Page 28 of Well Played

“Since when do you take responsibility for your nephew? You never came to visit him once in New York, even when you played there, and suddenly he’s your concern?”

“I’m trying to change.”

“Look, I’ll have you know… Jeremy Brickson could have all of these bad intentions you’re warning me about. But I bet I’d still be safer with him than I ever was with your brother.”

She’s probably right.I sighed. “I’m not saying my brother was the right man for you, either. You probably dodged a bullet there.” My tone softened. “Listen, I’m sorry. Alright? I’m just…stressed about a few things today. I shouldn’t be giving you shit. Go have a good time.”

Presley sighed. “Well, I appreciate you offering to watch Alex. I think he’ll be excited about that.”

I sucked it up. “What time are you leaving?”

“Jeremy told me to let him know. But I’m flexible. You tell me what works for you.”

“Anytime is fine.”

“Okay, I’m gonna tell him five. That way it’s early enough that if I’m not feeling it, we don’t have to do dinner. I can make up a story that I have to prepare something for Alex.”

“And if it’s working, you’re gonna stay out late?”

“I don’t know. I guess it depends.”

I swallowed. “Okay, well…I have all night anyway.”

“Thank you. Again, I really appreciate it.”

Presley put her cup in the dishwasher and walked out of the room. My eyes might have lingered a little too long on her tight, round backend.

What is wrong with me?

“Sucks, doesn’t it?”

For a second, I thought my damn conscience was talking to me.

But it wasn’t. It was Fern.

I blinked. “What?”

“Watching her pretty ass go out with someone,” she clarified. “It sucks.”

Apparently, she’d been listening to our conversation.

“What are you getting at?” I snapped.

“Presley and you. Don’t think I don’t see that y’all secretly want to…explore each other. Why else would you be buttin’ heads all the time? Two attractive people don’t get that heated with each other on the regular unless they be wantin’ something more.”

My face heated as I dismissed her. “You’re nuts, old woman.”

“Am I, now?” She cackled. “Why are you so invested in her going out with a decent man? Not like her son’s coach is some guy she picked up in a bar. You’re manipulatin’ her by pushin’ guilt cuz you know you want a piece yourself.”

This woman is going to drive me crazy.

“Fern, who the hell made you the expert on what’s going on inside my head?”

“Your gramps, actually. You’re just like him. Wouldn’t know a good woman if she smacked her titties in your face. How do you think he and I got together?”

“Well, I hope it had nothing to do with you smacking your titties in his face. But please spare me the details.”

“You remember his friend Roland?” she asked.

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