Page 113 of Friend Zoned

“You think you’re better than me or something?” he growls.

I walk over, ready to step between them.

“I don’t think about you at all. I’m sure there’s a few women in this city you haven’t screwed. Go bother one of them.”

“You’re jealous, is that it? I’ll let you have a turn too.” He grins at her, but I can practically see the steam coming out of her ears. She balls up one fist, and I step between them before she does anything.

“As if I would ever. I’ll have to get some penicillin just being this close to you.” She stomps away to the other side of the yard.

“I can’t stand her,” Seth says. “Do you know she had the nerve to wipe her hand after I shook it the first time we met?” He puts both hands on his hips and continues to glare at her, but Layla doesn’t deign to turn around. “As if I would ever touch her. She’s like a three out of ten. I’m going to go tell her that.”

I grab his elbow and pull him back when he starts to walk away. “Enough. We need to talk about your next move,” I tell him. He lowers his head and sighs. “But we’ll eat first.”

“Hey, guys,” Colt says, walking over with his wife and son. The kid attaches himself to Wakowski’s leg. Seth tries to shake him off but pretends he can’t. They both laugh, and I’m left wondering again which one of them is the most immature. “I’m starving,” Colt says.

“Jeannie, Vickie,” Myra says, limping over to us. “Go get the men some food. You boys must be tired from throwing that football around.”

“The what?” Seth asks, but I shake my head at him signaling for him to shut up.

“You too,” Myra says, pointing at Seth. “You relax, but come, girls.”

Vickie looks around at Jeannie, clearly stunned by Myra’s statement.

“I’d like some water, Queen Vee,” Colt says, doing his best to hide his amusement. “And I think there’s some chicken over there. I’d like some of that.” He winks at her, and she glowers at him.

“The water is in that cooler,” Myra says to Vickie. “And Colt eats a lot so get him all the chicken he wants. And Jeannie, you too. Coach is hungry. And who’s going to feed this one?” She gestures at Seth. “Hey!” She shouts at Layla, who comes jogging over. “Get this one some food.” She points at Seth, who grins and promptly takes a seat.

“My wrist,” Jeannie says, holding it up. “It hurts.” I stand and offer her my seat. She gives me a sly grin, and I know she’s lying about being in pain. “Maybeyoucan get me some food, Aid.” She sighs dramatically and sits.

Colt clears his throat and says, “My throat is so parched.” He can barely hold his laughter when Myra pushes Vickie to the cooler.

“Big guy, you sit and look after Jeannie. I’ll get your food, and we’ll talk about your tattoos later.” Myra says before she takes Layla’s hand and pulls her away. I look down at my arms, and shrug. I’ll be sure to tell her how much her daughter loves these tats.

Vickie returns a few seconds later, slams a water bottle on the table, and says, “You’ll pay for this.”

“I’m sure I will, but I’m going to enjoy this while I can. Where’s my food? Don’t make me tell Myra on you.”

Vickie pinches his arm before she stomps away, and Colt leans back in his seat laughing.

“I love coming here,” I whisper to him.

“I need to come here more often.” Vickie comes back and puts a plate of food in front of her husband. He snatches her wrist, kisses the inside of it, and says, “Thanks, Queen Vee.” She softens, leans down, and kisses the top of his head.

“Dead Chastain walking,” she whispers. “Come on, baby, let’s go get you some food.” She holds her hand out for Evan, and he goes with her.

“Here,” Layla whispers to Wakowski. “I only did this because of Jeannie’s mom, who I have mad respect for. I hope a fly lands on your plate and you eat it. And I hope that fly rolled around on a pile of dog shit before it finds its way to your food.” She slams the plate in front of him and stomps away to get her own food.

“She totally wants me,” Wakowski announces.

A few minutes later, I’m sitting at the table with Chastain and his family, Wakowski, and Layla, who is doing her best not to look at him. Myra and Al join us too.

“I think he’s looking for you, Coach,” Jeannie’s cousin Erica says. She’s walking ahead of Jimmy, who just checked out her ass.

“Jimmy thanks you,” he says grinning down at her.

“Does Jimmy always talk in the third person?” Erica asks.

“That depends on whether or not the lady likes it.”

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