Page 152 of Curveball

Before I realize what’s happening, my bedroom door flies open. “Hey, vagina face, have you seen Rip…oh my god, this is weird. I mean, I’m happy, but it’s still weird. It’s also kind of gross.”

Ripley moans, “Oh please. How many times have I walked in on you and Layton naked in the morning? Or listened to you and the Energizer Bunny going at it for hours. You deserve a little payback.”

Layton pops his head in. “Did I hear my name?”

I roll my eyes. “I’m so thrilled there’s a party in my bedroom this morning. Thanks for knocking.”

Arizona smiles at me. “Relax, killer. Don’t shit your pants over this…at least, not again.”

Ripley laughs. She knows the story. The one that never seems to die.

Arizona looks back at Layton. “Ripley was just complaining about your…longevity.”

He turns his head to me. “Are you a two-pump chump, Q?”

Before I can answer, Ripley does. “Definitely not. And even if he were, they’d beverylong pumps.”

She and Arizona both giggle. What the hell is wrong with these two?

June then walks in holding Kaya.

I sigh. “I don’t recall awelcome everyonesign on my bedroom door.”

She scrunches her face. “Sorry. Kaya is being a little fussy this morning. I think she wants you guys.”

I hold out my hands. “Give me my girl.”

June hands her to me, and Kaya immediately proceeds to tug on my beard with the strength of a professional weightlifter.

I scream out in pain.

Arizona laughs hysterically. “Oh my god, even little Kaya hates your beard. Time to shave, ZZ Top.”

Ripley shakes her head. “Nope. The beard stays.” She smiles. “Don’t knock it till you try it. Until youfeelit.”

Arizona rubs her fingers over Layton’s face. “Hmm. Maybe we need to give that a go.”

He grabs her ass and kisses her hard. “Do you have any complaints?”

She smiles into his mouth. “Not a single one.”

He nods. “That’s what I thought.”

I grimace. “Take your nauseating PDA downstairs so we can get dressed.”

She walks over and grabs Kaya. “I want my niece. I’ll feed her while you do your thing.”

She winks on her way out. “Take your time.”

And we do.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

QUINCY

After a nice breakfast with Arizona and Layton, Ripley leaves for a long walk with Kaya. Normally I would go with them, but I want some time alone with June. I told Ripley that I needed to do extra stretching for the game today.

June is in the gym working out, as she does every day. I decide it’s time for me to do the same.

---