“Exactly. You were there for my ping-pong story with Jace. Loser had to dance together. You and T kicked our asses, and Jace almost got me pregnant during that dance.”
“Y’all are ridiculous. That was the third game I’ve played with him at that table. I agreed to live with him, not fall in love with him. If anything, y’all are just proving that this is a terrible idea. We’re only friends, and I can assure you that’s all we'll ever be.”
“Ping-pong table says otherwise.” Lacey giggles.
“What was the bet?” Gray asks.
“What do you mean?”
“Tanner never plays a game on that table without some dumb bet being involved,” Poppy explains.
“Loser had to share why they were drinking alone.”
“And that somehow led to you moving in with him?” Chloe asks, confused. “I’m not following.”
The events of the night play in the back of my mind. The game. His admission. Those puppy dog eyes he kept flashing at me all night. The way his abs flexed this morning while he buttoned up his shirt. I take a deep breath.
“He works for the company that bought my building. And I don’t know.” I shrug my shoulders. “I was desperate. He felt guilty.”
“Well, this just keeps getting more interesting,” Gray says, resting her elbows on the table and placing her chin on top of her fists. “You left out that little detail on the car ride here.”
“It doesn’t matter. I shouldn’t have agreed, so I’m going to tell him today it’s not happening.”
“Might I remind you that he offered to cover your rent. You’re saving to start a non-profit that would help yourbrother and so many people like him. You need a place to live. It doesn’t seem like you have a lot of options,” Gray says.
“He’s paying your rent?” Poppy exclaims as mimosa sprays from her mouth.
“Nice,” I say, scowling. “It’s not that big of a deal. Friends help friends out.”
All four of them look at each other, and then back at me.
“Gray’s right. This does keep getting more interesting,” Lacey says.
“Technically, I have four other options sitting at this table with me,” I say, looking back at each of them.
“I rescind my offer,” Chloe says.
“I do too,” Poppy says, wincing. “Sorry.”
I look at Lacey and Gray.
“I’m going to have to agree,” Lacey says. “Looks like your only option is Gray’s couch or the big bedroom at Tanner’s apartment.” Ava giggles in my lap.
“Oh, you think they’re funny too?” I laugh. “I can’t live with him. I mean he slept on my couch last night, and I forgot and walked out of my room wearing only a bra and my underwear. That cannot happen again.”
“Wait, what?” Poppy asks. “How does this story keep getting better?”
I take a deep breath. “Y’all, I was so embarrassed.”
“Why? Were you wearing your period underwear?” Chloe asks.
“God, I wish. My ass would have at least been covered. I was wearing a matching red lace bra and thong set. He probably thinks I put them on for him.” I take a sip of my bellini and groan.
“Oh, he definitely thinks you put them on for him,” Lacey says with a laugh.
“What am I going to do?”
“You’re going to live with him until you have another viable option,” Gray says.
