“Okay, then this definitely isn’t fair. I want a new partner.”
The joke seems to go right over Charlie’s head. He looks zoned out.
“Earth to Charlie.” Jax waves his hand in front of Charlie’s face. “I roasted you twice, man. Try to keep up.”
“Y’all want to invite Callie?” His face has gone white.
“Oh, that’s right.” I wince. “We don’t need to get everyone together if it’s going to be weird.”
He shrugs. “I just haven’t seen her since I moved, but I promise it won’t be weird. It’s been years. I’m mature enough to handle it.”
“Since when?”
Charlie shoves me hard with a grin on his face. “Shut up!”
“I’m not going to apologize for calling you out. You’ve given metwonuggies in the forty-five minutes since you’ve been home.”
“Give me more credit than that. I had the whole car ride from the airport to torture you, but I was civil.”
“Oh gee. Thanks for your kindness.” I roll my eyes, but there’s a smile on my face.
“Back me up here, Jax.” Charlie throws his hands up in the air.
“I’m not getting in the middle of this.”
“Since when?” Charlie crosses his arms, looking betrayed.
“I don’t know. I guess I’ve just matured, unlike someone,” Jax teases, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
“Sounds like he’s taking my side,” I say, glancing at Charlie with a smug look.
“I’m not sure what the hell has been happening whileI’ve been gone, but it stops now. You two are being weird, and I don’t like it.”
My stomach drops, but I try to force a laugh. “Guess you haven’t been home in so long that you’ve forgotten what things are like.”
“Ha. Ha,” Charlie deadpans.
When I meet Jax’s gaze, there’s fear in his eyes. It hits me then that keeping our relationship a secret still might not protect us from external obstacles, and if Charlie is the one who breaks us apart, that might hurt worse than any other form of heartbreak I could imagine.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Jax
“Welcometo the ninth annual Christmas cookie bake-off!” Mom throws her arms out in grandeur, her eyes gleaming with joy.
I take a beat to soak in this moment. Ten years ago, our Christmases were spent trying to keep my dad at home and off his phone or computer long enough to enjoy a family holiday that wasn’t tainted by gambling or booze. The gambling in and of itself wasn’t so bad, but when he lost a bet, he’d start drinking, and when he drank, he’d start throwing punches.
I’m relieved to have the comfort of friends and family around me now. I have an amazing girlfriend, even if I can’t share that with everyone yet. My best friend is back for the longest he’s ever come home since he left, and everyone I care about is safe, happy, healthy, and in one place.
“I’d like to introduce our guest judges this evening: Bennett Rhodes, Lacey Rhodes, Nana Rhodes, and Carol Greer.” Mom can hardly contain her excitement. Sincethere are new competitors this year, we decided it would be fun to have a full judges’ panel. The Rhodes family seemed to make the most sense since Lauren and Charlie were already competing. Plus, Nana Rhodes has been begging to be a part of this for years.
“Bennett, do you care to share with the contestants what they will be judged on today?”
“I would love to, Aimee. Thank you.” Mr. Rhodes stands from his place at our dining room table, now deemed the judges’ booth. Sporting a bright smile, he has a little more life in his eyes than a week ago when Lauren was trying to keep him away from the water tank fiasco.
“Today, my fellow judges and I will be choosing a winner based on creativity, holiday festivity, presentation, and, of course, taste.”
As soon as Mr. Rhodes takes his seat, his wife stands. I bet they rehearsed this at home. I’m sure it was hilarious to watch.
