Page 100 of Exes and O's

“Believe it or not, Trevor helped with the cardboard construction. I did the painting,” I respond, setting the bundle of balloons in the corner of the room. I do my best to mask the somber look on my face as I mention Trevor.

“Where is Uncle Trev?” Angie asks. She tilts her head to see how far her braided wig extends to the ground.

“He’ll be here soon. He’s always early,” Payton guarantees, turning to me. “Thank you, by the way. For everything,” she adds.

“Don’t mention it. Honestly, I love parties. I told Trevor I’ll plan her party every year... if this one is up to Angie’s standards,” I tease, my voice cracking at the possibility of not being in their lives a year from now. Surely it would be strange for me to continue visiting Angie if Trevor and I are no longer a thing.

“No. It’s more than just the party,” Payton assures me. “Thank you for all the visits. And for keeping Trevor sane. He’s usually a nervous wreck whenever he visits her. More nervous than Angie, even. But you calm him somehow.” She glances at her daughter, and then back to me. “I’ve never seen him like this. Ever.”

I eye her sideways, hoisting the frying pan under my arm. “What do you mean?”

“He’s been sick over you, truly,” she responds.

“Who’s been sick?” Angie asks, her dark eyes darting back and forth between us.

“Uncle Trevor. He’s in love with Tara,” Payton explains, far too casually.

I nearly choke on my own saliva. Apparently, I’m the only one caught off guard by this statement, because Angie just rolls her eyes like this is last week’s news. “Oh. I already knew that.”

I’m about to launch into an interrogation when Angie’s stare moves past my face, over my shoulder. Her expression brightens instantly.

“Ange,” a deep warning voice grumbles.

Behind me is Trevor. In his Flynn Rider costume, filling out the vest and beige pants like a fantasy come to life. Except better, somehow. The tattoos embellishing his sinewed forearms peek from underneath hastily rolled shirtsleeves. I note that the buttons on his vest are buttoned unevenly, as if he didn’t bother checking his reflection in the mirror before leaving the apartment.

Similar to cartoon Flynn Rider, he’s generally disheveled. His hair is messy, like he’s raked his hand through it one too many times. His eyes are bloodshot, in desperate need of a good night’s rest. I idly wonder if he got any sleep at all last night.

Despite his obvious fatigue, his eyes still manage to ensnare mine, and the overwhelming sight sends my body into a state of shock. I’m at risk of flatlining from his mere proximity.

I barely register when Angie scolds him, ordering him to refer to her as “Rapunzel.”

Trevor gives her a cocksure smile. “MissRapunzel, are you gonna let down your hair for me or what?”

Angie giggles and points in my direction. “Nah. But Belle might.”

He swallows, tentative when he spots the piñata and accompanying cast-iron skillet in my hands. “Erm, I’m not so sure. Belle may prefer to bash my face in with cookware.”

I raise my free hand to proclaim innocence. “I’m not in a violent mood, lucky for you.”

He laughs. “That’s a relief.”

I’m not sure where to go from here, but under Payton and Angie’s watchful eyes, I’m feeling hella uncomfortable and paranoid they’ll sense the rift between us. Maybe it’s best to avoid him until the party is over. “Sorry, I’ve gotta set up the piñata,” I say, gathering the sides of my dress to walk away.

Trevor’s fingers clasp my wrist before I can make my escape. “Wait.”

When I stop, he releases my wrist, running a hand over the back of his neck.

I study him, waiting.

“God, I’m really fucking bad at this.” His honey eyes meet mine, sincere and earnest.

I can’t help but laugh. “Which part?”

He lifts both palms to the ceiling as Payton shuffles Angie awayto greet guests, granting us some privacy in front of the cardboard tower. “All of it. I’m trying to grand gesture you. For the second time. And I’m trying not to make an ass of myself.”

I wait for him to continue.

“I’m so sorry for ruining your night last night. That was never my intention. I had this whole perfect surprise planned out and it just... went to shit.”

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