Page 12 of What Are The Odds?
Levi frowned. “Why not?”
“Because they’re dead.”
Levi’s eyes widened and his jaw went slack.
“I’m sorry,” I said hurriedly, trying to ease the awkwardness that always followed that admission. “I’m still learning how to deliver that sentence without it sounding like a bombshell.”
“Maybe start by working on the delivery.”
I sheepishly shrugged. “It is what it is.”
“It is what it is?” he parroted. “Man, are all Aussies this laidback?”
“Compared to Americans? Definitely.”
Once he pulled into a park, I opened my door and slipped from the tall car. As we walked inside, I couldn’t stop touching the back of my legs. They were toasty, like I’d just been standing in front of a heater. I was a real big fan of heated seats. After collecting a basket, Levi reached into his pocket, taking out a messily scrawled list. He whistled in disbelief.
“Our team dietician will have something to say about this.”
I read over his shoulder. Jelly. Instant mash. Ice cream.
“Is your roommate five years old?”
Levi sighed. “Judging by this list, you’d think so.”
“What about a smoothie? At least you can add in veggies and fruit.”
Levi arched an eyebrow. “Know any good recipes?”
“A couple.”
8. I don’t do girlfriends
Levi
Grace picked up several mangoes before settling on one and placing it in the basket I was holding. She was dressed in frayed blue jeans, black Vans and an oversized sweater. There wasn’t an ounce of makeup on her face and her long hair was tied up in a messy ponytail. She hadn’t made any effort before coming around today. Proof she wasn’t interested in Ryker or me. Though despite her casualness, eyes still cast her way as we walked among the aisles. Grace was a head turner, whether she was trying or not. She stopped beside the M&Ms, studying them before taking out her phone and snapping a photo of the crispy flavour.
“My brothers will flip. Back home, these are in a blue bag.”
“How many brothers do you have?”
“Two,” she answered. “Seth and Dylan. Both older.” She continued walking. “Do you have any siblings?”
“A younger sister.”
So, the back-to-back calls had come from a brother. Not a boyfriend. That simplified things.
*
When we arrived back home, I stepped to the side, holding the front door open for Grace. Her wide eyes took in our modern townhouse. It was spotless. Ryan was a neat freak. The clean up after we hosted gatherings or parties was never too bad because he generally did the majority. I walked straight to the kitchen, setting down the ingredients on the counter.
Grace looked around. “Have you got a blender?”
“Yeah. Hold up.”
I rummaged through the cabinet above the fridge, moving aside countless tubs of protein. When I turned back Grace had already sourced a chopping board and knife. She sliced the mango, then began separating it from the skin. I reached into my pocket when my phone went off. There was another message from Ryker.
“Ryker isn’t going to make it,” I told Grace. “He’s got to stay back.”
