Page 24 of Lessons in Lemonade

“Noted.”

Two minutes after the phone call ends, a picture appears on my screen. Jack has removed his shirt and is flexing his bicep to show off his arm—just his arm. I can’t help but laugh, and he’s right . . . can I just say eye candy times ten? It’s a good thing he doesn’t live closer, because I could easily see myself getting lost in those arms.

Three hours later, a notification pops up that Jack has posted a new photo. It’s a selfie of him at the top of the mountain, only it’s not quite how I imagined it. He’s wearing a green T-shirt that says Mr. Christmas, and the goof has a Santa hat on. The caption says: If I can’t have beef Wellington, at least I can have this view. #blessed #wishyouwerehere

Beef Wellington

IT’S CLOSE TO midnight as I find myself walking down to the small boat dock behind Reid’s house under a sky full of twinkling stars. The smell of saltwater and fresh grass permeates the air, but it’s cool, not cold, and there isn’t even a trace of humidity lingering.

Looking out across the water to the houses lining Bayshore Boulevard, each one lit up in all its splendor, I chuckle as I wonder how much these people pay monthly for electricity. It’s not that I would mind owning a large home one day; I’m just not sure I see the purpose of it being that big.

As I take a sip of my beer, my shirt sleeve pushes up under my jacket, and I use my fingers to pull it back down, straightening the platinum football cufflinks my mother gave me one year for my birthday.

It’s New Year’s Eve, I’m dressed in a black tuxedo (per Camille’s request), and I’m so happy with life right now, everything feels damn near perfect. My friends and family are happy, my team is undefeated, and well, between Meg and Zeus, I’m just smiling all day.

Turning around, I lean against the dock railing and look back up at Reid’s house. I’m proud of him, too; he’s really done well for himself. Don’t get me wrong, I miss him being across the hall from me like crazy and I think poor Zeus went through a slight phase of depression, but he’s got this amazing life he’s started with Camille, and only every now and then do I find myself a little bit envious.

Speaking of Camille, distinct laughter floats my way and I find her, Lexi, Missy, and a few other women deep in conversation. They’ve just raised their fruity champagne punch glasses and I watch as they clink them together, toss their heads back, and swallow. I tried the punch when I arrived—way too sweet for me, perfect and girly for them.

Seeing Lexi, I can’t help but think that Meg would have liked it here, and again my mind drifts to her and I wonder what she’s doing. She posted a photo earlier of herself laughing, and she was so gorgeous I felt my chest tighten. She had on a short fitted dress that was silver and sparkly along with a pair of killer red heels. Her lips were also red and she kept her hair down, letting it spill over her shoulders and down her back. On top of her head, she had one of those cheap Happy New Year! tiaras. Obviously she was headed out somewhere, and I found I was uncomfortable wondering who she might be with.

I left a comment, like I always do, but this time I didn’t say anything, just put three flame emojis. After all, she looked smokin’ hot, friends or not.

“What are you doing down here?” Reid asks as he comes to stand next to me.

“Just taking it all in, brother. Taking it all in.” I clap him on the shoulder and squeeze hard. Behind him, Billy and Jonah follow and step up to join the conversation. We look sharp tonight, and I decide Camille wasn’t wrong to make us dress up. It’s nice and a change of scenery from our regular workout attire.

“I think he’s hiding.” Billy smirks, eyeing me with a knowing expression.

“From who?” Jonah asks, flipping his head back and to the side a little to move the hair off his forehead.

Turning, all four of us stare up at the back of the house, and I reply, “See that girl standing next to Missy? Shoulder-length straight blonde hair and big pink lips.”

“Yeah,” he responds, his brows rising slightly as he drinks her in.

“Missy invited her and apparently pushed her my way thinking I would like some company tonight when I’m just fine on my own.”

“Hold up, bro,” Billy says, raising a hand. Of course he’s going to come to his wife’s defense. “In all fairness, she really likes that girl. They’re friends, and she knew you were going to be alone tonight. As you’re always up for a good time, she thought y’all might have one together. Her intentions were good.”

“I’m not arguing with you there, man, but maybe she should have run it by me first. All I wanted was a low-key night with my friends. I’m not interested, and the girl isn’t getting the hint.” I can’t help the frown that overtakes my face as we watch her break away from the group and look around like she’s looking for someone specific. I want to slink back into the shadows so she doesn’t find me.

“I’m interested,” Jonah says eagerly, facing us again and looking excited by the prospect.

“Really?”

Jonah, who is younger, newer to the team, and one of our starting tight ends, never partakes in willing girls, so I’m kind of surprised but insanely relieved. He nods, and I graciously wave my hand in her direction. “Then go for it. Have a ball.”

“I think I will.” He grins as he raises his bottle toward us, tips it in a solo cheers, and then walks back up toward the party. The three of us stand there silently and watch as he approaches the girl. Both of them start smiling at each other, and I feel like I’m off the hook. I think my shoulders loosen for the first time since I arrived and she was dropped in front of me.

Billy chuckles then turns back to our little group.

“You guys talk to Bryan tonight?” My eyes skip over from Jonah and land on Bryan. He’s standing with Lexi, but he isn’t saying anything. His back is straight, he’s got one hand in his pocket, and the other is white-knuckling his drink. He’s been like that for the last two hours. Of course he’s being cordial, but it’s like he’s just going through the motions of being here and his mind is definitely somewhere else.

“I did briefly, but he’s got the look,” Reid says, taking a sip of his beer.

“He does. Dude needs to relax, but something is definitely going on in his head,” Billy says.

Yeah, and I know what it is. He’s unhappy with his performance from yesterday’s game—well, the last couple of games—but man, does he need to let it go.