Chapter 32 #2
West takes off without waiting for an answer, slipping his hand into Nellie’s as they walk.
His simple gesture pulls on my heartstrings.
Not because Beau doesn’t do that kind of stuff; he does.
I just don’t feel like Nellie looks right now.
Happy, content, comfortable. Like her hand was made to fit in his, fitting together like a glove. No baseball pun intended.
I walk a few paces behind the lovebirds, Jackson falling into step beside me. “You okay, Evs? You seem a little sad.”
Leave it to Jackson to pick up on any and all emotional cues I give off. It’s both irritating and endearing he can read me like an open book. And don’t get me started on his use of my nickname.
“Fine. Just want to get some food and a margarita and sit down and pretend to enjoy the movie.”
He stops walking, feigning shock, complete with a hand thrown over his chest. “Wait. You didn’t come to watch the greatest baseball movie of all time?”
“God, no. I came for the margaritas. From the Malibu Taco food truck. Ones West is buying me.”
“Oh thank god I’m not the only one who doesn’t care about this movie.” He takes off, not lingering for my response.
“So, what did you come for?” I ask curiously, skipping to keep his pace.
“The Famous Pizza truck. And dessert.” He waggles his eyebrows at me, but I can’t be sure his comment is laced with innuendo or not.
Wrapping his arm around me and bringing me into his side—a place I go willingly, mind you—he adds, “I’m glad you’re here, Everly.
Even if I will be driving you home later tonight. ”
I go to argue, but he cuts me off with a finger to my lips, knowing in a few hours, I would prove myself wrong with any comment I make.
Sighing, I say, “Good thing you already have my keys.” He pats his pocket with a smirk.
I don’t even bother asking him how he got to the park or how he knew not to bring his car.
He’s a smart guy and after just one time, he learned quickly.
Margaritas and I don’t mix.
The movie is being shown at an outdoor park, the grassy area filled with chairs, blankets, strollers, and hordes of people.
The organizers lucked out with the weather—still warm for the early fall and no rain in the forecast. There are about a dozen or so food trucks on the outskirts of the lawn, the lines not too ridiculously long.
I’ve spread out the three big blankets West brought, setting up the two camp chairs at the edges.
Two fucking chairs for half a dozen people.
Sometimes I swear my brother is a damn idiot.
Had he told me he needed chairs I would have grabbed a few more from my parents’ garage, but like the man that he is, he told me he had the seating arrangements all covered.
Why I stupidly believed him is still up for question.
I settle myself down on the blanket, kicking off my flip-flops, making myself as comfortable as possible.
West brings a margarita over to me, handing one over to Nellie too, and soon Jackson returns with two boxes of pizza.
Despite having over an hour before the movie begins, West hurries Nellie over to the trucks for more food.
“What did you bring me to eat?” I eye the boxes of pizza, allowing the aroma to fill my nose, making my stomach grumble.
“Bacon and onion and a mashed potato one. Your choice. For a price.” He sets the boxes down on the blanket, taking a seat close to me. While it’s not unwanted, I slide over a tad, putting more space in between us.
“The walnuts were for you.” I reach for the box, knowing what his “price” was.
Swatting my hand away, he tsks, shaking his head. “Not the current price of pizza.”
I make the mistake of looking at him. A playful expression dances over his attractive features, making him look younger than his mid-thirties.
Tilting his head to the side, he waits for me to catch on, to “pay” up.
Yet, I have no clue what he wants. Usually I have a better read on him, but I must be off my game tonight.
It’s the hat; they always were my weakness.
“Damn. I don’t even think I have any cash to buy my own pizza.” Again, a subtle shake of his head. “Can you give me a hint?”
“What else did you bring for dessert? ’Cause I know you didn’t just make cookies. Not your style.”
With no hesitation, I blurt out, “Truffles,” as I reach for the box on top. Cracking the lid, I find the bacon one. Good enough to start with.
I don’t bother with a plate or any utensils, taking a huge bite. It’s hot, but not hot enough to burn my mouth. Before I know it, I’ve eaten half the slice.
Normally, I prefer no onions on my pizza but since Jackson bought it, I can’t be too picky. The bacon is cooked just the way I like it: almost burnt to a crisp. I finish the first piece in a few more bites, guzzle down some water, and go for seconds.
Jackson hands me a plate this time, with a slice of the mashed potato pizza.
I admit at first, I thought the combination of mashed potatoes on pizza is out there.
It took a lot of convincing for me to even give it a try.
It was Jackson who finally got me to try it, and since that first bite, I’ve become a little obsessed.
It’s kinda mine and Jackson’s secret because Beau is purely a meat lover’s kind of guy.
Jackson and I polish off the two pizzas fairly quickly, even before Nellie and West return with my second margarita and their dinner.
“Those were delicious, but I’m still kinda hungry.” Jackson stops tidying up at the sound of my voice, looking my way.
“What else do you want? There was a barbecue truck that looked interesting.” Without hesitation, he reaches into his back pocket, takes out his wallet, and hands me a twenty. “Get us something good.”
I go to argue, both about the money and the fact he’s making me go get the food, but wisely, I think better of it, holding any snarky comeback inside.
Hopping up off the blanket, I tell him, “Save my seat. Be right back.”
As I walk off in search of more food—the barbecue truck specifically—I can’t help but smile at Jackson’s actions.
From day one, we’ve always gotten along, more than just because his sister and my brother are together.
He’s always protecting me, making sure I have enough to eat, assuring I get home safely.
Having several years on me, I always assumed he thought of me as a younger sister, but lately there’s been this flicker between us.
Why it wasn’t there before Beau came into my life, I don’t know.
Something changed when I started dating Beau, although hell if I know what caused it.
It’s not always bad; case in point, I’m currently heading for food with Jackson’s money.
Except having a boyfriend, one who isn’t Jackson Smith, has its downfalls.
Because let’s face it: getting to spend more time with Jackson wouldn’t be a hardship. Nor would doing things other than just “hanging out.”
Keep reading The Magic of Her.