Page 113 of Triple Play

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Jordie leaps back about three feet as she opens the door.

She takes in the scene—me in pajamas, Jordie fully clothed but clearly not supposed to be here, the plate of cookies on the nightstand.

“Jordan.” Her voice is measured. “What are you doing?”

“Bringing cookies. To Elise. Who was—hungry.”

“Mm-hm.” She looks at me. “Hungry?”

“Starving,” I confirm.

She shakes her head, but she’s almost smiling. “Back to your room, Jordan. Now.”

“Yes ma’am.”

He mouths “sorry” at me and escapes.

Mrs. Dickson lingers in the doorway.

“He’s in love with you. You know that, right?”

My heart does something complicated.

“I—”

“And those other two. They look at you the same way.” She pauses. “I don’t understand it. But I don’t need to. Just—be good to him. All of them. They’re good boys.”

“I will. I promise.”

She nods once, then closes the door.

I sink onto the bed, heart pounding, and realize that Jordie’s mom just gave us her blessing.

Sort of.

In the most indirect, uncomfortable way possible.

But still.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand.

Jordie: sneak over here

Me: Your mom literally just caught you in my room

Jordie: exactly. she already knows. what’s the point of hiding now?

Grant: He has a point

Wyatt: Terrible logic but I agree with it

Me: You’re all insane

Jordie: insane for you

Jordie: sorry that was cheesy

Jordie: but also true

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