Page 14 of The One for Me
“Never!”
There is nothing she hates more than being tickled. “Say uncle!”
Devney laughs so hard tears are coming from her eyes as I continue my assault. “Aunt!” she yells.
I love that no matter what, giving in isn’t a part of her makeup.
I take that as her version of a truce, and all three of us lie on the ground, facing the sky. I can’t remember the last time I played like this. Each time I’ve seen Connor, I’ve spent time with Hadley, but she’s usually forcing me to a tea party or play with dolls in the tree house that my brother built.
Not just . . . playing.
“I hate you,” Devney says after a few moments of silence.
“You’ll get over it. You always do.”
I turn to look at her, and she does the same. There’s an easy smile on her lips. I worried that, when we were together again, it would be awkward. It was the last thing I wanted to be true.
There’s only been one time when we haven’t been on speaking terms, and that was in fifth grade when she told Marley Jenkins that I liked her. I didn’t, but she chased me for weeks.
“I got over it because she started to like Jacob and irritate him.”
Devney smirks, knowing exactly what I’m talking about. “I put that in motion too.”
“You’re a whole world of trouble, Devney Maxwell. A whole world of it.”
Austin sits up. “Are you going to come to my practice tonight?”
I forgot the kid was here. Jesus, how easy it is to get lost in her eyes.
I face Austin. “Would you like me to?”
“Of course!”
“Then consider it done.”
Austin jumps up. “I have to go tell Dad!”
And now, it’s just Devney and me.
She tucks the stray hair that fell from her braid behind her ear and leans on her arm. “You have no idea how much he likes you.”
“I think it’s a Maxwell thing. You are all drawn to my undeniable charm.”
“Oh please.” She scoffs. “The only thing undeniable about you is that you think you’re charming. Spoiler alert, you’re not.”
“I’ve always been able to tell when you’re lying. Which it seems you were before.”
“What did I lie about?”
“You told me that you couldn’t talk on the phone because Austin had a game.”
Her eyes widen and she lets out a nervous laugh. “I meant practice.”
“Did you?”
I think there’s more to it, and I’m going to push her a little.
“Obviously.”
