Page 66 of Play to Win

“I can’t believe we’re having this conversation.”Aline looks to the ceiling.

“A penis isn’t exactly a symbol of strength,” Everly adds.“It may be strong and powerful, but it only lasts for a few minutes.”

“You’ve obviously been with the wrong men,” Théo says, earning laughs.

I nod in support of his stamina, although I sadly have no personal knowledge of it.

The tension has eased a little, but not for long.

“Anyway, I mean it,” Théo says.“JP and Emma’s relationship is their own business.I just hope they’re as happy together as Lacey and I are.”And he leans over to kiss my cheek.I flash him what I hope looks like a loving glance and briefly rest my head on his shoulder.But my insides burn at the thought that Théo’s heart was broken by his brother and the woman he loved—loves?Ugh.

“Aw,” says Everly, but she’s smiling.

Théo stands.“If everyone’s done, JP and I will clear the table.”He shoots his brother a stern look.JP pushes back his chair.

“I’ll get the desserts.”Aline rises too.

Everyone pitches in and I plant myself in front of the dishwasher to help also, until we’re all back in the dining room.

“Did you make all these, too?”I ask Aline, surveying the assortment of sweets on the sideboard.

“No.”She smiles wryly.“I love cooking, but I hate baking.These are from La Belle Madeleine.”

I have no idea what that is, but it sounds lovely.I take a selection of treats—something chocolate, a mini apple pie, and a pretty cookie.I love sweets.

Aline offers coffee and more wine.She’s trying so hard to make this a nice evening.

Then everyone moves back to the living room.Aline shoos people away from the kitchen, telling us to relax.Like that’s possible with this group.Théo takes a seat in a big armchair and tugs me down with him.There’s room enough for both of us, but it’s ...cozy.I catch Emma’s unhappy expression.

Okay, what the fuck is up with that?She’s here with JP.She cheated on Théo with JP.Does she still want Théo?Does she wantbothof them?This is pissing me off.

Also I’ve had a lot of wine.

“I think we’ll go soon,” Théo says in a low voice near my ear.“Not sure I can handle much more of this.”

“I know what you mean.Holy crap.”This was crazier than I imagined.

“Gonna use the bathroom before we go.Be right back.”He sets his empty glass on the small table beside the chair.

Everly, sitting near me on the couch, leans over.“It’s good to meet you,” she says to me with a smile.“Théo seems really happy with you.”

I’m not sure what to say to that.“Thanks.”

“We didn’t know he’d even been seeing anyone,” she continues.“Which is why we were all so surprised.I hope we didn’t make you feel uncomfortable.”

“This whole evening made me feel uncomfortable,” I say without thinking.

She laughs, shaking her head.“You’re not the only one.No wonder we’re all single.None of us want to bring anyone into this madness.Théo’s got guts.”

If she only knew the truth.I shift in the chair and drain the last of my wine.“You know, I’m going to find the bathroom too before we leave.”

Everly points the direction Théo went, down a hall.

I hike across the big room and turn down the hall, then stop dead.

Emma and Théo are standing in the dimly lit hall, close together, their faces nearly touching.She has her hand on his chest.

My stomach clutches and my breathing arrests.I put a hand on the wall beside me to steady myself.It feels like time freezes and this moment goes on and on.My head empties.

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