Page 68 of The Jackpot Screwer
“Boring,” Minnesota finished for her, pulling his blond hair back from his face. He and his brother were good looking men, and he and Nancy were a really handsome couple, I could see why they’d been attracted to each other.
“No, I didn’t mean that,” Nancy continued as she nudged him in the side. “I was just trying to point out to Mr. Lawyer Man here that I heard exercise is good for Mom and baby.”
“Well,” Shaw said tilting his head and taking a tone like he may well be talking to a baby. “Mr. Lawyer Man here thinks Miss. Teacher Aide should just butt out of his private conversations with his sister.”
Nancy narrowed her eyes and I saw her hand fist on top of the table. I was pretty sure Mr. Lawyer Man was about to get banked on by Miss. Teacher Aide. Minnesota obviously saw it too because he stood and dragged Nancy up with him.
“Come on, tiger, I think we need to dance.”
Once they’d left the table Austen blew out a breath. “Oh man, you so want to tap that.”
Shaw and I turned to him both of us wide-eyed. I mean, I was pretty sure he was right—they were just like Carter and I used to be for goodness’ sake—but… tap that?
“Austen, where the hell did you hear stuff like that?” I asked, pulling at the hairs on his arms, at the same time as wondering when the hell did they happen?
“Hey, that hurt and I’m fifteen,” he cried, throwing his hands into the air. “When will you people realize I’m not a little kid any longer.”
“You’re fourteen,” Shaw and I chorused.
“Ah whatever, I’m going to find somewhere else to sit. You guys cramp my style anyway.” The almost six feet tall kid, not quite a man whose hormones were kicking in, pushed back his chair and stormed off to sit with our parents.
“We cramp his style,” Shaw said. “He’s gone to sit with the old folks.”
I shrugged. “Tell me about it.”
“Tell you about what?” Carter was back standing at my side as he placed an apple juice in front of me.
“Austen,” Shaw replied. “He thinks the ‘rents are cooler than us.”
We all looked across to see Jefferson, dressed in a three-piece suit minus the jacket with his shirt sleeves rolled up to display his tats, a thick, heavy watch on one wrist and some leather bracelets on the other, making Austen laugh about something.
Collectively we sighed, realizing our little brother was right. Jefferson was way more steezy than anyone.
“Oh hey,” Shaw said suddenly, pushing up from his chair. “Food is out.”
“You want some?” Carter asked turning to go.
“I can carry a plate, Carter.” He inhaled and I was pretty sure I saw his mouth move. “Are you counting to ten?”
“No, Lollipop,” he replied a little too breezily. “Not at all. Now, while I realize you’re more than capable of carrying a plate, I figured to save time in the line and to allow you to chat with my sister who is coming over here, I’d go get you a plate. That sound good?”
It was all said through gritted teeth.
“I can’t help being a bitch you know,” I spat back. “I don’t wake up each morning and make a conscious decision about it.”
“I know,” he said a little softer. “Which is why I’m trying real hard here and remembering how fucking shit it was when we were apart.”
“Why do you need to do that?” I asked, feeling a twitch underneath my eye.
Carter smiled and then straightened down his shirt, which, by the way, was a gorgeous dark green slim fit which showed off his flat stomach and great biceps.
“Because, remembering that helps me to realize all this is worth it.”
“All what?”
“Okay, Lollipop,” he said, kneeling down next to my chair. “You want to tell me what’s going on? What’s upset you tonight?”
“Hey guys.” Ellie arrived at our table and waved—with her left hand.
