Page 22 of Thrown Off Balance

“Jude, you can send me money for your tab.” Jax flashes him a smile and Jude’s jaw drops slightly. He definitely wasn’t expecting that.

He holds up his phone with the code for him to send him money. When Jude doesn’t move immediately, Jax shakes his phone.

With a frown and a big sigh, Jude scans the code and sends Jax whatever amount he requested. He doesn’t look happy about it though. I guess he assumed we’d just treat him to an expensive dinner.

My siblings and I take turns paying when we go out. We’re more than happy to treat each other and we don’t care how much we spend. We just enjoy spending time together.

Once we’ve exited the restaurant, we stand outside and chitchat for a few more minutes.

“Do you guys want to come back to our house?” Sophia glances at Jax and me.

“Wow, you don’t invite your favorite brother over?” Wyatt tsks.

“Oh, please. You’re my brother-in-law. You’re his brother.” She points to Peck. “And we both know you don’t need an invite. You’ll come over whenever you want to, even if we don’t invite you.” She rolls her eyes.

“Wait a second… Peck and Wyatt are siblings?” Jude’s brows draw together as he stares at them.

“Biologically.” Peck shrugs.

Sloan’s gaze snaps to me and I know she’s wondering what they’re talking about.

“I’ll explain it later,” I say softly.

“But aren’t Charlie and Sophia sisters?” Jude asks.

“Actually, no.” Charlie doesn’t offer up any further information and I won't help Jude figure it out.

Sloan already knows the ins and outs of my family. She knows technically Charlie’s my cousin, but I’ve only ever known her as my sister.

Aunt Kasey died before I was born and Mom adopted Charlie and raised her as her own daughter. Though we all know Charlie isn’t biologically our sister, we never cared. We were raised to believe family is thicker than blood.

“But will you two come?” Sophia stares at us with pleading eyes.

“Of course. We’re off tomorrow so we don’t need to be up early.” Jax wraps an arm around her shoulders and pulls her close.

“Maybe we’ll just crash at your house.” I wiggle my brows.

“Yes! Oh my gosh! I’d love that!” Sophia bounces around like she’s still a little kid.

Sometimes it’s hard to imagine her being a mom, but I know she’ll be the most amazing mom ever. She has so much love in her heart, but she’s also one of the most fun people I’ve ever met. Any children she has are going to be so lucky.

“Alright, let’s go pick up your cars, then we’ll head home.” I tug my keys out of my pocket and turn towards the car.

“Hey, Cody?” Sloan asks softly.

“Yeah?” I toss Wyatt the keys and let him go ahead with Peck and the girls. Jude is talking Jax’s ear off about something and my twin looks like he’s about to lose his mind.

“Do you think you could drop me off at my place after you take everyone to get their cars?” She glances down at her feet and refuses to meet my gaze.

“I’m happy to take you home… Is there a reason you don’t want to go with him?” I lower my voice as I nod towards Jude.

“Can we talk about it in the car? When we’re alone?” She nibbles on her bottom lip uncomfortably.

“Yes. Go get in the car while he’s still busy with Jax.” I nudge her towards my SUV and as soon as she’s closed inside the back, I slap Jax on the back. “C’mon, bro. It’s time to go.”

Jax jumps at the chance to leave and as I pull out of the parking lot, Jude is spinning in a circle looking for Sloan. Wyatt, Peck, and Jax are laughing as I wave and pull onto the street.

“Man, Sloan, you could do so much better than that guy,” Jax groans.