Page 37 of A Game Plan for Love

I look at Addie, who nods. “Yes, you may have sprinkles.”

“Thank you, Decy!” she yells as she unbuckles herself. Addie chuffs, but we help her out of the car, and when Nora’s small hand grabs mine, my chest squeezes. Addie holds her other hand, and I take a few deep breaths to tame the beast in my chest, roaring with how much it likes this moment.

Chatter comes to a stop when Addie and I reach the picnic table where my friends sit.

Nerves radiate off Addie, and Nora is smiling brightly.

I survey each of my friends for their response to Nora. If it isn’t a warm welcome, there are going to be major issues.

Sawyer and Nathalie are waving at Nora like they know her. Maren’s eyes examine me, then Nora, and finally Addie. She raises a brow and smirks. Henry and Jack look on in confusion, and Deon’s manic smile returns as his focus volleys between Nora and me.

“Everyone, this is Nora and Addie.”

One by one, each person says their name, but when it’s Sawyer’s turn, Nora says, “I know Mrs. Sawyer and Ms. Nathalie.”

“Oh?”

“I wanted to tell you,” Deon blurts out, “But Nathalie told me I couldn’t because it wasn’t our information to share, but it’s been eating me alive.”

My jaw unhinges slightly, but Sawyer and Nathalie shrug. “Not your place,” Nathalie says.

I understand completely, and I respect them for it.

“I see them at camp,” Nora says, “They let me do as many crafts as I want.”

“Damn right,” Nathalie responds. “The craft room is thebest.”

“Oh no.” Nora peels away from our grip and runs to Nathalie with her palm outstretched. Addie chokes and takes a step toward her daughter, but I stop her and pull her against my side. “Let this play out,” I whisper.

I want Nora to be comfortable around my friends, and if Addie stops her from holding them accountable to the swearing rule, it may make her nervous to be herself.

Nora pops a hip, and the bright blue tuu-tuu of her dress sways.

“Why is she holding her hand out?” Maren asks, sipping on a Diet Coke.

“You swore,” Nora chastises. Nathalie sputters, and Deon coughs to hide his laughter.

“I’m sorry,” Nathalie says, but Nora only wiggles her fingers.

I laugh outright, and Addie elbows my side. “That’s our girl,” I say to Addie, and our eyes both bulge when the words register. “Your girl,” I amend.

Embarrassment floods my cheeks. I have no claim over Nora or Addie, even if they’re slowly beginning to mean something to me.

“You have to pay,” Nora demands, “Decy said it costs a hundred dollars to swear.”

Excuse me?

“Decy?” Sawyer screams.

“A hundred dollars?!” Nathalie yells.

“I didnottell her that,” I grit out.

“The rule is two dollars for a swear word,” Addie amends.

“Two hundred dollars!” Nora yells even louder.

“For fuck’s sake,” Addie grumbles a few more curse words beneath her breath, then slides into the bench beside Maren.

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