Page 56 of Second Chance with the Enemy CEO
The argument escalates quickly. Voices overlap, hands gesture wildly, and the three of them are practically talking over each other at this point.
“You guys…,” I start, trying to cut in. No luck. They are completely ignoring me, their bickering echoing across the lot.
I glance around and realize the parking lot is empty. Everyone else has already left. Just us, and well, the videographer who is standing by his car and looking at our group like we have lost it.
Maybe we have. Seriously, why did I have to be surrounded by a bunch of 5-year-olds in adult bodies?
I look between Liam and Mike, hoping someone else will step in, but Mike seems amused, leaning against the car with his arms folded, and Liam…, well, Liam’s still leaning by the door, watching the chaos like it is an afternoon soap opera.
“Guys!” I try raising my voice to cut through the noise. “Guys, we’re not getting anywhere!”
No luck. They are completely ignoring me, their bickering echoing across the lot.
I glance at Mike, who raises an eyebrow and shrugs. “They’re committed; I’ll give them that.”
And, of course, when I look at Liam, he is still leaning up against the car, looking completely detached from the chaos.He catches me staring and offers a shrug. “You are the one in charge, photographer. Handle it.”
“Thanks for the support,” I mutter, rolling my eyes.
“Enough!” I shout, throwing my hands up.
All eyes turn to me.
“You’re acting like kids,” I say, planting my hands on my hips. “If you can’t agree, we’ll settle this the old-fashioned way: rock, paper, scissors.”
The silence that follows is deafening. Four pairs of eyes blink at me like I’ve just sprouted a second head.
“What?” I ask, shrugging.
“You’re joking,” Lucas mutters.
“Nope. Dead serious.”
“No, you can’t be serious,” James protests.
“Absolutely serious,” I reply, crossing my arms.
Tomas snorts. “You really think that’ll work?”
“It’s either that or you keep arguing until the sun sets,” I counter. “Your choice. Besides, it is simple, fair, and better than listening to you argue.”
“But…”
“No buts…, it is happening. You all know the rules - the winner gets to go first. Then second, then third, and so on. Let’s go.”
James groans. Tomas looks like he is biting back a laugh, and Lucas just shakes his head.
“I’m in,” Mike says, stepping forward, “this should be good.”
They form a loose circle, but Liam stays where he is, arms crossed, a scowl firmly in place.
“You too, Callahan,” I say, pointing at him.
He arches a brow. “I’m fine going last, so I’ll pass.”
“No, you won’t.”
“Yes, I will,” he replies, straightening up. “Not interested in playing a childish game.”
