Page 49 of Game Over

“Ain't that the damn truth,” Donna muttered under her breath. “Hi, Spencer, honey, I’m sorry about that. It’s so good to see you again.” She walked over and pulled me into a hug.

“It’s good to see you too, Donna. Thank you for having me.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, sweet pea. You’re welcome anytime here. I hope you’re hungry. I made a lot.” I looked over to the counters and saw she made different dips for us, lots of toppings, and then all kinds of different meats for tacos.

“She usually goes all out. I think it’s some southern mom gene that comes built in. You should see her around the holidays. I’m talking about magazine-worthy spreads,” Allie said as she passed by me and headed to the living room, where her sister was. I wasn’t sure what else to do, so I followed her.

Looking over the room, it felt homey. It had overstuffed plaid sofas that looked worn-in and comfy. Pictures of them all and other family members throughout the years lined one wall, while large windows filled the other. There was a small bookshelf with rows of photo albums on it, and small knickknacks too. It was warm and inviting—exactly what I expected it to be.

“What’s up, demon?” Allie asked as she stepped into the room.

“Oh, ya know, just making it look like no one has ever lived here before, because god forbid a home looks lived in. Hi, Spencer.” Olivia waved at me and continued to wipe down a table.

“Hey Olivia, uh, want some help?”

“Nah, I’ll wipe this down and be done. She’ll be fine, I promise.”

“No, you know damn well she’s gonna notice.” Allie placed her hands on her hips and stuck one out, raising her brow at her sister. Definitely wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of that look.

“I bet you five dollars and an energy drink she doesn’t, and she tells me how great I did.” Olivia shot back.

“Oh, you’re so on. I’m going with her full government name and a ‘why in the hell you didn’t follow directions?’” Allie’s interpretation of her mom seemed pretty spot on from the little I’ve heard so far.

Is this what sisters did? Carson was an only child, and my brothers were all dicks.

“Kids, come on, dinner’s ready!” Donna yelled from the kitchen.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, you’ll always be a kid to her.” Allie shook her head and smiled in her mom’s direction. She wrapped herself around my arm and leaned in. “If you need to leave at any point, let me know, okay?”

“I will, I promise. Come on, let's go eat.” She nodded, seemingly happy with my answer, and pulled me back toward the kitchen.

Allie pulled me along with her as we made our plates, before we all sat down at the table together. Her mom still had music playing, and it sounded like an old Tim McGraw song. Something about doing anything to see his girl smile. I feel that one. I’d shave my head and paint myself blue if it made Allie smile.

Once we all sat down and started eating, Donna asked both the girls how everything had been going with their respective work and school. Olivia was telling us how she was finishing up some English project, and Allie was catching her mom up on all the changes happening with her team. I sat back listening as each girl spoke, one of them often talking over the other, but still somehow managing to know what the other said.

“What about you, Spencer? Anything new with you?” her mom asked me, and it took a second to register, because I was not used to having someone interested in anything happening in my life.

“Oh, uh, nothing too new. We have some new system updates that will come out soon that I helped create, which is exciting.” I cleared my throat and took a drink of water. “Besides that, I’ve been spending my time with Allie or in the gym.”

“Well, that does sound exciting. New systems always bring either excitement or new issues, so I’m sure that will keep you busy. I’m sure Allie is also keeping you busy too.” She shot me a wink that I know had more meaning to it. Raising my glass to my lips to hide my smile, I looked over at Allie, whose mouth was hanging open like a fish.

“Oh my god, MOM, you can’t say shit like that!” Allie hid her face in her hands, and I could see the blush starting to peek through where her hands didn’t cover.

“What? I just meant busy with going out on dates or whatever it is kids do nowadays. I think I’ve heard it's Netflix and chill? Ya know, hanging out and watching movies with each other. You’re the one who made it dirty.”

“I think I’m gonna vomit. No offense, Spencer.” Olivia said, as she acted like she was gonna throw up. All three girls started laughing, the sound loud and boisterous, filling the kitchen completely.

The ease with which the three of them talked and joked with each other made something in me ache. Why couldn’t my family be like this with me? Was I never good enough or do enough? Were there some imaginary rules I didn’t follow?

Why couldn’t it have been mine?

I felt my eyes start to sting as tears tried to burst through. I blinked rapidly, trying to prevent them from falling and praying my glasses didn’t fog up. Allie reached over and squeezed my hand. I looked up, and she was back to talking with her mom, but still attuned to me. Her touch calmed those thoughts somewhat and brought me back to the present.

“Are you excited for our weekend trip next month?” Donna asked both girls.

“I’d been so busy I almost forgot! Yes, I’m so excited,” Allie responded, bouncing in her seat.

“It’s gonna be a blast. Are you gonna do all the fun rides with me, sissy?!” Olivia tacked on in the middle of Allie's sentence.