Page 25 of Love is a Game

His rogue suggestion that we could be more than what we are—more than what we’ve always been—undermines everything I thought we had together.

I thought what we had was different. Safe. Something separate from the expectations and inevitable unraveling of romantic games and tactics. But if he sees me like every other woman in his life, then maybe I was wrong.

And that terrifies me more than losing him ever should.

Chapter 9

Tuck

The big Texan guy beside me eyes the plate of crumbed lamb.

“Mind if I take that?”

“Sure.” I nod. “Go for it.”

Then I lean back from the lavish table spread, letting my gaze drift down the long communal table to where Pen’s deep in conversation.

“No way—” her voice lifts excitedly, face angled against the light. “I saw that production three times, just to take in all the costumes. That wasyoubehind it?” she gushes to the sleek-haired woman across from her.

We’re a couple of courses into dinner at Brady’s new restaurant, Lucky Bunny, which marks his big departure from the LA scene to open up shop back here in our old hometown. By all accounts, business is thriving.

Three long tables stretch across the room, all packed with guests. The food is heartier than Brady’s city endeavors—homely, rustic, rich with flavor. The whole place buzzes with conversation, wine flowing, plates being passed, bursts of laughter, and clinking glasses.

I figure this is what Pen needs after today—a room full of happy people, good food…nourishment in every form. A welcome distraction from funeral arrangements.

But still, her enthusiasm feels a little too dialed up. And there’s something in her eyes each time they flick toward me—something I can’t quite place.

Not that she’s looking at me that much.

She positioned herself two seats away on the opposite side of the table. Meanwhile, I’m wedged between the loud Texan and one of the local Kingsley brothers—the younger one—who’s so infatuated with the woman Pen’s talking to that he’s either staring at her, slack-jawed, or rambling to me about how cool she is.

“Misha was the Head of Wardrobe on the production they’re talking about,” he informs me between mouthfuls of spicy beef goulash. “And it’s up for a Tony for Best Costume Design in a Musical. How incredible is that?”

“Amazing,” I nod.

“She also has her own business in upcycled fashion. She’s saved, like, a thousand tons of clothing from landfill.”

“How about that?” I mumble, reaching for my wine.

No wonder Pen is vibing with Misha. They’re both personally invested in trying to save the planet. I should be glad to see her so animated, but I suspect that’s more to do with the flowing red wine and pre-dinner margaritas.

Funny—I rarely see Pen connect with other women. She’s close to her studio team and industry people, of course. But outside that circle, real friendships seem few and far between.

Sometimes I wonder if that has something to do with her mother, absent father, or a specific childhood trauma.

But even though Pen sure doesn’t like to dwell on the past, she burst into laughter when Brady greeted us with his old, ridiculous catchphrase the moment we walked into the restaurant.

“We ride at dawn!”

We used it whenever we locked in a plan—whether it was grade school antics like greasing the monkey bars, relieving high school boredom by pulling the fire alarm, or a signal to bail on a dead party and regroup at the nearest bar during our early city days.

Brady’s dramatic delivery only made it funnier, startling the hell out of his cooking class participants as he pummeled the air and bellowed his war cry.

Then he rushed over—all bear hugs and instructions to grab a drink, join the crowd for dinner, and be ready for a proper catch-up after he was done with service.

It was classic Brady, total off-the-wall energy. But, admittedly, more restrained than the times I’d visit him in LA. Back when he was up for anything and never switched off. He went harder than anyone, and as a hot-shot celebrity chef, the temptations were endless.

But that’s all changed. He’s fallen for someone—Vivian. A woman from his past who not only helped him tame his demons but also came with a surprise package:hiskid. The one Brady had no clue about.

---