Page 79 of Embers in the Dark

“You think Lonni’s going to get picked over Trina? No way!” I declare.

“Remind me what’s happening with this guy to the right?” Samara asks. She’s completely lost.

“Bullshit, Malloy,” Kennedy fires back.

“Twenty bucks, I’m right.” I pull my wallet out and throw cash on the table.

“You’re on.” Kennedy does the same.

“I still don’t get this show,” Clay says from the kitchen.

“None of this makes sense. It’s dumb,” Baylee finally says.

“Shhh,” the four of us say from the couch.

“Your negativity isn’t welcome here,” Abby says over her shoulder.

“Such a touchy group.” Clay laughs, and Baylee joins as they continue their little party of two in the kitchen.

I smile because it’s comical how serious we are about our reality television. I love it even more that Baylee has blended into my friend group so seamlessly.

We’re missing Marissa and River tonight, who I consider to be the crazier ones in our unit. River is running errands with his mom and Marissa has to work on a case. She’s a hotshot attorney in Los Angeles and this new case is taking up a ton of her time.

The night continues on and the finale is sort of lackluster if I’m being honest.

I get up and stretch. “I hate to admit it, but that was beyond lame,” I announce to the group.

“I know! This finale was missing something,” Kennedy says. “I can’t believe he chose Trina.” She’s just pouting because I won the bet.

“Don’t be a sore loser,” I tell her.

“Don’t be a dick,” she shoots back.

Clay’s phone chimes. “Hey, Malloy, you think you could run over to my mom’s with me? River needs help moving some furniture. It’s late but she’s expecting that new couch early tomorrow and she needs help beforehand.”

I look over at Baylee.

“Yeah, go ahead. I can catch a ride home,” she says.

“You can hang out with us a bit,” Abby says, pointing at Kennedy and Samara. “These two are staying here until River’s done and we were going to open a bottle of wine and hang out. This one”—she holds out a sleeping Ella in her arms—“will be going in her crib.”

“You sure?” Baylee asks.

“Of course. You’re one of us now.” Kennedy winks.

“You sure you don’t mind if I head over there and come back over when I’m done?” I ask her, bending down to whisper into her ear.

“Yes, I think I can survive apart from you for a little while,” she says.

I pull back and look into her eyes. “I promise to make it up to you,” I say quietly as I push the stray hair away from her face. I lean in again and whisper into her ear so only she can hear me, “Maybe between your legs.” I bite her earlobe for extra effect and hear her intake of breath.

I chuckle as I pull away.

“Oh my gosh, go already,” Abby says, rolling her eyes. “I can only imagine what you’re whispering to her.”

“Don’t be jealous that you and Clay aren’t in the early stages anymore.” I stick my tongue out at her.

“She isn’t jealous, asshole.” Clay moves toward his fiancéeand kisses her. “Love you, baby,” he says as we head out the door.

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