Page 126 of Curveball

Quincy narrows his eyes at her. “Yes, thanks for that.”

Arizona smiles at him. “You’re welcome, Jesus. Are you going to shave and get a haircut, or should we throw you up on the cross?”

Layton and I laugh while the siblings are engaged in astare down. Truth be told, I like his beard. I’d be lying if I said a part of me doesn’t want to know what it feels like between my legs.

Three Suburbans are waiting for us at the airport. One to take Arizona and Layton to their place, one for mine and Mom’s luggage, and one to take me, Quincy, Mom, and Kaya to Quincy’s house. I suddenly realize that I don’t have a car seat. I have nothing.

Quincy must sense my panic. “Don’t worry. I ordered a car with a car seat and have three at the house, one for each of our cars. I researched the best brand on the market.”

“My mom and I don’t have cars.”

He mumbles, “You do now.”

“Quincy, what did you do?”

“We’re not living in the city anymore. You need a car to get around. I want you in a safe car, so that’s what you got. Now either say thank you or be quiet.”

I’m silent for a moment before acquiescing. “Thank you. It’s a loaner.”

He grunts, “Whatever.”

I can’t help but smile.

He narrows his eyes at me. “What are you smiling at?”

“I missed grumpy Quincy. You’ve been too nice the past few weeks. It’s off-putting.”

Arizona giggles as she hugs me. She whispers in my ear, “I’m not the only one who pushes his buttons. Have fun. I’ll be over early tomorrow. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

We strap Kaya in. She mostly slept on the plane but seems wide awake now, tracking all the lights and action around us. Quincy bends down to kiss her, and she grabs onto his beard and squeezes for dear life.

He screams in pain. Mom and I start laughing. Mom patshis leg. “You know who you look like, Quincy? The fat, funny friend from the movieThe Hangover.”

My laugh deepens, but Quincy appears appalled. “I looknothinglike him. I’m a foot taller than that guy and have a six-pack.”

Mom winks at me. She’s messing with him too, but then Quincy pulls up his shirt for her, flashing his washboard abs.

Her eyes bug out of her head, and she shamelessly stares. She leans toward me and not so quietly whispers, “You sure you don’t want to tap that again?”

Quincy smirks at me. Oh boy, this living arrangement is going to be interesting.

We begin our journey to the house and eventually pull through a gate and onto the now-paved driveway. I suck in a breath as the house comes into view. “Oh my god, Quincy, it’s the most beautiful house I’ve ever seen.”

He breathes out, “Holy shit. This is mine?”

He has a boyish, prideful look on his face. I’m happy for him. I know this has always been a dream of his.

Mom asks, “You haven’t seen the house yet, Quincy?”

“Just in photos. It was a shell the last time I saw it.”

As we get closer, I notice Collin standing there. Mom mumbles, “Who’s the hottie? Is he a gift for me?”

I smile as I shake my head. “No, Mom. He’s the contractor, and he’s very taken. I’ve met his significant other. She’s gorgeous.”

Quincy nods. “Collin and Jade are coming to the party tomorrow afternoon. I hope that’s okay.”

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