Page 44 of Playing for Keeps (Checkmate 4)

13

Riley

Five Days Earlier

“You need to be nicer to her, Riley. She’s trying to help you.”

I grunt when Kari’s gentle hands accidentally tap my stump and rivers of bile fill my throat. It hurts so fucking much. Everything hurts – right down to my heart. “Be quiet. Put my bandage back on.”

She rolls her eyes, but does as she’s told. “She’s not going anywhere. She’s stubborn as a mule, so you better get used to your new housemate.”

“No, she’ll get bored soon. It’s what she does; she’s flighty and immature. She’s crazy and is always going off on her new adventures. I’m this week’s adventure, but she’ll be gone before Christmas. You’ll see.”

“She’s not leaving.” Kari wraps my leg; slowly, methodically, gently. And yet, it still hurts like a motherfucker. “A woman in love doesn’t pack her shit up just because times are tough.”

I scoff. “A woman in love.You give her too much credit. Andi’s in love with herself. She’s in love with adventure and silliness.” But my heart still races with hope. “Andi’s here because I said no. Because I set the challenge. She’s not in love.”

“Really?” Reaching into her back pocket, Kari takes out her cell and unlocks the screen. Tossing it into my lap, she goes back to wrapping my leg. “Go to my messages. To my group chat. Me, Britt, the twins, Lindsi, and Andi. The twins aren’t talking, but you can bet your ass Andi is. Read what she says about you, then tell me she’s not in love.”

Lindsi:We’re having pot roast for dinner. Want in? Livi misses you.

Andi:No thanks. I’m making fried chicken. Riley has a recipe taped to the inside of his pantry, so I’m gonna make that tonight.

Lindsi:But we want you here! Ask him if he wants to come to dinner here. It’ll do him good to get out.

Andi:There’s no way in hell he’ll say yes to that. Not a chance. I’m staying here.

Lindsi:The kids miss you, Andi! I miss you.

Andi:Don’t use the babies against me, Linds. That’s not fair. Would you leave if it was Oz?

Lindsi:No, but Oz is my husband. It’s different.

Andi:It’s not different. It’s exactly the same. My heart won’t quit on him, so I’m staying. I’m sorry you can’t understand that.

Kari’s green eyes come back into focus. “Now flip to the chat between me, her, and Luc.”

The time stamp says just last night. Eight p.m.

Andi:Thank you for doing this, Kari. I appreciate it. I need help, and since you’re qualified…

Kari:It’s fine! I’ll be there at ten on the dot.

I glance up and purse my lips. “Saving up for a wedding and a house? Or pulling strings at work and doing friends a favor?”

“Both.” She grins. “I can do both at the same time; it doesn’t make either a lie.”

Rolling my eyes, I go back to the phone while Kari works on my leg.

Andi:It all feels so hopeless, guys. He’s so angry.

Andi:Did you ever love someone that doesn’t love you back?

Luc:Yes.

Andi: Really?What did you do about it? Because this hurts so effing much.

Luc:What did I do? I fought for her. Every damn day. Even when she hated me. Even when she swore it would never happen between us.

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