Page 50 of Perfectly Complicated
“Thanks,” I say, but I’m already reaching for my phone to check the time.Eight thirty.Maybe if I hurry, I can see Janie for an hour before she goes to bed.
“You coming out to celebrate?” Jaxon asks, toweling off his hair. “I think there’s a brunette waiting to talk to you.”
I don’t even hesitate. “I don’t like brunettes. I’m more of a blonde guy now.” Blonde with pink streaks, to be exact.
Jaxon’s eyebrows fly up. “That’s not what you said last year.”
“People change,” I say, shoving gear into my bag faster thanusual. “I need to get back to Janie’s and work on the pageant script tonight.”
The guys exchange glances. “Wait.” Jaxon stares at me like I have horns growing out of my head. “You’re choosing a kids’ pageant over hanging out with us?”
In the past, I’d be the first one ready to hit Boots and Buckles after a win like this.
“Well…yeah.”
There’s dead silence before Leo starts howling with laughter. “Oh, man, you’re really gone for your new roommate, aren’t you?” Leo asks.
“No,” I say, avoiding them as I zip my bag shut. “It’s just temporary.”
“While every rental within an hour radius is supposedly booked?” Jaxon interrupts.
“It’s the holiday season,” I say.
The truth? I haven’t looked for another place since those first calls. But staying in Sully’s Beach makes sense—it’s more convenient for practice and the pageant. Plus, the reports about someone prowling around at night make me concerned. After hearing that, I can’t just leave Janie and Aria there alone.
“But you’re not even checking,” Jaxon says.
“That’s because…” Whyexactly? Because I’m worried about a couple of teenagers? Because it’s convenient for the pageant?
Or because waking up to Aria’s babbling and the sight of Janie in her pajamas has become the best part of my day, and I’m not ready to give that up?
“Because he’s whipped,” Leo answers for me.
Like he’s one to talk.
“It’s not like that.” I shake my head. “This isn’t a normal hookup. It’s more complicated because of her history.”
“How complicated can it be?” Leo asks. “You like her. She likes you. Take her out for a date and stop pretending there’s nothing between you.”
“She doesn’t feel the same,” I say. “She’s a single mom who’s not ready to date. We’re just…roommates.”
The guys burst into laughter.
“Roommates,” Leo repeats. “Right. And I’m the Pope.”
“When’s the last time you had a date?” Jaxon interrupts.
I open my mouth, then close it. I haven’t had one since I danced with Janie at Boots and Buckles last summer.
“I thought so,” Leo says, crossing his arms. “You’re domestic now, dude. Rushing home after a game.”
“I have to get my hours in for volunteering…” I throw my bag over my shoulder.
“Our boy’s all grown up,” Leo mocks, wiping fake tears from his face. “Playing house with a teacher and a baby.”
“Shut up,” I say over my shoulder as I head out of the locker room. “You guys are idiots.”
I’m smiling before I even hit the door.
