiling at her, looking relieved, and I would love to tell him the things she called him just last night while we were on FaceTime for almost two hours. She listened to me go on and on about him, which means she’s a saint and I owe her one.

Next time she needs to have a bitch fest about Gavin, I’m all ears.

“That’s five,” Coop notes. “Who else is coming over?”

“Gav,” Nico answers, his gaze shifting to Coop. “Come outside and check out these steaks with me.”

“I’m going to wash up,” Frank says, his expression impassive. I’m sure he’s still upset with Nico because of the Portia stuff. And the me stuff.

It’s been a little messy around here the last few days.

Only when Nico and Coop head to the backyard and the sliding glass door is closed do I speak. “When did he invite you over?” I open the refrigerator door and start pulling out the ingredients I need to make my beloved salad.

“He called me about an hour ago and filled me in on his assholish ways.” When I send Sienna a confused look over my shoulder, she explains further. “He told me how he got kicked out of practice.”

“He did?” I’m surprised he’d admit it.

Sienna nods. “He feels bad about it too.”

I whirl on her, clutching a head of lettuce. “Don’t you dare fall for his smooth-talking ways.”

Sienna bursts out laughing. “Is that what we’re calling it now? Look, I’m not the one who has major beef with him. I can be nice when I need to be. And when he told me he was making a steak dinner as an apology for being such a jackass? I absolutely took him up on the invitation.”

I roll my eyes as I set all the salad ingredients on the counter. “Looks like I’m too late. You already fell for Mr. Smooth Talker.”

“No way.” Sienna shakes her head, watching me as I start to rinse off the lettuce in the sink. “I’m on your side, sister. These men need to get their heads out of their asses and figure out what they’re doing.”

My gaze goes to the sliding glass door. I can see Nico at the barbecue with Coop standing by his side. He’s tending to the steaks on the grill, and it seems like Coop is giving him an earful. For a man who doesn’t speak much, his mouth is moving nonstop.

“I think your brother is chewing out Nico,” I tell Sienna.

“Good. About time someone was real with him.” She settles onto one of the stools that sit by the counter. “How are you holding up?”

“In regards to him?” I wave the knife I’m using in Nico’s general direction. “Not so great.”

“He feels bad over what happened.” Sienna watches me as I begin to chop the salad, unleashing all my pent-up aggression.

“You already mentioned that,” I tell her, still chopping away. It feels good to cut the lettuce into tiny pieces, and when I scoop it up with my hands and drop it into the bowl, I catch the amused look on my friend’s face. “What are you laughing at?”

“You want me to be real with you right now?” I lift my gaze to hers, tempted to say no, but I remain quiet. “I think both of you are scared.”

“Nico Valente scared? No way.” I shake my head and grab a cucumber, ready to slice and dice that sucker.

“I’m serious. You make him nervous. And I know he makes you nervous.”

Sighing with exasperation, I set the knife down and focus all my attention on her. “He’s not scared. He had no problem doing what he did Saturday night. He was ready for a repeat performance Sunday, and I’m the one who ran. Remember? I’m the nervous Nellie in this situation. Not him.”

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