Page 56 of Surviving in Everton

I think he’s excited to get back to his computer and be of some help. He walks back in carrying… who the fuck knows what. I’m quite certain it’snota laptop though!

“Setting up at the table, if that’s okay, Killer,” he tells Rowe as he walks by to the kitchen.

“That’s fine, West!” she calls to his back with a giggle.

“Killer?” Quinn raises her brow at Rowe.

Rowe just rolls her eyes, stands up and walks to the kitchen.

“The fuck is that about? And why are y’all not insanely jealous that another guy just called your girl a nickname?”

We all share a look, then burst out laughing. Oh, if she only knew. Quinn does not like us laughing and gives us all the evil eye, so we attempt to sober up, before she decides to retaliate.

“Sorry. We were, trust me. We just got over that blow up before you got called,” I admit.

“Well, what’s their deal then?” she grinds out as she fists her hands, digging her nails into her palms.

“Don’t know. She didn’t tell us. Just that they’re not having some wild love affair.” I shrug.

Quinn’s eyes blaze and she storms off. Looks like she’s jealous of Rowe. I think I want to see this, better go to the kitchen and watch the show. Guess I’m not the only one, because the guys all follow me, where we find West at the table, with a really fancy looking laptop, and Rowen and Quinn off to the side having what seems like a heated argument.

“Oh, don’t look at me like that, Quinn Mathews! You didn’t even know he existed!” I overhear Rowe hiss.

“So! Don’t you think you have enough guys? Leave some for the rest of us, damn!”

“I don’t know, he’s pretty hot. I wonder if the guys will let me add him to the group,” Rowe retorts and I’ve had about enough of that.

I don’t care what kind of stunt Rowe is trying to play, you don’t joke about shit like that. Declan stops me before I can reach them and pulls me back out to the hall.

“Calm down. She’s trying to make Quinn see what’s been in front of her all along. She doesn’t want to add him to our family. You know you have nothing to worry about,” he reassures me.

I run my hands through my hair, pulling at the ends. “I know that. I do. But damn that was still hard to hear.”

“I know, trust me. But I can read her mind, and feel her emotions, I know what she’s doin’. She never intended for her little game to hurt you, Nate. She feels like shit now, because she knows she upset you.”

I turn away from him and start pacing up and down the hallway. I know Rowe’s just doing this to make Quinn jealous so she’ll open her eyes and give West a chance. I don’t know why I’m freaking out like this. I’ve been entirely too fucking emotional lately. Getting pissed and flying off the handle for no real reason. I don’t understand what’s going on with me. Fuck, it’s been… I don’t know, a week, that I’ve been all over the place. Why… Ooooh. God I’m a fucking idiot!

“You’re not an idiot, Nate. We’ve all been under a lot of stress lately, with everything going on with Rowe, and everyone deals with stress differently. Why don’t you stay the night with Rowe tonight? I’m sure having some alone time together will help you settle, and knowing this could all be coming to an end tomorrow can only help,” Declan suggests.

“I’ll never turn down alone time with Rowe. If everyone’s okay with it, I’ll stay. I know I already stayed the night once and not everyone has yet. Hell, I don’t think poor Ayden has even slept with her yet!”

“Hmmm, well, looks like Ayden needs to step up his game.” Declan laughs then turns to head back into the kitchen.

I follow him and run into Hudson on the way.

“You good?” he asks me.

“Yeah, just feel like an idiot.” I shake my head.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself. This whole situation is nerve-racking. I think it’s taking a toll on all of us. Hell, I had a fucking break down with Rowe earlier.”

My eyes widen. I can’t believe Hudson just admitted that. He’s always so strong and put together. It’s hard to believe anything could rile him, but Rowen is our kryptonite.

“You okay with me staying the night tonight?” I cross my arms as I prepare for his response.

“Of course, I am. And you know the twins will be too. Rowen has a way of making shit better. I’m sure you’ll feel more yourself by the morning.” He pats my shoulder and we head back to the kitchen.

When I walk over to West, I hear him mumbling to himself. “What’s goin on, man?”

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