Page 63 of Neighbors With Benefits

“I’ll try!”

Returning a Pickleball shot was hard enough, let alone trying to aim it to a small target. But after a few points, Bash hit a perfect shot to the far left side of the court—to Kayleigh’s backhand. She returned the shot just fine… but winced in pain after.

They’re right, I realized.

Bash and I did our best to hit every shot over there. Sure enough, her returns became weaker and weaker. She started cursing. And the crowd was on our side, clapping every time we scored—while remaining silent when the Schultinators won a point.

We won the second game, 11-8. The crowd erupted in cheers, which caused Kayleigh to roll her eyes and sneer at the spectators.

For the third game, she moved even farther to the left so she could return everything with her forehand. But that left the middle of the court open, allowing Bash to hit winners right down the middle.

“You need to get those,Bob.”

“I can’t when you’re playing so far over,Kayleigh,” he snapped back.

Bash and I shared a private smile while they argued.

She moved back over and tried to hit backhanded again, but the shots were weaker than ever. After one particularly bad shot, she cradled her elbow and walked over to the corner of the court to retrieve the ball, taking her time. It took all of my willpower not to mimic the crying gesture we had seen in the semifinals.

Eventually, we were winning 10-6. It was match point. Bash handed me the ball, put his arm around my waist, and leaned in to whisper: “You got this, Jazz.”

But when we looked up, the Schultinators were walking off the court.

“It’s only ten-to-six,” Bash called. “We still have a point left.”

“This isbullshit,” Kayleigh said, tossing her paddle across the court. “It’s bad sportsmanship to exploit someone’s injury.”

“If you don’t get back in thirty seconds,” Bash announced with a grin, “If you don’t hurry up, I’m going to have the official disqualify you!”

The crowd laughed, and the Schultinators flipped everyone off and walked straight off the court and into the parking lot. The official came over and called it.

We had won!

23

Jazz

The crowd cheered like it was the end of the Super Bowl. Bash spun around to grin at me, and then started jogging in my direction. Somehow, I knew exactly what he wanted to do, so I jogged toward him. When we reached each other, we both jumped into the air, bumping chests. That made the spectators cheer even louder.

“I can’t believe we beat the Schultinators,” Bash said, wrapping me in his sweaty arms and squeezing me tightly. “Aiden and I always lose to them.”

I clung to his hard, strong body. He was as sturdy as a brick wall. “I can’t believe I won my first tournament! I’m undefeated!”

“Time to retire while you’re on top,” he said.

“Screw that! I want to win the next tournament, too!”

We collected our trophy, ordered beers, and joined Cat at one of the tables inside. “That was amazing! You two are such a good team!” she said.

Bash pointed at her. “You’re the enlightened bisexual, right?”

Cat beamed at me. “I like him. He trulyseesme.”

“I may have told him about you.”

“I’m glad tales of my glory are being spread far and wide.”

“Thanks for coming out to cheer us on,” Bash said. “And thanks for letting me borrow Jazz. I know you two had plans.”

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