Page 58 of When You Had Me Adapting

“Lacey recommended one of the books in the series, so I started with book one,” Jace says. “I’m about to finish book two.”

“You’re reading the whole series?” I ask.

“Well yeah, you can’t read a series out of order and I haven’t made it to book six yet, so I hadn’t mentioned it.” My mind tries to wrap around what he’s admitted.

“This is a very sweet moment, but if I don’t take the answer up, then we’re going to lose. You sure he’s right, Lace?” Poppy asks.

I nod and watch as she puts a three next to our answer and then jumps up to turn in the question.

“If you need book recommendations, I’m sure I can give you a few you would actually enjoy,” Chris says.

“What makes you think I didn’t enjoy Lacey’s recommendations?” Jace argues.

“It’s a chick book. Is it not?”

“I wasn’t aware books were gender specific. You should read it,” Jace says and then throws a wink in my direction. I feel my cheeks blush and I instantly feel Chris’s hand on my knee. I shift my legs enough to make him pull away.I need to get a fucking grip.Jace is my ex. I’m dating Chris.

“It’s time for question number two, lovers. This time we are heading to the movies. This 2008 rom-com features Matthew and Kate as they get a second chance at love and look for buried treasure.”

“Fool’s Gold,” Logan and Poppy say simultaneously with a laugh. Poppy scribbles it down with a two and runs it up to the front.

“We’re so close to the cabin being ours,” Poppy says when she returns. We’re two for two.”

“Hell yeah!” Tanner high fives Jace and Logan.

“Alright, it’s time for our last category, music lovers. Once the final song ends, I will tally up the final scores. Good luck and now for your final question. This song topped the charts in 1974 and was later featured on the soundtracks forReservoir DogsandGuardians of the Galaxy.”

“Tanner, you watch Marvel movies. Do you have any idea what he’s talking about?” Jace asks.

“I think it’s “Hooked On A Feeling,” but I’m not positive. Does anyone else have an idea?”

“When does that play inGuardians of the Galaxy? I think you’re thinking of a different song,” Chris questions.

“No, I’m a huge Marvel fan. I’ve seen that movie at least thirty times. It definitely plays when they’re at the?—”

“Prison,” Wren finishes Tanner’s sentence.

“Exactly,” Tanner says, smiling at Wren.

Chris opens his mouth to say something and I interrupt him before he can. “Quick, Poppy, write it down and run it to the front. The song is almost over.” She does what I say and disappears.

“Well?” Chris asks when she returns.

“I’m not sure. He wouldn’t tell me.” We all sit in silence as the music fades from one song to the next and wait for our host to announce the winners.

After a few songs, Leonard is back on the mic and listing off the standings. He begins with tenth place and slowly moves up the list toward first. The tension at our table is palpable.

“In third place, Trivia Terminators.” The table to our left groans.

“Folks, it appears we have a two-way tie for first between Dink and Balls and Quiz Daddies.”

Our table and theirs erupt into cheers as everyone stands. Chris puts both of his arms up for a double high five and my hands find his. His fingers lace with mine and he pulls me in for a quick kiss. My head turns to find Jace’s eyes locked on me over the edge of his beer. His jaw tightens and his Adam’s apple bobs in his throat. If I didn’t know any better I would think he was jealous. I feel my face twist with confusion and I quickly try to hide it.

“Alright, settle down. Settle down. It’s time for the tie breaker. The final question is for our two first place teams only. You will have until the song ends to get me your answer. If you both answer correctly, then the winning team will be whoever gets their answer to me first. Are you ready?”

There’s a pause as everyone settles back into their chairs and waits for the question. Most of the other teams have left, but a few still remain watching to see who takes home the grand prize.

“Your category is rare wildlife.”

---