Page 86 of Miss Me Not

I was momentarily confused until I realized she didn't mean "made it through the hug assembly line," but "made it for the holiday."

"Thanks for inviting me," I said, finally looking up. I was relieved to see I was no longer the center of attention as everyone resumed their previous conversations. Dean gave up on chasing his cousin around the yard and was headed back my way.

"We're all pleased you're here. Holidays are a special time," she said, sliding her arm across my shoulders and giving me a one-armed hug before walking away.

"Hey," Dean said, stopping in front of me.

"Hey yourself, Jock Prick," I said, still pissed.

"I'm sorry," he said sheepishly.

"For which part? Conveniently forgetting to tell me that your family is like an episode of some kid's show with their need to hug everyone in sight, or sorry you left me standing here like an idiot so you could play tag with your cousin?"

"All of the above," he said, stepping closer. "I really am sorry. I just wanted you to come today."

"No more surprises. Got me, Sport-o?" I finally consented.

"No more surprises," he promised. "Now come meet my cousins and sister," he added, grabbing my hand in his.

His cousins were on the far side of the house, roughhousing with a football in hand. Several girls were standing off to the side talking when we approached.

"Madison, this is my sister Trish," Dean said, stopping in front of the small group.

"Madison, it's a pleasure to meet you," a tall brunette that I recognized from the family tree wall said, stepping away from the group to give me my millionth hug of the day. I tried not to focus on how drop-dead gorgeous she was, and how intimidated I suddenly felt being in the presence of people my own age. Could they tell I didn't belong here? Surely, it vibrated off of me like some sonic signal.

"I feel like I've known you for years as much as D has talked about you," Trish joked, releasing me.

"Same here," I said truthfully. It had become clear after the first few days of being Dean's friend, that he shared a close relationship with his sister. Even with her away at college, he still made sure that he talked or texted her at least once a day.

"Great, Dean has a girlfriend. Can we move on so we can play some ball?" one of his cousins said snidely.

I studied him for a moment. For some reason, maybe it was his shorter, slimmer appearance, he reminded me of Perry Pervert. He just looked like a slimy weasel.

"Keep your shirt on, Pete," Dean said, shooting the guy a glare.

"Yeah, don't be a dick, Pete," Trish said, rolling her eyes at me. "He can be such an idiot," she whispered, linking her arm through mine. "I really am glad to meet you. I haven't ever seen D this happy. Try not to hurt him, okay?" she added as we joined the others.

Her words made my stomach drop like someone had poured a gallon of cement down my throat. Did she really just warn me? Her warning was too late of course. It was inevitable I would hurt him.

"Ready for some fun," Dean said, joining us.

"Uh, I think I'd rather watch," I said, realizing they wanted me to join in on their game.

"Nice try," one of the other girls said, smiling at me. "I tried that excuse the last time John brought me to one of these get-togethers," she went on, indicating a taller guy off to our left with a mess of golden locks that fell across his forehead. "I'm Courtney, by the way," she said, holding out her hand.

I shook it, grateful she wasn't a hugger. "Nice to meet you. Seriously, though, I know absolutely nothing about football."

"That excuse won't fly here. Believe me, I tried it. All you need to remember is, if anyone hands the ball to you, run for the end zone as fast as you can," she said, pointing to the far end of the field.

"Seriously?" I asked.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine. Plus, don't tell John, but it's actually a lot of fun."

"Madison, no fraternizing with the enemy," Trish said, coming over to drag me to the team I had obviously been drafted to. "You're going down boyee," she said to Courtney in an over-the-top gangsta voice.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night, Trishy. They don't call me lucky for nothing," Courtney called after us.

After joining my team, I was dismayed to learn that Dean was on the opposing team. I started to fume when I looked over at him for help and he merely winked at me. Mother of F, it was bad enough I had to play a game I knew nothing about, but being on my own sucked major ass, I thought to myself as I decided the alligators for torture were still a viable option.

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