Page 43 of The Way We Score

“Oh, yeah?” For once today, I don’t have to force a smile. “Who told you that?”

“Uncle Hendrix.”

“Well, he’s right, but don’t let him teach you all his grandpaw slang. He looks slick and edgy, but he’s not. He’s a dork.”

Hendrix flips me the bird. “I’m auramaxxing. You should try it.”

“I’m afraid to ask.”

“Develop an aesthetic. Sit in nature.” He locks eyes with me. “Make eye contact.”

“Knock it off, freak.” I lift my hand as if to ward him off.

“Have a social life outside your love life,” he continues.

“Pretty sure I’m already doing all that.”

“If Garrett gets any more aura, he’ll explode,” Craig calls from the other end of the table.

“That’s my boy Cray.” I lift my hand to do an air high-five. “Always got my back.”

Looking around, I notice Jack talking to Austin at the back of the room near the pool tables. Rachel’s brother Edward is holding Smokey, the resident gray kitten, while he watches his friend Benji shoot pool.

“I think I’ll head back to the house.” I collect all the plates around me, while Kimmie climbs into Hendrix’s lap.

“Snappy has aura.” She crosses the red turtle’s legs. “He’s doing an athletic.”

“Aesthetic,” Hendrix corrects her. “It means your vibe.”

“He has a vibe.” She crosses the turtle’s leg the other way.

“Don’t teach her that crap.” I give him a nudge.

“I don’t have to teach her. KJ’s smart.”

“I make all fives in school.” She nods, looking up at him.

“Good work.” He pats her back. “Now, let’s just get this straight. You don’t have permission to like any boys until you’re an old lady… except your dad, Uncle Zane, Uncle Garrett, and me.”

Her little face scrunches. “What about UncleLogan?”

“And Uncle Logan… Oh, and Uncle Craig.”

“Uncle Craig only likes boys. That’s why he’s so gay.”

Holding my nose, I do my best not to snort.

“That’s correct, little queen, and don’t you forget it.” Craig touches her shoulder as he passes with Clint, and she nods.

“I’m going to marry Aussie.” She lifts her chin with a confident smile.

Hendrix shifts in his seat, looking to where Jack and Austin are talking. “Does Austin know that?”

“I think so.” Kimmie shrugs. “He takes care of me, and he’s a quarterback like my daddy.”

“Ahh… that doesn’t necessarily mean?—”

I decide to leave my youngest brother to untangle that mess, and I head for the kitchen. I’m halfway there when Jack catches up with me, holding the door so I can carry the plates to the industrial dishwasher.

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