Page 118 of Mr. Swoony

“I think it’s because they miss us so much more than we miss them.” Jade cringes. “Which sounds horrible, but it’s different when you’re the one away from the comforts of your everyday life. Can we really complain though? They’re faithful men who aren’t into going to the clubs and hooking up with random women. They’re there to play a game, and once it’s over, they want to get home to us.” Jade digs her fork in again.

She has a point.

My mind goes back to when Conor returned home last night. The way he cuddled up to me and kissed my neck, whispering how much he’d missed me. And it felt so good to have him back, but I did get more done setting up my new business while he was gone.

“I just need him to understand that we’re in this together. Side by side. Not him in front of me pushing a lawnmower, mowing down any obstacles.”

They nod and continue eating the cake.

Eventually, we talk about Bodhi and how he’s loving second grade, and Kyleigh talks about a client who’s driving her nuts.

I appreciate them coming here to make sure I’m okay, but I have to clear this up with Conor. I wonder what he’s talking about upstairs with the boys and what their take is on all of this.

Forty-Nine

Conor

“You’re an idiot,” Rowan says. “Why would you ever listen to him?”

I put my head in my hands and groan.

Rowan picks up his phone and dials Tweetie. “Get your ass down here. You fucked it all up for Conor.” He hangs up before Tweetie can say anything.

“I wanted to protect her.”

Rowan shakes his head. “How mad is she?”

I stare at the Monopoly board game on the coffee table. “Is this the shit you do with my sister? You play Monopoly?”

Tweetie knocks on the door, and Rowan stands, patting me on the shoulder. “I know you’re in the ‘sex all the time where she brushes up against you, and your dick goes hard’ stage, but that does end. You’ll be playing Monopoly by next year.”

“I don’t think we’ll ever be playing Monopoly.” I lean back in the chair and slip off my shoes, crossing my ankles.

Tweetie walks in, looks at me, and lowers his head. “I take it some shit went down and now you’re my wingman again?”

“God, I hope not. I’m praying this is just a fight, and she’s going to forgive me.”

He sits on the couch and picks up the dice. “And she’s going to forgive you up here?”

Rowan swipes the dice out of his hand. “It’s Kyleigh’s turn.”

Tweetie looks around. “Do you see Kyleigh anywhere?”

“If Conor could handle his shit, I’d have convinced her to buy Boardwalk by now.”

Tweetie stares at the game, then at Rowan. “Tell me this is some kinky version of Monopoly.”

I shake my head. “Apparently after a year of couplehood, this is what you do instead of having sex.”

“Another reason why I’m not in a relationship. I always sucked at Monopoly.” Tweetie taps his finger on the armchair. “I guess I’m here to say I’m sorry, but why else am I here?”

“We’re here to talk to Conor. The girls are downstairs. Well, Kyleigh is, and Jade and Henry are on their way.” Rowan pushes the coffee table toward the wall as if Tweetie can’t be trusted.

“Did someone call a Code Red? I don’t get the urgency. You’re in a fight. Since when do we have to assemble for one of you guys having a fight?” Tweetie reaches for the television remote, but Rowan snatches that away too.

“Let me guess, you play Monopoly while watching one of her reality TV shows? Let me spoil it for you, they’re in love and then the cameras turn off, and they break up,” Tweetie says.

Rowan rolls his eyes. “I like reality TV, thank you.”

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