Page 39 of Saving Sarah (Blissful Bets)

“I got twenty on Channing,” Evelyn said, reaching for her purse.

“Oh, no way, Tom’s a determined little shit. I have fifty that says Devon and Gavin get to him first.”

Sarah’s jaw dropped as Brandon reached into his back pocket. They seriously weren’t betting on the outcome of her situation. But…if they were, she wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity. “One hundred on Channing. Did you see him disappear? Freaking Houdini if you ask me. Plus, I’d like to keep my men safe with me. Let Channing take care of his own mistakes.”

“You people are crazy,” Devon gasped, collapsing down to the couch. Sarah immediately felt herself pulled on to his lap. “I understand this is your way of dealing with your emotions, betting that is. But, seriously, we still need to be careful. I’m not trusting Channing to take care of Tom.”

“Me either,” Gavin said, sitting beside them, placing her legs across his. “So, what movie are we watching tonight?”

Relief settled throughout the room. Nicole walked to the flat screen TV while Ayden and Trevor sat back on the couch across from them. Chairs were pulled in from the kitchen as men took their seats randomly throughout the room.

Stephen sat down next to Gavin, placing Evelyn in his lap while Brandon sat on the floor in front of them. Sarah noticed Ev’s fingers mindlessly running through his dark hair while she gave all her attention to Nicole. The crowded, comfortable environment wasn’t so bad anymore. It was actually quite homey.

“We’re not watching The Notebook again, are we?” Evelyn groaned, leaning closer to try to see the DVD box in Nicole’s hand. “As much as I love that movie, I’m afraid we wore it out.”

“Oh no, not tonight. I thought we were in serious need of comedy, so I picked up something today while we were out. It’s going to be great.”

“Well, what is it? Brandon asked, scooting forward.

“All in good time, my man,” Ayden laughed. “You’re going to love it. The idea really belongs to me, but don’t tell that to Nicole.”

“Don’t you dare try to take my credit,” she said, turning toward them. “You didn’t even notice the movie on the shelf until I picked it up.”

“But this was the one I told you about the other day.”

“Yeah, but you didn’t remember that when we were looking for movies, now did you? I saw it and remembered, so I grabbed the thing. Point for me, not you. If I wouldn’t have found it, we’d have walked away with My Best Friend’s Wedding like you wanted, but no, we’re watching The Hangover because of…me.”

Trevor laughed, and nodded, addressing Gavin. “I told you, it’s nonstop. But Nicole, she wins every time. I love it. She gets away with things us guys only wish we could.”

“Hey, watch it,” Ayden said threateningly, looking over at Trevor. Sarah caught his wink and the beginnings of a smile. Nicole gave Trevor a frown but turned back to the DVD player.

“This happens all the time,” Trevor whispered back to Gavin. “You should see it, it’s hilarious. Ayden always thinks he’s winning, but Nicole, she doesn’t put up with his shit.”

“Trevor, if I thought for a minute you were airing our dirty laundry, so help me, you’d be sleeping in the guest room.”

He turned to Nicole, his face instantly serious. “Who me? No way. What would make you think that? Gavin over there has no idea what I’m talking about, do you?” Everyone turned toward their direction. Nicole especially interested, with her hand on her hip.

“Seriously, I have no idea what he’s talking about,” Gavin said lowly.

“Good, he better not be talking behind my back.” She turned back around, and Trevor leaned forward.

“Thanks for covering my ass.”

Gavin’s jaw dropped as he shook his head confused. Sarah knew Trevor was joking.

She’d only met him on two occasions, but both times he seemed to be goofing around.

“I heard that,” Nicole said, walking back toward the couch. “Gavin, don’t listen to him. He’s so full of shit sometimes. You couldn’t believe the things he’s told me that I completely bought into before he admitted to it being a lie. He’s like the boy he cries wolf, but he’s the wolf.”

“What? I’m easing the atmosphere. That seriously freaked me out. The way Channing just disappeared like that. I have money on that guy. If Tom can hide from him, he’s got serious skills.”

Nicole glared at Trevor. “We’re not going to talk about this, are we, Ayden?”

“No we’re not, not in front of the ladies, anyway.”

Sarah caught Ayden’s glare in Trevor’s direction. The movie began, and everyone watched, but her mind wouldn’t focus on the large screen. Thoughts swirled around, and she couldn’t fight the growing anxiety. Would Channing find him? What would happen once he did?

Regardless, she caught herself laughing throughout the movie even though she couldn’t completely focus on it. Once the movie ended, she couldn’t help but feel a bit of relief. Even though she enjoyed the time she spent with her new friends, she still wanted to go home. Just her, Devon, and Gavin. The thought made her sigh happily.

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