We all sit. Or, rather, Jackson sits. Logan reclines like some kind of relaxed Greek god with his hands behind his head for a moment. And I do an impression of a malfunctioning robot, scooping corn onto my plate with the grace of a fork-wielding toddler.
“So,” Jackson says, digging in. “How’s Davenport? Everything cool with the team?”
“Yeah,” Logan says. “Season’s starting to pick up. Got promoted from Double-A, so…you know, big summer incoming.”
“That’s awesome,” Jackson says.
I nod, chewing. Do not make eye contact. Do not think about his mouth. Or any other body part.
“What about you, Cass?” Logan asks.
I blink. “What about me?”
Jackson laughs, then looks at Logan. “Cass is on a ‘sabbatical.’ That’s what she calls quitting her job and moving back home after her boyfriend dumped her.”
I shoot Jackson a look. “Thank you for that helpful context, kind brother.”
“Hey, honesty is the foundation of all good home stay arrangements. I thought he could use the info.”
“Is that what this is?” I mutter.
“Speaking of honesty,” Jackson says, eyes narrowing. “Why are you two acting so weird?”
I drop my fork. “What? We’re not?—”
“You’ve barely looked at each other. Except when you think the other one isn’t looking.”
Logan’s mouth twitches. “Maybe we’re just shy.”
Jackson scoffs. “You? Shy?”
Logan shrugs. “New leaf.”
“That’s cute,” I say too fast, too sharp.
Jackson looks between us, suspicious now. “Wait. Do you guysknoweach other?”
“No,” I say, at the same time Logan says, “Kinda.”
I whip my head toward him.
He lifts his hands. “I mean, we crossed paths. Briefly. At a…bookstore.”
I stare at him.
“A bookstore,” Jackson repeats.
“Yep,” I say brightly. “He recommended me a book about…um…minor league salary negotiations. Super sexy stuff.”
Logan clears his throat and takes a sip of water, clearly fighting a laugh.
Jackson is still staring. “Okay…?”
“Yep,” Logan confirms.
“Which bookstore was this?”
That’s when the oven timer dings. I stand abruptly. “I’ll grab dessert!”
