Smarty
Love you, HURRY!!!
I pocket my phone with a big smile on my face. It’s been a week since I’ve seen her. She officially doesn’t start her job until Monday, however, she’s been watching game film each night, reporting back to the coaches on what needs to be worked on. I’m the only one privy to this information though, and I’m hoping that once she’s on the sidelines, the guys will see that she knows what she’s talking about.
The entire ride to the beach house, I’m tempted to phone Quinn to find out what’s really going on. I’m having a tough time believing that Katelyn walked in on him unless he was at the beach when this all happened. Either way, whoever he’s bringing to meet the gang better have some super thick skin. I love Elle, and of course Peyton, but damn those girls can be feisty and they are super protective of their brother.
Peyton is pacing out front when the car service drops me off. “What’s wrong?” I ask as soon as she opens the car door.
“Nothing, can’t I just be excited to see you?”
As soon as I’m out, I drop my carry-on and pull her into my arms. Soon, we’ll see each other so much, she’s liable to get sick of me. “Did you miss me?”
She nods and presses her lips to mine. “I always miss you.”
“Me too.” With my suitcase being towed behind me, Peyton and I walk toward her parents’ house. “So, Quinn?”
“He didn’t say anything when you went camping?”
“Not a word, but honestly babe, guys don’t sit around and talk like you girls do. We discuss manly shit like beer, sports, and guns.”
Peyton stops dead in her tracks and looks at me. “Guns? Noah Westbury, you don’t own a gun. Do you even know how to shoot one?”
“Not the point.”
“Doesn’t matter. Don’t make stuff up. Your manly discussions are about burping, farting, and other gross bodily functions.”
I start to laugh. She’s not far from the truth. We do act a bit more relaxed when the women in our lives aren’t around. “Seriously, babe. He never said anything.”
She doesn’t look like she believes me. Thing is, if Quinn had said something, I’m not sure I’d tell her. The guy doesn’t stand a chance when it comes to women, especially in this family.
Out back, our entire family is gathered around the fire pit. Betty Paige runs up to me, launching herself into my arms. She’s the best thing to have happened to our family. I hug her tightly before setting her back onto the ground. “You gonna be at my home opener?”
“Eh, I’m not sure football’s really my thing anymore,” she says so nonchalantly that I almost believe her. My mouth drops open and she giggles. “Of course, I am. Mom ordered me a bunch of new shirts and stuff for me to wear. Grandma Bianca and Grandma and Grandpa say they’re going to be there too.”
“A full house, I can’t wait.”
Paige and I walk over to the group. She goes back to her seat and picks up her phone. I hope she’s playing a game, but something tells me she’s texting Mack. I’m waiting for my parents to nip this budding relationship soon before something drastic happens. I kiss my mom, Katelyn, and Jenna on their cheeks; hug my dad, Harrison, and JD before grabbing a bottle of beer and taking a seat. Peyton and Elle have disappeared, leading me to believe they’re out front, waiting for Quinn. I’m tempted to run interference, but the ambush is going to happen, regardless.
“Would you like something to eat?” my mom asks.
“Sure, if you’re going in. I’ll take something.”
She rests her hand on my shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”
All around, the guys talk. It’s mostly band stuff and I’m content to stare at the fire. The next time we’re all together like this will be opening day if they can all come, and then the wedding.
“Noah, have you heard the demo from Elle’s band?” Dad asks. I shake my head. He pulls out his phone and taps the screen a few times. Quinn’s voice rings out. My head starts bobbing to the music. I like it. I knew he had talent, but he’s really good. By the look on my dad’s face, he agrees.
The clearing of a throat has us all looking toward the house. There’s Quinn, holding hands with a very pretty woman.
“Quinn, didn’t hear you come in,” Harrison says. “This must be Nola.” He stands and walks over to shake her hand and introduces himself. Quinn follows by introducing his girlfriend to the rest of us, and all I can think is that he got caught, like a horny teenager, having sex. I want to bust out laughing but don’t want to embarrass my best friend.
“Where are Peyton and Elle?” Quinn asks.
I lean slightly and see the twins standing behind their brother. By the look of things, I’m guessing they went inside and had a pow-wow on how they were going to handle this newcomer, instead of waiting for their brother out front. Poor Nola. I wish I could give her some advice, but since I’ve been a part of the family forever, as has Ben since he moved to Beaumont, neither of us could possibly tell her anything useful. Ben slaps me in the arm and doesn’t even try to hide his laughter. He knows all too well how dangerous Elle can be.
“Right behind you,” I hear Elle say. Quinn turns slowly, his face showing so much fear. As tempted as I am to rib Quinn about this whole situation, I don’t. I know my time’s coming with Betty Paige, probably sooner than expected. My sister is infatuated with Mack, which to me isn’t a good sign.