Page 67 of Shot Taker

I text him back and grab a drink before joining the others in the living room, where they’re half watching the television and talking.

When Clay arrives, the girl at his side makes my mouth fall open.

She’s familiar from pictures he has at his place.

There’s a cute kid around ten next to her and a handsome guy hovering over her shoulder.

“Everyone, this is my sister, Kat. Kat, this is everyone,” Clay says.

“Nova,” Kat says, cocking her head at me. “It’s great to finally meet you.”

Finally?She throws her arms around me, and I cut a look at Clay, but he’s tight-lipped.

They grab drinks, and we set the table as we wait for the others. Gradually, everyone trickles in—Atlas, the bench players, Harlan…

“You’re late!” Rookie calls. “You guys are missing the last quarter of the LA game.”

Clay and I exchange a look.

“I’m not missing anything,” he says with a wink.

* * *

Dinner feels as if we’re all one big family. One with tension and issues, sure, but today everyone sets it aside. There’s gossiping about sports and family and friends, and even Waffles gets his own special meal.

We go around the table saying things were thankful for.

Harlan says, “Family.”

Chloe says, “A day away from the news cycle.”

Clay says, “Second chances,” with a stealth look at me.

Spending today with Clay has me imagining what it would be like to spend more holidays with him.

After dinner, we do a gift swap. Rather than having each person buy everyone a present, we set a value limit for each person to contribute a single gift to stick under the tree.

“I’m sorry, we didn’t bring gifts,” Kat says.

“I’ll sit out, and Andy can play,” Clay offers.

“Everyone, relax. I have extra,” Mari insists.

In that moment, I’m grateful for her preparation.

I drew a number third from the start, and I’m drawn to a tiny box wrapped in pink.

I unwrap it to find a Louis Vuitton keychain in the shape of a bear.

“You might want to hang on to that,” Clay suggests.

After the game, I’m heading into the kitchen carrying empty glasses when I hear Harlan’s voice.

“I know what I saw.”

Then Clay’s voice. “Stay in your lane. You’ve got enough to worry about.”

I don’t know what’s going on, but there are always Kodiaks tensions.

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