Page 32 of Crazy In Love
So I’d ordered takeout for everyone, but the girls had once again banded together in defense of Emilia fucking Taylor and refused to come.
They refused to come toour familySunday dinner because I’d sent her a Japanese toilet. A toilet that most dudes would give their left nut for, and I’d somehow offended her.
The woman who’d offended me more times than I could count was now calling the shots.
“They’re being stubborn,” I answered honestly, and laughter erupted around the table.
“Dude. Let’s be real.”
“Okay,” I said. “I’ve gone above and beyond, and I’m not sure what else they want from me.”
Rafe blew out a breath. “All Emilia wants is an apology. They support her on that, and to be honest with you, I do, too.”
I rolled my eyes. “Of course you do.”
“We all do,” Axel said. “You were a dick to her, Bridge. She went out of her way to prove to you that it wasn’t her writing that column, and all she’s asking for is a simple apology.”
“Agreed,” Archer piped in. “But I’m grateful that I ended up with the toilet.”
More laughter.
I was the only one not laughing, along with Melody, who was looking up at me with those big brown eyes. “Who’s you gots to say sorry to?”
“Emilia Taylor,” Easton said.
“My flower girl. I love Millie. Why’s you gots to say sorry to her?”
“Unc-ee thought Emilia did something that she didn’t do, and he refused to drop it, so she brought him proof that she didn’t do it,” Archer explained, making me sound like a complete asshole in the process.
She gasped, chubby little hands covering her mouth now, and eyes wide.
“Unc-ee,” she whispered. “Mrs. Dowden would say that’s being a meanie.”
“Glad to know Mrs. Dowden brings something to the table.” Axel smirked. “But yes, Unc-ee was a meanie for sure.”
“And you didn’t say you’re sorry?” she asked, disappointment flooding that innocent gaze.
“I did apologize with a gift. Two gifts actually. And she returned them both.” Why did I sound so defensive? Because I’d been more than generous.
“What kind of gifts?” Melody pressed, completely invested now.
“I tried to get her windows cleaned, and I sent her a fancy toilet.”
Her brows cinched together, and her lips actually formed a frown. I didn’t even know that Melody Chadwick was capable of frowning.
“You got her a potty?” She shook her head before reaching for her glass of chocolate milk. “Daddy got me a potty when I was little, but that wasn’t a present. Everybody already gots a potty.”
“Listen,” I said, fighting my irritation because I was sick and tired of talking about this beef with Emilia. “I offered to clean the windows because I felt responsible for her getting egged. You guys told me that it was a cheap gift, so I figured the toilet would be more reasonable. She’s the one who’s being difficult, not me.”
“She’s actually been pretty clear,” Clark said, leaning back in his chair and burping. He was lucky Mom wasn’t here, or she would have smacked him upside the head. “She just wants the words, brother. Just say those two little words, and it’s done. Because guess what? I’m back in the city tomorrow with Eloise, and we can’t come back for pickleball because of the game schedule this week. So you’re already down a player, and with Henley refusing to play, you have no one to cover Archer or me. So you best suck it up and figure it out.”
“I told Brenner he has to cover for one of you this week.”
“Brenner Layton? Does he even play pickleball?” Easton groaned.
“I don’t know. He works out a couple days a week,” I said.
“The dude is always in a suit. I don’t get pickleball vibes from him,” Easton said.
