Page 101 of Reckless

Ugh, I need to get out of here. I always revert to a teenager when I’m around myfamily.

Of course, it takes ten years to clean up after the party—thanks, cuz, for not helping with that—hug everyone, and trudge to mycar.

By the time I reach Ethan’s gravel driveway, I’m in desperate need of an alcoholic beverage, preferably something so strong you can light it on fire, especially when I see Allison’s sleek black Lexus parked in front of thehouse.

Motherfuckity.

I consider backing out, but she’s standing on the porch with Ethan and the kids, and they seeme.

When I catch the time on the dashboard clock, I let out a curse.Why didn’t I realize I might run into her? It’s Sunday evening, the time I usually hide from theharpy.

When they shift around, probably as bewildered why I’m showing up now as I am, I’m startled by how much they look like a family. All beautiful and tan with dirty-blonde hair and big, blue eyes, the kind of perfect people you see glossing the covers of magazines in the grocerystore.

Reluctantly, I park my junker next to her import, and it rushes through me—how much I hate this comparison. I’ll never be Allison with her designer clothes and French manicures. I know Ethan doesn’t care about that stuff, but it’s hard to feel confident next to someone who looks like his exdoes.

With a quick glance in the rearview mirror to make sure I don’t have raccoon eyes, I smooth down my sundress and slide out of the car.Hey,I tell myself.At least this time I’m wearing underwear, and I’m not half-naked and hungover in the back of Ethan’struck.

Ah, gallowshumor.

Ethan’s attention zeroes in on me like a shaft of sunlight. His eyes connect with mine, travel down my dress, pausing on my cleavage, dip down to my legs, and make a slow lift back to my face. I can’t help but smile athim.

“Hey,guys.”

The kids immediately grab my legs and try to scale me like amountain.

Allison huffs, ignoring me altogether. “Can I invite my parents ornot?”

Ethan shifts awkwardly, running a hand over his scruffy chin. “Didn’t think y’all would want to come,honestly.”

Her chest heaves. “You thought I’d miss my own kid’s birthdayparty?”

“I thought you’d do something for Cody with your family.” His voice is calm despite the hellishly awkward vibe in theair.

“That’s stupid, Ethan. I should bring my parents here for your party. There’s no point in doing separate events for a two-year-old who won’t even remember it. They could use something cheerful since my grandfather justpassed. ”

Her shrill voice makes Mila’s bottom liptremble.

I hate interjecting, but Mila’s two seconds from crying, and if she cries, Cody might join her, especially since he’s tired and rubbing his eyes. “Can I take the kidsinside?”

“No. You cannot takemykids inside,” Allisonbarks.

Ethan places a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Actually, hon, do me a favor and take the kids to the diner for some ice cream.” He pulls out his wallet and hands me a twenty-dollarbill.

It’s obvious he doesn’t want Mila and Cody to witness the showdown happening here. I’ve already told Ethan I’m not comfortable driving his truck, but this is probably his way of not contradicting Allison while still protecting the children.He’s such a good guy. He tries so hard.I barely refrain from shooting Allison a dirty look.How could she not want thisman?

“I don’t have car seats in my—” I motion toward my rust heap, and I swear Allison’s eyetwitches.

“Take the truck.” He’s reaching for his keys, and I’m shaking my head no, and Mila’s yanking on mydress.

No, no, no.I can’t explainwhyI shouldn’t drive them in front of Allison, not when she’s looking at me like I might infect her with theplague.

But Ethan opens my palm and makes me take the keys. “Please.”

Oneword.

That’s all he has to say for my resolve to wane, but I have a sinking suspicion his conversation with Allison was going fine until I showed up, so I want to help him however Ican.

“Sure.Yeah.”

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