Chapter 11 #2
The asshole shoots me a saccharine smile, fully aware that he’s opening me up to a level-five interrogation.
If my hands weren’t occupied with holding Violet, I’d stab him in the eye with the serving fork on the counter in front of me.
The last thing I need is for my mother to get involved in my love life.
Or lack thereof, considering I’m stuck in the friend zone.
My mom pushes the spinach artichoke dip closer to him. Traitor. “What do you mean?”
Logan happily scoops a heaping glob of dip onto a chip and pops it into his mouth. “We’re dating siblings. That’s like one degree of separation from being brothers.”
My mom’s jaw nearly hits the tiled floor, and her golden-brown eyes that so closely resemble my own widen. “You—what? I—you have a girlfriend?”
“No, I d—”
“Nicholas Henry Berrett, how could you keep this from me?” Before I can answer, she launches into a breathless string of questions.
For a moment, I massage my temples, letting her wear herself out. “Mom,” I finally interrupt. “Mom.”
With a sharp inhale, she rests a hand on my forearm. “Sorry, honey. I’m excited is all. You haven’t been interested in a relationship since… it’s just been a while.”
Briefly shutting my eyes, I take a deep breath. “I’m not dating anyone, Mom. Logan’s just being a… D-bag.”
“What’s a D-bag?” Violet whispers not so loudly.
My stomach sinks. Dammit. “Um… it’s a diaper bag.”
“Because Logan’s smelly,” Cameron adds with a chuckle.
Jake bites his lip. “And you want to throw him in the trash immediately.”
“So you aren’t seeing anyone?” my mom asks, her brow creased.
I shake my head, my lips pressed together, and her face falls, as if I just told her that I hate her raisin crumb cake.
Violet leans over and taps on my mom’s shoulder to get her attention. “It’s okay, Nana. Don’t be sad. Mommy said we have to be patient for Uncle Coley to bring home my new auntie.”
Lily nods over Cam’s shoulder, as if my dating life is a common dinner topic. “Or uncle,” she suggests. “My friend Angela has an uncle who is married to her other uncle.”
Violet tilts her head and eyes the ceiling, then nods. “Yeah. As long as Goose likes him, we’ll like him, too, I bet.”
Logan chokes on the pita chip he’s munching on, and Jake pats his back, although he’s buried his face in his shoulder to hide his laughter. Cam cackles, not even bothering to hide his amusement. Assholes.
“That’s right, girls,” my mom says, giving them a reassuring smile. “Your uncle can be with whoever makes him happy.”
“I have seen him check out my junk a time or two.” Logan pops another chip into his mouth and crunches it with his teeth obnoxiously. “So you may not be wrong.”
Cameron whoops out a laugh, startling me from my thoughts. My mom fights a smile as she takes Violet from my arms and helps Lily off Cam’s back. “Why don’t we go get ready for bed, girls? You can show the boys your cool hockey pajamas.”
My nieces practically drag my mom out of the kitchen, and the moment they’re out of sight, I smack the back of Logan’s head. Hard.
“Ow,” he whines, rubbing the spot. “I could have a concussion.”
“We’re hockey players.” Cam snorts. “We have perpetual concussions.”
“Did you really have to say that to my mom?” I bite out. “She’s going to be on my ass for weeks.”
I immediately regret the ass comment when Logan wiggles his brows suggestively. He thankfully keeps his trap shut about it.
“What is going on with you and Maya?” Jake asks, his expression one of pure curiosity.
He hasn’t brought her up since practice a few weeks ago. Likely because he feels unnecessarily guilty for bringing up Nate.
“There’s nothing to tell.” With a frown, I run my fingers through my hair. “She wants to be friends.”
The word tastes sour on my tongue. Like I’m stuck in the penalty box, watching the game continue on without me. Spending time with Maya, even if it’s mostly via video calls, only makes me want to spend more time with her.
Logan nods, as if this makes complete sense to him. “Take it slow and prove yourself. I have a good feeling about you two.”
Cameron’s jaw drops. “‘Take it slow’? This coming from the guy who fell head over heels after what, six weeks?”
Logan waves him off, unbothered. “Elliott’s different. He’s open to finding his person, whereas Maya doesn’t like change. And she only dates guys who are safe. Ones who have no chance of sticking around longer than she wants them to.”
“Why would taking it slow help, then?” Jake asks, taking the question from my mouth. “Wouldn’t it be better to rip the Band-Aid off and dive right in?”
Logan pops a chip into his mouth. “You can’t build trust overnight. Especially not with someone who’s only ever depended on herself. You rush her, she bolts. I’m not psychological, but—”
“Do you mean you’re not a psychologist?” Jake gives him an incredulous look.
Logan swats his words away with the flick of his hand. “Yeah, that’s what I said. Anyway, I’m not saying she won’t date you, but if you rush her or push for more than she’s ready for, I think she’ll run.”
“Minus the way you mixed up psychological and psychologist, that has to be the most emotionally mature thing you’ve ever said.” Cam lets out a low whistle. “Elliott’s good for you.”
“He’s good at a lot. Especially blowj—”
“Nope. Absolutely not.” Jake rears back. “I haven’t had nearly enough whiskey for that conversation.”
“How come you guys can talk about your sexual escapades and I can’t? Just because—”
“Don’t pull that crap.” Cam snatches the dip bowl off the counter and points the chip in his hand at Logan. “Us ignoring your extremely inappropriate questions about our sex lives hardly qualifies as talking about our sexual escapades.”
I tune Logan out as he grumbles about how we’re no fun at locker room talk and take out my phone again.
Cole Berrett
It’s okay to admit you miss me, bean. I’m sure the Book Nook sells self-help books that cover how to handle your overwhelming feelings.
Maya Silver
We only sell books that help egomaniacs tone down their narcissism. Happy to put a copy on hold for you!
Cole Berrett
I’ll pick it up tomorrow when I’m back in town. We can discuss it over tapas once you’ve finished working.
Maya Silver
I’m more of a chips and guac girl.
Cole Berrett
I know a great Mexican spot.
Maya Silver
Will there be margaritas? My yes is contingent on that.
Cole Berrett
Are you negotiating with me? Again?
Maya Silver
Duh. If you need help with a counteroffer, the Book Nook also sells Negotiating for Dummies. I’ll even give you my friends and family discount.
Yep. It’s going to be hard to take it slow when she makes my heart race so fast.