Page 76 of Game Over

Tweedle-Dee and Tweedle-Dum

After Allie and Emma left the kitchen, Carson and I worked silently to get everything cleaned. Once it was all done, I leaned against the bar and folded my arms.

“Thanks for being on good behavior tonight, man. I know there’s clearly something there from before, but I appreciate you not being a total dick.”

“My mama would come knocking if she knew I wasn’t being polite in someone else’s home. She has like some weird Spidey sense when it comes to it. Besides, it wasn’t so bad tonight.” He shrugged and finished tying the garbage bag in his hands, coming to stand across from me.

“She does, dude, and she’d always pop that spot on the back of your head too.” I laughed and thought back to when we were younger and much rowdier boys. His mom never let us get away with our shit.

“You seem really happy, dude. The happiest I think I’ve ever seen you.”

“Thanks, man, and I am. I’m really, really, fucking happy. She’s everything to me.” I let that settle around us, thinking back on the short time we’ve been together. “She doesn’t care what I do or don’t have. She wants to be with me for me, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted. Allie has shown me a love that I’ve spent my entire life looking for. She’s shown me that blood doesn’t always mean family, and that it was never my fault for how they treated me.” My voice cracked on that last part. “You and your family have always been better to me than my own. Shit, I think of your parents as my own, and you’re my brother through and through. I’ll never be able to repay you for that, Carson.” I choked back the emotion that wanted to escape.

“Aw, shit, man, come here.” He pulled me into a bear hug that he rarely gave out, making it mean that much more. “We’re all here for you, buddy. No matter what you need. You know that, right? Mom always checks in on you. ” I pulled back, our gazes still locked.

“I know, man, I know, but y'all have already done so much for me that I wouldn’t ever want to be a burden.”

“Never, Spencer. You’re never a burden.” He clapped me on my shoulder to further drive his point. “You know, at some point, you’re going to have to bring Allie over. My mama is going to want to meet the girl who stole your heart.”

“Thanks, man. I appreciate you always being there for me too. I’ll talk to her, and we’ll figure something out.”

“Anytime, buddy. Now, is there anything else that we should do?”

“Nah, I think this is good. Wanna play a couple rounds before you head out? I got a new system for her, so it’s hooked up to the TV.”

“Oh yeah, I’ll kick your ass, let's go.”

We spent the next several hours playing. Him mostly complaining when he got his ass whooped round after round. Allie and Emma had mainly stayed in the bedroom hanging out, but eventually made their way out to the living room and watched.

“I think that’s enough of that.” Carson huffed, setting his controller down on the table in front of us. “I guess I’d better head on out so I can get some sleep. Thanks again for having me over, Allie. I had a good time.”

“It’s no problem, Carson, anytime.” She waved from where she was tucked into my side on the couch.

Carson turned to face Emma, his gaze softening slightly as he took her in. There was only a cushion of space between them. Moving slowly toward her like he was afraid she’d get spooked, he reached out and trailed his fingers down her arm.

“It was good seeing you again, Ems.”

“You too, Carse.” Ems? Carse? The nicknames were a new development, but they seemed to be going in a somewhat positive direction. She shivered at his touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a moment until they snapped back open and quickly shot over to me and then back to Carson. “See ya Saturday at the Halloween party. Make sure you bring your A game for the costume contest cause I’m gonna whoop your ass.” She gave him the biggest Cheshire grin, and a small smirk tugged at his lips as we walked toward the door.

“Thanks again, man, I’ll text you.”

“Be safe going home, and I’ll see you this weekend.” I closed the door and headed back to the living room, where the girls had stayed.

“Not a word,” she shot without sparing me a glance.

“I’m convinced you want to make his life hell, Emma.” Dropping down next to Allie, throwing my arm behind her, and she scooted into my side again.

“And so what? Maybe I do.” She shrugged and went back to her phone.

“You’re a terror.” Allie shoved her foot into Emma’s side and laughed.

“But I’m your favorite terror.” Emma shoved her back and fluttered her lashes at her.

“And you two are basically tweedle-dee and tweedle-dum.” Laughing, I lay my head back and then felt the blow of two pillows being thrown at my face. “I don’t like either of you anymore.” I snatched the pillows up and threw them back, causing each girl to shriek in outrage. Jumping up and over the table, I ran to the bedroom to avoid the onslaught of names and pillows being hurled at me. I closed the door and decided to hop in the shower, figuring it was the safest space. Five minutes later, I hear Allie come in, still cursing under her breath at me. She came into the bathroom ready to continue, but stopped short.

“Well, now that isn’t fair. I can’t stay mad if I’m seeing you naked.” Her eyes left a trail of heat as they raked up and down my body.

“Like what you see, sweetheart?” I stepped out of the water slightly and opened the glass door. “Come on. Get your pretty ass in here.” She didn’t hesitate before stripping and getting in.