Page 26 of Allison

“Okay, Russ, love you, bye.”

“Bye, sis, love you, too.” Worm ends the call feeling emotionally wiped out but glad he’d taken the time to check in with Amber. They’d both needed this. It’s been too long coming. He immediately goes online and makes her a therapy appointment, then forwards the information to her, his mom, and Leigh. He also adds a reminder to his phone so he can remind Amber about her appointment.

Now that he’s checked in with the family, he decides to order him and Allison dinner from theOlive Gardenand has it set to be delivered viaDoorDashat six. He is still feeling raw from his intense conversation with Amber, but doesn’t get to think much about it before there’s a knock on his door.

Virus is standing on the other side when he opens it. “You want to go out tonight?” Virus asks with a salacious grin on his face. “I thought we could go out to a bar. Maybe we can pick up some entertainment for the evening.” He waggles his eyebrows suggestively.

Worm shakes his head. “No, man, I have plans.” Virus frowns at him.

“What plans? Can I tag along?” he pleads. “I’m bored as fuck, dude. I need some action.”

“Sorry man, but I’m having dinner with Allison,” Worm informs him. “Why don’t you get Bull to go with you. I’m sure he’s bored, too.” Virus does a dramatic head roll, throwing his arms in the air.

“He’s up Susie Beth’s ass, just like you’re up Allison’s,” Virus complains. “I’m going to be the last man standing before long.”

“There’s Mercury,” Worm offers, helpfully. “He isn’t seeing anyone.” Virus groans.

“He’s worse than the settled down guys. He’s a horrible wingman,” Virus declares. “He isn’t very chatty to begin with, but put him in a bar with hot chicks and he’s a total loser. Come on, man. Help a brother out?”

“No can do,” Worm argues, “We can go down and hang for a couple of hours until my food arrives, but after that you’re on your own.” Virus gives him an eye roll that would rival one of Amber’s any day. “Sorry man, that’s all I’ve got for you.”

“Fine!” Virus snaps. “Let’s go get a drink.” Worm grabs his wallet, ensuring his keycard is inside before they step out into the hall. Virus grumbles under his breath, but walks with Worm to the elevators. They are joined by Bull and Mercury who are apparently headed downstairs, too.

“What’s up?” Worm asks the pair.

“I’m headed downstairs to convince Susie Beth she needs to have dinner with me,” Bull replies with a grin.

“I’m going to the hotel bar for some greasy food and a beer,” Mercury answers. “Where are you guys headed?”

“Same, at least until time to get my take-out order,” Worm informs them. “I’m having dinner in Allison’s room. She’s trying to avoid her nosey aunts this evening.”

“Looks like I'm going nowhere,”Virus grumbles. “You guys fucking suck! I hope you know that.” Worm and Bull laugh while Mercury just looks confused.

“You mean we’re going to get sucked,” Bull corrects with a smirk before Worm can comment. Virus turns with an incredulous look on his face.

“That’s uncalled for,” Virus growls. “No need to rub it in that you two are going to fuck the only single women in the group.” He mutters something else under his breath, but Worm can’t hear him.

The elevator arrives then and they all step inside. Worm should deny Virus’s accusation, but heishoping that’s what will happen. He isn’t in the habit of lying to his teammates, so he decides to keep quiet for now.

The men enter the hotel lounge, taking seats at the long, polished bar. While he has always enjoyed hanging out with the guys in the past, Worm is hoping the next couple of hours fly by.

18

ALLISON

Allison's legs feel weak like a newborn calf. Even though it’s been a while since she’d come like a wanton hussy on Russell’s hand, she hasn’t recovered yet. She’d left his room, slipping into her own to change into a bathing suit before heading down to the indoor pool.

A heavy sigh escapes her when she spots the group clustered around a couple of tables between rows of loungers. The cousins are clustered around Aunt Jenny and Aunt Lettie. The women are sitting next to one another, leaning in as they talk in a classic two old biddies gossiping position. One guess who they’re going on about. Straightening her spine and asking God for patience instead of strength so she doesn’t go to jail, she enters the humid room.

There’s a large, rectangular pool dominating most of the space with tables and loungers scattered along both long sides. In the far corner there’s a large round jacuzzi. This is where Emma and several of her friends are located. “Allison!” Emma waves her over.

Sparing a glance toward the area where her aunts are holding court, Allison hurries around the other side of the pool toward her cousin. She almost makes it but then, “Allison, dear!”

She closes her eyes for a beat, then plasters on a smile when she turns toward her aunt. “Come over here, please,” Aunt Jenny calls. Biting her lower lip, she changes direction and joins her aunts at their table.

“Are you feeling better?” Allison blinks at them in confusion. “Your mother said you weren’t feeling well and that’s why you haven’t been down here.”

“Yes, I’m feeling better,” Allison agrees.I would’ve felt better if Russell and I hadn’t been interrupted.She keeps this thought to herself.

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