Page 64 of Icing the Enemy

“But seriously, thanks for the advice,” I say as a chuckle rolls out. Then I yell, “Time to eat.”

And we all settle around long card tables with white tablecloths with vases of summer flowers down the center. Layla sits in my lap, and Levi sits in Oakley’s. He’s become attached to her in just one day, and I know exactly how he feels. It’s how I felt at Buc-ee’s.

Mamaw got a sudden burst of good health and made the trip. I wasn’t sure I would see her again when I left Kentucky a month ago. She pats my leg and says, “Sugarbear, you don’t know what it means to me to see you happy. I can die a happy woman now.”

“You look healthy as a horse. Now you have to live to see Vance married.” Keep giving Mamaw something to live for, and she'll damn well fight.

A few minutes later, we’re playing six on six volleyball. I can’t take my eyes off Oakley and her bright smile, but I go up to spike the ball over the net, and my shoulder pinches. I wince in pain, and Oakley runs under the net to my side. I ask John to take my place. “Oakley, you keep playing. I’m just going to get my ice pack out of the kitchen.”

“Are you positive?”

“Yeah, go have fun. I’ll be watching.”

I find the dry ice pack and on my way out, I overhear Becca’s phone conversation. “I’m sorry, but I can’t be in a loveless marriage. Just sign the papers.”

What? Becca’s getting a divorce? Did I hear her wrong? Is she talking about herself or a client? She walks out onto the main level patio, and I wait for her to put her phone down. She slumps onto the outdoor couch with sigh that sounds as heavy as lead..

“Hey, what’s going on? I didn’t mean to eavesdrop but are you and Dennis having trouble?” As soon as it comes out of my mouth, it occurs to me that he hasn’t been around much.

She strains to talk through her tears as she shakes her head.

“What happened?” I ask as I sling my arm around her shoulder and draw her into me. “Shh… it’ll be okay.” I rub her arm, hoping to comfort her and wait until she’s ready to speak. Becca’s always been determined to do everything on her own. She’s successful in everything she does because he never gives up, kind of like Mamaw.

“I don’t think we’ve been happy since the beginning.” She slurps up her words and uses my shirt to wipe her tears. “It was fun at first, both being ‘corporate.’” She uses finger quotes. “We were always going to swanky restaurants with friends. But a month or so ago, when we went out, and you went with us, he didn't even try to have sex. And when I put on lingerie and tried to… he shot me down. We had a few drinks, so it should have loosened us up for a sexy night. But he has no interest in me. That part of our life has always been subpar.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“The stolen car, jail, the agreement, the marriage license. Should I go on? You always carry the family on your shoulders, and I just didn’t want to add to your worries. I’m sorry if I came off like I don’t like Oakley. I just don’t want you to go througha divorce because I know how it feels even if you’re not in love. Like me, I’m not in love with Dennis anymore, but that doesn’t make it any easier. I feel like a failure.”

“Does Oakley know about you getting a divorce? I caught you in deep conversations a few times today.”

She nods.

“Listen, you’re entitled to be happy. We both should be happy, and as soon as I get a few hours alone with Oakley, I’m going to lay my cards on the table. Putting my heart on the line is scary as shit, but if you need me, I’ll be here for you.”

My sister lays her head on my shoulder, and we just watch the volleyball game below. “Let’s go doubles in ping-pong with Isaiah and Vance. You up for it?”

We grab them and pretty soon, there’s a huge tournament going on. Becca and I beat our brothers, then our parents, then Brooke and Reed almost take us down, but we win the final point. Then Oakley and John ask to play, and I know they’re both competitive, so this could be our last hurrah. John played all of the time at the hockey plex in college. Ping-pong is great for hand-eye coordination, which means it’s good for hockey players and tracking the puck in a fast-paced environment.

Soon, everyone is inside the basement, watching a little white ball bouncing back and forth at breakneck speed. Oakley slams it to my corner, and I slam it back until she finally hits it to Becca. But ultimately, John and Oakley win the longest ping-pong game in the history of my house.

The guys and I head to the man cave to watch the Frozen Four Championship we won when I was a sophomore, Bryce was a senior; Dawes, Reed, John, and Flynn were juniors. I got into the game for three minutes, but watching it back, I’m amazed I played at all since these guys are next level.

Bryce, Reed, and their wives have to head to the private airport and say their goodbyes. Becca offers to take John tothe commercial airport where he’ll be flying first class. “Hey, everybody can’t be as rich as those two,” John says. “Congrats again, Shearer. Hope I’m half as lucky one day.”

“Thanks, I’ll see ya during the season.”

As we finish saying good night to the rest of my family, I glance at Oakley and ask, “You ready for bed?”

“You gave my room away.”

I smile and give her a reassuring smile. "No, you belong in my room with me." Without any hesitation, she follows me as we make our way upstairs, our hands linked together, hooked by the pads of our fingers.

Once we reach my room, Oakley goes into the guest room to retrieve her pajamas and Dixie's crate. She brings them back into my room and gets ready for bed. She settles into a spot on the bed as far away from me as possible.

I pull back the down comforter and slide in. Her head is pointed in the other direction so I ask as my hand skims her silky smooth arm, “Can I hold you tonight?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

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