Page 19 of Play With Me
His parents are a bit shit.
“Please don’t put my head on a stick and wave it around. It’s just a practice, guys. We’re not even in game season.”
“Who cares if we’re not playing and just practicing? You should definitely do that. Yes, I’ve decided. Please do that,” Paulie says, and I kick him with my shoe.
“How about you put Paulie’s head on one and show him how it feels?”
My mom’s eyes glitter. “Oh, that’s a great idea. Hailey, you can wave one around.”
She blushes, but salutes, making Paulie grin. Oh, he’d love that. It would totally get his hopes up, thinking it meant something.
“I’m thinking we could make shirts, too. Witkoff Warriors. Or Witkoff Witches.”
“Oh, we could wear those witch hats and buy brooms!” Maya exclaims. “We could pull our tits out and flash everyone.”
“Oh god,” I groan.
Everyone starts laughing then, and I can’t help but join in. Fucking ridiculous family I have. But I’m lucky. I know it. I really do. And despite their being a pain in my ass, I love them.
“So, any new flings, Paulie? Son?” Mom asks.
“Don’t tell them anything,” I whisper to Maya, but she just waggles her eyebrows. This only makes my mom suspicious. She knows how close we are.
“Oh, you better tell me what that meant. You’re hiding something from us!”
“And me!” Hailey chimes in. “I’m your twin. I should know. I deserve to.”
“No one deserves anything. And I’m not telling you a thing.”
Paulie looks confused because I haven’t told him either. It’s my dirty little secret.
And one I plan to keep.
“Why not?” my mom asks as Hailey pouts.
“He doesn’t trust us.”
Paulie uses this opportunity to touch her. Patting her on the arm. She leans into him, setting her head on his shoulder. She has no idea what this is doing to him. She’s completely clueless.
“Maybe because you’ll blather it to kingdom come.”
“But you told Maya.”
“That’s because she’s Maya.”
“We’re your family,” Hailey says, and then pokes Paulie’s chest. “Tell him, Paulie. We should know all his business. I know you agree with me.”
“Hehasbeen quiet lately,” Paulie says, and I eye him.
“We’re no longer friends.”
His mouth quirks up. He knows that’s bullshit. He’ll be my friend until the end of time. It’s just how it is.
“That’s sad,” Hailey says. “I’ll be your friend.”
I know Paulie wishes it were more than friends, but he still blushes all the same.
“I’m not telling you anything, except that it’s…not someone I really like. And don’t get your hopes up. This isn’t turning into anything. He’s an asshole.”
