“She’s not my girlfriend.”
“—than continue to talk about Tom and his harem.”
I frowned. “What?”
“You haven’t heard? It’s the talk of the town! Do you remember Tom Harkness? I’m pretty sure he was in Levi’s class.”
“Not really.”
“Well, he came for a visit just a few weeks ago and brought home not one, not two, butthreedifferent girlfriends. Can you imagine?”
Levi laughed. “I never would have thought Shy Tommy Harkness would end up being such a player.”
My jaw tensed. There was something cold and heavy in my gut. I shrugged, playing it off. “Lucky guy.”
“Lucky?” Boone chuckled. “Three times the girlfriends means three times the nagging.”
His wife arched a brow at him. “Oh? Why do I feel like that’s a pointed comment at me, dear?”
“It’s not. You’re an angel.”
“Damn straight, mister.”
I cleared my throat and stood up from the table, checking the time on my non-existent wristwatch. “I’d better get going. My friends asked me to stop by and help them with their drills tonight.”
Irene frowned. “They’re still training? It’s almost nine.”
“That’s how they roll.”
“Let me pack up some leftovers for them, then. I’m sure they’ll be hungry.”
“Good idea. I’m sure they’ll appreciate it.”
“Come on. Help me in the kitchen. I’ll put together some plates.”
It was quieter in the kitchen, but just so. As it turned out, Irene already had some Tupperware containers packed and ready to go.
My sister leaned against the kitchen counter, one hand on her hip as she shot me a knowing look.
“Well?” she asked.
“What?”
“Are you going to tell me the truth now that we’re alone?”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
My sister smirked, placing the containers in my hands. “We’re only teasing you, Dylan. You’re always so quiet. Even when you were a kid, you’d keep everything to yourself. All kidding aside, you know you can always talk to us, right?”
I nodded. “I know.”
“Go on,” she said gently. “Make sure to rinse those containers before you bring them back. If they leave any leftovers, I’ll be sorely offended.”
“Don’t worry, sis. I doubt the guys will leave a crumb.”
* * *
Red and Cash were just finishing their combo work. Cash was working on his alternating uppercuts with slips thrown in every now and again. Red was holding up the target paddles.