Page 33 of Over the Moon

“It all comes back to pickleball.” Rafe barked out a laugh.

“How do you assess who’s a better player? I’m one of the strongest dudes out there,” Clark said, and I chuckled at how defensive he was about it.

“It’s not like he said I was a better hockey player,” I said over my laughter.

“She’s correct. Although, I haven’t seen you play yet, Eloise.” Easton winked at me. “Clark, you’re good, but you tend to hit it out of bounds a lot. You use a little too much force. It’s all about finessing it over the net.”

Clark rolled his eyes and flipped Easton the bird.

“What’s that mean, Unc-ee?” Melody asked, staring down at her own fingers now.

“Well played.” Archer raised a brow at Clark. “Let’s not teach her every horrid thing we’ve got in our arsenal all at once, yeah?”

More laughter.

Like I said, this family was entertaining.

We finished up dinner, and everyone helped clear the table. The guys all jumped in and did the dishes while Ellie and Isabelle got dessert on the table.

Once we finished up, I joined Lulu and Henley for a glass of wine out on the patio.

It meant a lot to me that they’d invited me here. I hadn’t expected to feel so welcomed. So relaxed. My stomach hurt from how much I’d laughed.

And how much I’d eaten, too.

I finally understood why Clark wanted to be home while he recovered from his injury and trained for the new season. This family was warmth and kindness.

It was impossible to miss.

“Don’t listen to Bridger about Emilia. I think she’s great. Somewhere along the way, he just decided she’s the one behind the column, and once he gets it in his head, it’s hard to change his mind,” Henley said.

“Agreed. He’s being such a stubborn ass about it. I really like her, and I feel bad that she’s being blamed for something she probably has nothing to do with.” Lulu shook her head before continuing. “I mean, look at my family. If I was held accountable for all the crazy shit they do, no one would ever speak to me.”

I chuckled. I liked these girls. It felt like I’d known them forever.

“I could just ask her directly. I mean, she’s brought it up and talked about it, but I could just ask if it’s her, right?” I said.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s an anonymous column, so I’m assuming the author wants to have anonymity.” Henley tapped her finger against her lips. “But she’d probably tell you the truth because you're friends.”

“And what would you do if she admitted it to you? She would swear you to secrecy.” Lulu laughed. “And does it really matter if it’s her? I mean, they aren’t writing horrible things.”

“True. Although the column gossips about things you might not want talked about, like Emerson’s fiancé cheating on her, and Easton briefly ditching me after our rafting accident. And they loved writing about you and your ex-rock star boyfriend.”Henley nodded her head at Lulu. “It’s not necessarily things we want discussed.”

My head was spinning at all she just shared. “Emerson is their sister, right? Ellie mentioned her at dinner.”

“Yes. She’s married to Nash now, and they have the most amazing son. But she and her ex had been engaged, and he had an affair with her maid of honor,” Lulu said, eyes wide. “It was a big scandal back then according to Rafe. Her ex is a total douchebag. It’s his loss.”

“Wow. That’s a lot,” I said, leaning back and taking a sip of my wine. “And they can print whatever they want?”

“They don’t fully name anyone, but they give enough hints that, in a small town, everyone knows who they're talking about. Like you were referenced as the newlady trainerin this week’s column.” Henley fell back in laughter.

“I do not think Emilia would call me that, because first off, it’s slightly sexist. Why not just say the new trainer?” I insisted. “Would they say someone was a newmale trainerif I were a man?”

“That’s a fair point, but what if she’s trying to throw everyone off her scent?” Lulu said. “That’s what I would do. I’d make it seem like it’s not me.”

“Could it be you, Lu?” Henley asked, arching a brow before falling back in a fit of laughter.

“Girl! I wish it were me. I’d love to claim that shit. It’s the highlight of my week, seeing what she has to report,” Lulu said.

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