Page 90 of On His Team

Stanley argues, “That is categorically false.”

“Stanley, you bought a popcorn machine off Marketplace because you drove past a movie theater and got nostalgic.”

“That was an investment.”

I say, “You ordered six pizzas because the place had a buy-three-get-three deal.”

“That’s called financial literacy.”

“You bought Aspen flowers, cookies, a stuffed bear, and balloons because she said she had a bad morning.”

Stanley lifts both hands. “That was romantic.”

“You drove forty-five minutes for milkshakes because somebody mentioned them once.”

“That was for morale.”

“And you see how you keep replying to everything I have to say?”

That shuts him up.

I grin. “You have no self-control, Ermington. Don’t preach what you don’t practice.”

Blue gestures like a bomb has dropped in the kitchen. “Thank you, G!”

Melly, Lucy, and Benson are laughing. Percy even stops reading his book. Stanley is stunned.

I keep going. “Stan, you bought matching slippers for everyone in this house.”

“That was a nice Christmas gift, Gianna.” When Stanley says my name like that in that tone, I start laughing.

Percy says quietly, “They are comfortable.”

That sends everybody over the edge.

Even Blue laughs.

Stanley looks around the room like he has been betrayed by every person he has ever loved. “I have incredible self-control.”

I nod solemnly. “Sure.”

I can feel Rowan watching me again. I refuse to look. That self-control lasts approximately twelve seconds. Then I look.

He’s smiling at me.

I narrow my eyes at him.

His smile gets worse.

Jerk.

I walk toward the table. “What?”

He looks back at his laptop. “Nothing.”

“You’re smiling.”

He looks up. “You’re funny.”