Spiked by Love (Bellevue Bullies 6)

I shrug. She isn’t wrong. Elli has the biggest heart, but I want her to hire me because I love jumbotrons and I’m talented. Not because of who my parents are and the fact that she changed my diapers. “Yeah, we’ll see.”

When the trolley stops, we get off and head toward her car. Ally pops the trunk, and I put my things in. Once in the car, she starts it and says, “Taco called last night.”

I try to hide my disdain, but it’s impossible, and I groan loudly. I absolutely hate her ex-boyfriend. More so than some of her other exes. Taco’s just a complete shitshow. By the looks of him, you’d think he has his shit together, but then you get closer and you notice he smells. He’s a douchebag. Ugh, I hate him. He tried to get her to move to Texas and leave behind everything she’d built here. She’d worked her ass off to keep her 4.0 and to be captain of the Bullies’ volleyball team. He knew this, yet he was pushing her to go. He’s basically a piece of shit. “Please tell me you ignored the call.”

She grimaces. “No, I answered. He’s back in town.”

I know whatever I say will be ignored. She loves fixer-upper dudes, and not the kind they sing about in Frozen. No, the real shit cases. I mean, he goes by Taco. What an idiot. “Ew, ignore him, please.”

“You know I can’t. He asked me out.”

“And you said no,” I say hopefully, putting that good energy into the world.

“I did because I’m spending the day with you.”

I side-eye her. “Ally.”

“What? He says he just wants to talk.”

“And get in your pants. He’s a douchenozzle. Find someone else,” I urge as I try calling my brother. He doesn’t answer. “You don’t need that shit. You’re too good.”

She shrugs. “It’s nice to be wanted.”

“There are plenty of guys out there who want you, Ally. Stop settling for trash.”

“I guess.” She pulls out of her parking spot and hits the highway. “I’ll cancel the date.”

No, she won’t. I’m not stupid.

“Good,” I say, hoping she’ll do it, but I know she won’t.

Since I have nothing nice to say, I send a text in my family group chat.

Me: HOME! Hanging with Ally. I’ll see you guys soon.

Stella: You chose Ally over us?

Me: You’re all working or have things to do. Remember? No one could get me from the airport? Ally could.

Emery: So? We still want to feel important, and we all know you’d rather be with her.

Stella: For real. Like, why don’t y’all just get married and have babies and shit?

Mom: Girls, leave him be. And please don’t have babies yet. I’m too young for that. I’m seriously buying boxes of condoms for Aiden and Shelli to remind them of that. But I love you, Asher. I’ve missed you and can’t wait to see you.

Me: No babies, Mom. Costco is having a sale, I heard. Not that I need them.

Emery: Not for a long time, I assume. Since your ex is a lesbian.

Stella: HA BURRRRNNNN!!! Maybe you need to buy some burn cream from Costco too, Mom.

Me: I hate both of you.

Stella: But you loooooveeeeee Ally.

Emery: Ally and Asher sitting in a tree… I forgot the rest.

Me: Stop. You guys know she’s like a sister to me.