Page 82 of Of Pranks and Passion

“Hello?”

“Oh, Easton! Hi! Gary said you were busy.”

“I was in the shower. Did you need something?”

She giggled, though the noise sounded forced and irritating. “I’m sorry I missed it,” she purred.

I wasn’t in the mood to play this game with her, and my voice may have been a little gruff when I asked, “Was there something you needed?”

She faltered for a second before perking up again. “I was wondering if you had time to meet now that you two were back from visiting family? My parents are sad they missed you for the holidays and want to have dinner to make up for it. Are you busy tonight?”

Missed me. Not Gary. They didn’t even care that he wasn’t there for the holidays. These assholes were worse than my bio mom. At least she had her sober days where she was nice to me.

Tired of this dragging out, I agreed with a growl. “Fine. I can manage an hour tonight. Not dinner, though. I’m taking Gary out for a date. Does five work?”

“Only an hour?” she whined. It was cuter when Gary did it.

“I’m a little busy right now, Britney. If that doesn’t work, then we can revisit this another time.”

“It’s Brienna,” she said with a huff. “And fine. Five works. I’ll text you the address. Can I talk to Gary? We were discussing something.”

“No. He’s busy. I’ll have him text you when he can.” Which was fucking never. I seriously considered having him block heragain. She was more interested in getting to me right now than him. They didn’t need to be in contact.

I hung up before she could argue, tucking my phone away, but didn’t head inside immediately. I was pissed, and I didn't want to take that out on Gary.

“You know, when I saw you in that restaurant, it really looked like you were interested,” Angel commented. He was standing outside the door, his arms crossed and his expression thoughtful. “You’re hard to read, even to those of us who know you well. How much do you want to bet she’s going to try to seduce you once she gets you alone?”

“She can fucking try,” I growled.

He tipped his head slightly. “Why not let her?”

My brows furrowed. “What?”

“I mean, you let her think she had a chance at the restaurant and then stomped all over it. If you acted more aloof to Gary, not so possessive, she might let her guard down and say something to incriminate herself. If we record the conversations between you and her, you could have added insurance that she’d leave him alone once you’re done with this little charade.”

I didn’t appreciate the charade comment, but I liked his idea. “What did you have in mind?”

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

EASTON

“I really appreciateyou coming all the way here,” Mrs. Nelson tittered, hovering around me while I took off my winter coat. I changed into a stupid suit for this, which was more than a little annoying. But I had to play the game. And the breast pocket of the suit jacket had a slim recorder in it that Angel gave me so we could record the whole thing.

“It’s fine.”

“I know Brienna said you had dinner plans, but I made a little something in case you’re hungry. I hope you don’t mind. Feeding people is how I show I care.”

I bit my tongue to stop myself from asking why Gary was so thin then. She obviously didn't love him enough to feed him well. After a few months of being fed by Coach, he was finally putting on weight, and muscle thanks to the workouts we did together. Gary’s parents had no part in getting him healthy.

Mr. Nelson was in the dining room. He was wearing a cheap suit, like he’d just come home from work, and it clung to his rounded belly like the buttons were going to burst. Seriously,how did Gary come from these people? His mom wasn’t any better.

“Mr. Warner. It’s nice to see you.” Mr. Nelson stood and offered me his hand, wincing when I shook it a little too roughly. I was pissed off. Sue me.

“Please, sit. I’ll bring out some drinks,” Mrs. Nelson suggested, smiling. “We’re just waiting on Brienna. She should be almost done getting ready by now.” She hurried out of the room, probably to go find her daughter. I wasn’t staying here past the hour I promised. Me and the guys were going to get Gary high and take him mini golfing. The last time we did that as a group, Chuckles nearly pissed himself he was laughing so hard. Gary was even funnier when he was high. It would be awesome to watch.

Brienna came downstairs and into the room in what was probably supposed to be a dramatic fashion. She looked ready for a night working the street corner in a tiny dress that was practically see through that ended at her upper thighs and sky high heels. Was this what some people found attractive? Because it wasn’t really my thing. Gary didn’t have to dress or act like a whore to get me to want him. He just had to give me that heated look and bite his lip. Hell, he just had to be in the room, and I wanted him.

“Easton! You’re here!” Brienna exclaimed, flouncing over to my side. Manners dictated that I stand, but when discussing the plan with Angel, I warned him I wouldn’t be able to pull that off for long periods. Pretending to be nice for her for one conversation was one thing. The wedding wasn’t for months. I couldn’t keep up that charade for that long. Angel suggested all around aloofness. Gold diggers probably wouldn’t complain, since they wanted the money more than the relationship itself.

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