“We’re codependent?” I ask.
Elliot chuckles.
“No, they’re lonely. The only difference is you and I feel safer that way. They don’t.”
I don’t argue with him. Mostly because he’s right. But partly because if I were to argue about it, I would have to acknowledge it. Which I’m not ready to do.
When he’s satisfied he’s removed as much of the peeling paint as he can, he leaves his hand wedged between my thighs. And in an effort to find something else to do with my own, I rest my hand on his shoulder, absentmindedly twirling a loc between my fingers.
Elsie and Owen return with a few options, and we settle on the standard, enchanted deck for a game of Aces.
“Girls versus boys?” Elsie proposes as she deals them out.
“Absolutely not,” Elliot answers. “No offense.”
Owen shrugs.
“None taken.”
For the next hour and a half, we all do our best impression of ‘happy couple.’ With almost everyone but Elsie managing to put on a convincing show. Although none quite as convincing as Elliot.
Domesticity may not be his strong suit, but as we sit shoulder to shoulder, huddled together over the little table and the growing mountain of cards in the center, he is an absolute natural.
“Your turn, princess.” He prompts me, rubbing his thumb over my cheek to draw my attention.
“Oh, sorry.”
I cast my card, and Elliot grins, satisfied with my selection.
“Good pick, baby. Ya’ll ready to give up or what?”
Owen and Elsie frown.
“No,” they state in unison.
Elliot shrugs, and I hide my laugh behind my cards.
They really should consider forfeiting.
Aces is the kind of game that requires a bit of intuition and trust. If your partner cannot read you well, you might as well not play at all. Hence, Elliot’s vehement denial to play on Owen’s team.
Which was a good choice because we’re killing it.
Elliot’s tail wags in anticipation as we watch Owen place a card down. It’s high, but not high enough to cast a spell once Elsie makes her selection. The combined number is too low.
Elliot goes next, slapping his card down then promptly declaring, “Get ‘em, baby!”
I shake my head, but I can’t stifle the grin on my face as I shuffle through the options in my hand.
He’s lucky I have the card we need. Otherwise, his cocky showboating would be embarrassing. But, since I do, it’s absolutely anything but.
“Aww.” I fake a frown as I draw the card out from my hand. “I’m so sorry…Sorry, you lost!”
I set my card down with as much flair as Elliot had, and watch with a splitting grin as Elsie and Owen groan. The enchanted deck sparks, igniting a small firework above our table, signaling that we’ve won.
“Ohhh!” Elliot shouts, throwing down the rest of his hand. “What’d I say? She always got me.”
I’m still smiling as he presses three swift kisses to my cheek, and I start to laugh as he doubles down, gripping my chin to add a few more. After the second or third, I find myself leaning into it, and across from me, Elsie’s eyes widen. But she quickly covers it by occupying herself with collecting the deck.
