Page 46 of A Game Of Love

My brows furrow. “What do you mean?”

“Well, over the summer, he was here with Bishop. They were arguing, and I overheard them say something about how you and Toby weren’t friends anymore. That's so sad.”

Is she for real?I’ve just sat down, and this is what she’s choosing to talk about.

“Ahh, I’m not sure what was said back then, but Toby and I are just fine now that I’m attending SVU.”

Her face falls, the fake pitying look gone. “Oh. That's... good.” She laughs forcefully.

Bee gives her cousin a strange look, then looks back at me. I just shrug because I have no idea what that was about.

Izzy gets my attention, and I spend the next five minutes talking to her about school and my courses.

“Burgers are done!” a deep male voice shouts.

My head looks up, seeing Bishop’s father and his little brother, Robert, coming over to the table with plates piled with meat.

When he sees me, his face breaks out into a grin. “Lillianna!” he cheers in a joyful booming voice.

I smile, getting up from my seat. “Hello, Romeo,” I call him by his first name, because while he prefers most people to call him Sergeant Grant, that doesn’t extend to family. And just like his son said, he also considers me family.

He gives me fun-uncle vibes, always smiling and joyful. At least around the women in his life. Including me.

“Come, come. Give me a hug,” he says, placing the plate down and opening his arms.

Laughing, I make my way around the table and step into his open arms.

“How are you, my dear?” he asks, holding me at arm's length to get a good look at me.

“I’m good.”

People behind us start making their steaks and Romeo pulls me to the side. “It’s been a while since you’ve been here. It’s good to have you back.”

Guilt creeps up. I’ve never not been welcome here. The reason I've stopped coming over was because these get-togethers normally included Toby. And seeing how things were always awkward when we were in the same room, I chose to stay away.

“It’s good to be back. Sorry, it’s been a while.”

“So.” He stands back, crossing his arms.

“So?” I smile, raising a brow.

He lets out a huff. “Have you put my boy out of his misery yet?”

Rolling my lips together, I bite down to hide the smile.

His eyes widen. “You have?” I nod my head. He claps his hands together. “About damn time.”

“What is about damn time?” Bishop’s mom, Ari, asks as she steps outside, bowls of salads in her hands. She sees me and smiles. “Lilly, my love. I’m so happy you're here.”

She places the food down and pulls me into a tight hug.

“Looks like our boy has himself a girl. That's what’s about damn time.” Romeo laughs.

Ari pulls back, eyes wide. “He has!” she asks, spinning around to see Bishop, who’s right behind her. “You have a girlfriend? When were you going to tell me?”

“Yes.” Bishop grins. “And ahh, now?”

“Well, who?!” Ari demands.

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