Page 86 of Indian Summer

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Ok. Wow.

“Sorry.”

A sharp nod in acknowledgment.

“It’s over?” Mary Ellen asked. Her husband smiled at her and nodded.

“It’s over,” he confirmed.

She turned to the guys. “You four though, it’s not over for you. Let’s talk punishment over lunch, I think Mrs Green is ready for us.” Four groans and three distinctly evil laughs.

As they left the sitting room, I sat back and closed my eyes. It was over.

There was a lot less tension over lunch, don’t get me wrong, I was happy for them all, their issues were sorted. I could see the weight off Colton’s shoulders. Connor was still subdued but I guess that was to be expected.

I ate a small amount. Partly because I was so tired but mostly because, once again, I was seated beside Colton and I was pretty sure there would be no under-the-table hand holding this time. He was making me nervous.

I’d had enough drama. I wanted to go home to my own apartment where I could compartmentalise the whole weekend and feelings of turmoil I had over everything still.

Much to Mary Ellen’s disapproval, the guys were quizzed about their fighting techniques. I hadn’t realised the extent of the detail that these matches involved. There were weigh-ins, categories, fighting records. It was horrifying. I noted that Connor was getting paler and paler when he realised the extent of what they had been doing in order to repay his debt. A debt he thought they had covered easily.

As I picked at my chicken salad I looked up and caught their dad watching his youngest son withdraw into himself and with sudden realisation I understood the line of questioning. It wasn’t to revel in their son’s prowess in the ring, it was to make Connor see the reality of his actions.

“Are you going to eat?” Colton murmured from beside me. He asked me quietly so as not to draw any attention to us.

“Iameating,” I replied defensively.

“No, you ate one forkful and you have been chasing that slice of cucumber around your plate for the better part of ten minutes,” he admonished. Wonderful. From scary cold Colton to mocking nagging Colton. My day was complete.

I stuck some lettuce and chicken onto my fork and thrust it into my mouth. I chewed resentfully. I would not look at him. I would not look. I looked. He met my sullen glare with a smirk.Asshat.

I shoved another forkful in and chewed mechanically. I could already feel it sitting like lead in my stomach. Sighing in defeat, I put my cutlery down. There was no point.

I didn’t look at him. Mary Ellen asked if I was finished and I nodded. She frowned but said nothing.

The front door rang. The guys exchanged looks and Theo, who was nearest the door, rose and left the room.

A few minutes later he came back into the room. He looked agitated, his eyes immediately going to Colton.

“Jay’s here for Lil Bit.” Colton stiffened beside me and I felt Matt focus on me.

“Who is Jay?” Jake asked.Oh God please don’t do this now.I looked at Jake just as Connor decided to ‘out’ me.

“He’s Ari’s boyfriend.”

Jake’s focus became razor sharp and I saw the speculative look in his eyes. I didn’t react. I wanted to die but I didn’t react.

“He’s the younger brother of the guy who has been arranging their fights,” Connor continued.

Really Connor? You complete Asshat.

“What does he want?” Colton’s voice was ice.Shit. Shit. Shit.

I’d had enough. I stood from the table. “Me, I would imagine.” I walked out of the room.

I heard a chair push back and I didn’t have to look to know Matt would be behind me. Colton wouldn’t come because it would draw too much attention to us.Us. What a joke, there was no us.

Jay was on the step outside, again. He wasn’t welcome in the house and I think he had always known it whereas I was just realising it fully.


Tags: Eve L. Mitchell Romance