Page 64 of Perfectly Grumpy

“Now, the rules for the water balloon toss are pretty straightforward,” Karen says, picking up a water-filled balloon. “Every time you catch a water balloon, you take a step back. If you don’t catch it, you and your partner are out. The last couple must complete one last throw before we proclaim them the winners. When the competition is over, the remaining balloons in the tub are up for grabs in a free-for-all.”

I lean toward Tate. “I have a good feeling about this one. Your whole job is dealing with a slippery little puck.”

“You know a hockey puck isn’t like a water balloon,” he says. “The toss is the key element here.”

“I know. But you’re good at everything that involves physics.”

He looks over at Bart and Abby. “How good are they?”

“Abby was a volleyball player in high school, so she’s a naturalat anything that involves hand-eye coordination. And Bart was an all-star football player.”

Aunt Karen blows her whistle again. “All right, everyone! I want even lines and no cheating.”

As we move into place, Bart and Abby line up right next to us.

“What are you doing over here?” I ask, my annoyance barely contained. There’s no way this isn’t part of their plan.

Bart gives Tate a look. “Just wanted to make sure you don’t cheat.”

I huff out a laugh. “Do you know what Tate’s nickname is?Sheriff.Because he actually enjoys following rules.”

“I was talking about you,” Bart says with a smug look before turning to select a water balloon.

“Ignore him,” Tate mouths to me.

I choose our water balloon, trying to ignore the way Bart winks at Abby, wishing her good luck and giving her a kiss on the cheek, which I’m sure is all for me.

When Karen blows her whistle, I toss the balloon to Tate, who easily catches it. His focus is completely dialed in, just like when he’s playing hockey.

On the first toss alone, most of the children are eliminated. This is by far the easiest game of the week, but it doesn’t mean it’s a guaranteed win. And Bart clearly has a strategy: to shake my confidence and make me lose focus.

Bart casually tosses the balloon back to Abby. “So, Tate, has Lauren dragged you to her PR events yet? Fair warning, though. She’ll choose work over you every time.”

Tate barely spares Bart a glance. “Yeah? Funny, I’ve never had a problem with her priorities. It’s actually one of the things I admire most about her. Some men might feel threatened by a woman with ambition. I find it attractive.”

Bart keeps his focus on the water balloon coming toward him. “She still wake up in the worst mood ever?”

My fingers tighten around the balloon, and I wishmore than ever I could chuck it at Bart’s head just a little harder than necessary. It would be so satisfying to nail him between the ears.

Tate doesn’t miss a beat. “Nah, she’s a delight every morning. So cuddly, practically glows with joy—like sunshine.” He gives me a little glance.

Bart glances at me before he goes for the kill. “Youdoknow about her intimacy issues, right?”

Heat floods my cheeks. The “intimacy issue” he’s referring to was that I couldn’t bring myself to kiss someone I felt absolutely nothing for. Every time he leaned in, it felt like I was forcing myself to go through the motions.

The balloon is mid-air when he says it, and I completely lose focus. It bounces off my fingertips before it hits the ground, soaking my feet in a cold splash of water.

I freeze, staring down at the grass before I turn to Bart. “You did that on purpose.”

The pleasure on his face is obvious. “Whatever it takes to win. That’s what you told me at the last reunion.”

I did tell him that, but only because I wanted to win for Mom. She loved these ridiculous games more than anything, and I would’ve done anything to see her victory smile one more time.

Tate walks toward me, never taking his eyes off me. When he gets close, he doesn’t say anything, just wraps his arms around me, pulling me in for a hug. Then he brings his lips close to my ear. “We finished second. That’s good, Sunny. Don’t let Bart ruin the fun.”

Aunt Karen holds up a hand. “Bart and Abby, you have one last toss to claim the top spot.”

“Don’t try any of those ridiculous show-off moves,” Abby warns him.

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