Page 27 of The Way We Score

“It’s like that horror movie,” Raven cries. “Bodies bodies bodies!”

“How’s this?” Allie dives right in. “Fuck Adam, marry Jared, kill Chad. Am I right?”

Dylan’s nose wrinkles. “I would kill Jared. He was so annoying onGilmore Girls.”

“But he was Sam onSupernatural!” Rachel argues.

“Not as good as Jensen Ackles. Why wasn’t he in the mix?”

We’re about to devolve into arguing when I hold up my finger. “I have one we can do. It just came to me. Ready?” Everyonescoots around and nods. “Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke. Go!”

“Ew, kinky.” Allie wiggles her eyes. “Throwing a dad in the mix.”

“I know who you’re going to pick,” Dylan murmurs under her breath, and Allie shoves her side. “Oh, Zaddy…”

Dylan waggles her eyebrows, and Allie squeals. “Shut UP!”

“Time!” I hold up a finger. “Who’s with me?”

“It’s all on the line, Liv. MFK is the true test of friendship.”

“Fuck Taylor, kill Robert, marry Billy!” I toss my pen on the table, holding up both hands in triumph, but only Allie high-fives me.

“Seriously?” I study the group. “Who are you killing?”

“I killed Robert!” Rachel’s eyes are bright. “But I married Taylor.”

“He’s such a baby, though!” I argue. “Billy’s more mature.”

“He is not a baby, and I bet he’s got stamina. He’s a werewolf, after all.” Rachel’s smile is naughty, and Allie screams.

“Rachel is so kinky! First she wanted the pierced dick then she wanted Jason Momoa, and now she wants a werewolf. Does he change or stay in his wolf form when he takes you?”

Rachel’s cheeks flame. “I don’t know. Either way, it’s still him.”

“Okay, my turn.” Allie continues the game.

I lose track of time amidst all the laughing and screaming and arguing. They’re right about bonding over the game. I’ve had too much purple drink, Dylan’s weaving as she gets more snacks, and I’m really, fucking happy here. I’m so behind at work—I shudder to think what my desk will look like when I get back to Birmingham.

Then I exhale a sigh, wondering why I’d even go back to Birmingham.

Three phones buzz at once, and I look around to see Dylan, Rachel, and Allie tapping on their screens. Raven and I exchange a glance.

“Wow, I’ve had FOMO before, but this is kind of next level,” Raven laughs.

“Tell me about it. We are not cool.”

“Here,” Raven scoots around. “Give me your number, Liv, and I’ll text you.”

I lean forward with a little snort and hand it to her. She types in her number and quickly sends me a text. My phone lights up, and I grin when I look down and see what she sent.

Raven

You’re pretty. I bet you’re good at chess.

My fingers fly over the screen as I quickly reply.

You’re really good at the weather. I bet you know all the storm names.

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