Page 133 of We Shouldn't Be Together
Zero point. “Nah, don’t worry about it,” I mutter. “We’ll stay in.”
Should I suggest dim sum instead?Oof, no. I couldn’t handle the Jamie-Tabitha face-off if I don’t strike up the nerve to admit my feelings.
It’s not long until the boys leave and Jamie and I join my family in the dining room when the pizzas arrive.
“Are your grandparents getting here tomorrow?” Jamie asks eagerly, angling a slice of pepperoni in front of her mouth.
“No, they can’t make it this weekend,” Dad answers.
It makes me flinch. “They’re not? Since when?”
“The contractors still haven’t finished their home repairs,” Mom replies. “They’ll be here next weekend instead.”
“Well, that sucks. They’re always here for our birthdays.” I nod at Milo. “Why aren’t you more pissed?”
He shrugs with a mouthful of pizza. “I already knew.”
“Milo,“ Mom complains. “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”
“Such a bummer,” Jamie says with a sigh. “I love when your grandparents are here.”
“They’ll definitely be here next weekend?” I ask, pivoting between Mom and Dad.
“That’s what they tell us,” Dad says, nodding.
“I guess that means we celebrate our birthday twice,” I suggest.
“Once is enough,” Milo mutters.
Jamie sniggers. “Why, Milo? Don’t like the attention?”
At that, Milo stammers some nonsensical sounds. He haphazardly fixes his glasses on the bridge of his nose and goes a slight shade of pink.
I smirk and nudge Jamie. “Take that as a no.”
She chuckles beside me, picking up another slice of pizza.
“Kai, don’t overeat,” Mom warns. “This meal wouldn’t exactly thrill your coach.”
“Oh, please,” I retort. “You just know Coach Lyle is kicking back with a beer and pizza right about now.”
Mom laughs it off, but she keeps an eye on me until finally Jamie and I retreat upstairs.
I crash on the couch and can’t help remembering Jamie’s aversion to her aunt’s new boyfriend. “So, is Maddy really serious about this guy?”
“She claims to be. I have a theory she’s with him for the chance to live out a rom-com. She’s never really had a boyfriend before.”
“Yeah, I know.”
Jamie sighs. “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For not being like the other guys and saying it’s unbelievable because my aunt’s so hot.”
“Granted, she’s not much older than us, but it’s still kinda gross. I’m not gonna drool over your aunt.”
“That’s one thing I like about you,” she says, reclining against an oversized throw pillow. “You don’t pine over any girls.”
