Page 39 of Blindsided

“She’s doing good, all things considered. Are her parents coming back into town?”

“Tilly told them not to.”

The little bit of worry I had dissipated at that news. I didn’t think about Tilly’s parents coming home to take care of her. It’s probably selfish to want her to stay with me, but it sounds like Tilly wanted to stay, too.

“Janice was not happy about it, and she said they’re going to come home, regardless.”

So much for not needing to worry. It sounds like my time alone with Tilly may be cut shorter than I anticipated. Disappointment swoops through me at the thought. Maybe I can convince her to stay with me instead of with her parents. As close as she is with her mom and dad, that might be a hard sell.

“I see you’ve already lost your girl,” Adam teases while hugging me.

“Yeah, I didn’t know I was going to have competition at my own family dinner.” I laugh.

Mom frowns. “Competition for what?”

I blink at her and realize she has no clue that Tilly and I are more than friends. “Nothing, Mom. We’re just teasing that Noah wanted to spend time with Tilly.”

“And how crazy is that? He never wants to talk to strangers.”

“Right? It’s pretty great.” I let out a deep breath. I should’ve thought about how quickly Mom would turn around and tell Mrs. Areneto that Tilly and I were more than just friends.

Adam’s eyebrows furrow, and he tilts his head in question. I just shake my head and mouth, “Later.”

Mom taps me on the shoulder and walks back into the kitchen. Adam and I go back into the living room to find Nolan and Carter setting up our gaming console.

“Tilly, you want to play? You can take Tucker’s spot so the rest of us will stand a chance,” Nolan offers.

Adam and Ellie snort but attempt to cover it with coughs. Nolan frowns at them as if he’s concerned. I’m pressing a fist to my mouth to keep myself from laughing. He’s in for a rude awakening.

“Sure, I’ll play.” Tilly shrugs.

“Matthew, are you in?” Carter asks.

I nod at Carter, throwing a wink at Tilly. She grins at me, her cheeks flushing. I love making her do that.

I sit down on the floor and lean against Tilly’s legs. Nolan and Carter sit next to me, ribbing each other about who’s going to win.

“Tilly, do you know what each button does?” I grin at her over my shoulder.

“I think so. Might take me a second to get used to it.”

Adam clears his throat again.

“You okay, bro? You’re not getting sick or anything, right?” Nolan asks.

It is taking every ounce of effort I have not to laugh right now. Tilly squeezes my shoulder, keeping her head bowed to hide her face.

“I’m fine. Just getting comfortable to watch the show.” Adam smirks.

“Then let’s do this.” Nolan starts the game, and the race begins. Tilly and I battle it out for first place. I do my best to throw her off, but the girl is good. It’s like she’s got a sixth sense or something.

When the race is over, Nolan and Carter look over at Tilly with their mouths hanging open.

“Did I win?” Tilly’s face is the picture of innocence, and I can’t hold my laugh back anymore. Adam and Ellie start cracking up, and Tilly’s face breaks out into a smile.

“She fucking hustled us!” Nolan gasps.

“Language, Nolan Edward!” Mom shouts.

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