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"Monopoly," we all reply in unison.
At that moment, Nana comes in with two big pots, one with coffee and the other with hot chocolate. I can’t help but smile as she’s brought a tray full of mugs, sugar, marshmallows, and even cream.If I threw this party at my house, you would be lucky to find a clean mug or milk that’s not gone off, I think to myself.
"I'm the dog," Nana pipes up, taking the small metal dog out of the box before anyone even has a chance to disagree or question her. The rest of us choose our pieces, and we start playing. Bella wasn't kidding when she suggested her sweet old grandpa was a game shark. I'm pretty sure he went around and bought almost every station on the board in his first few moves and had hotels on all his properties before most of us even had homes.
"That's $3,000 you owe me, young man," Pops demands, as he looks over the top of his glasses and reaches out his hand before Tucker has even fully moved his counter.
"Damn, old man, I don't even know if I have $3,000," Tucker exclaims, counting out his cash.
"That's fine, I'll take the property then," Pops says, laughing.
Next, it's Bella's turn and after she rolls doubles, she lands on one of my houses. "That's $800, Bella," I state. "Time to pay up."
"That's not fair, I told you he was a cheater! I give up," Bella huffs, and pouts.
"And you're a sore loser, Isabella," Pops replies, before I even get a chance to speak.
"Don't worry darling, you know what they say… if you don't have luck at playing cards and games, you're gonna have luck in love."Nana smiles.
"Thanks Nana, I think you're right. I've had all the luck I need in that aspect."Bella smiles, and I can't help but smile back, feeling unbelievably lucky myself.
"Are we gonna play or just be all slushy and romantic?"Pops teases, breaking the lovely moment.Honestly, Bella wasn't joking. He's like a whole different person when a board game is involved.
"I don't have any more money, so I can't pay him anyway," Bella states, sticking her tongue out at me.
"I'm sure he'll accept payment in other ways." Ava winks. "How about a kiss?"
I look up, a little taken aback that Ava would suggest something like that in front of Bella's grandparents. I see Bella blush out of the corner of my eye, and I'm just about to tell the gang to back off and leave her alone when, to my shock, I hear Nana's voice.
"Yeah, a kiss has got to be worth $800, right, Nathaniel?" I just stare at her in surprise, as does Bella, before the rest of the group erupts in hysterics.
"Damn, Nana's got game." Tucker laughs, putting his arm around Nana's neck. "You have to kiss now, it’s Nana approved."
Bella blushes, but to my surprise, she leans over the table and gives me a quick kiss on the lips.
"Wow, is that the time?" I yawn. I look at my watch and realize it's almost eleven. Bella and Ava left the game ages ago, but me, Tucker, and Pops have been in a race to the death for the past few hours.
"How about we call it a night, guys? You've both been worthy opponents," Pops remarks, tipping his imaginary hat.
I attempt to say goodnight to Bella, but when I go to find her, I realize that both she and Ava are asleep on the couch.
So Tucker and I decide to leave the girls where they are and go home ourselves. After taking Tucker home, I go back to my place and lay down in bed. I'm just falling asleep when I hear my phone beep and notice that I have a text from Bella.
Bella:Sorry I didn't get to say goodbye, I must have fallen asleep watching Mean Girls with Ava. Call me when you wake up.
I decide to call her back via video and am pleasantly surprised when she answers almost immediately.
"Hello," she whispers.
"I'm sorry, baby, did I disturb you?" I ask nervously, looking at my phone and realizing it's past midnight.
"No, it's fine. I wanted to call you, but didn’t know if you'd already be asleep," Bella says.
"Is everything alright? Do you need anything?" I ask, a bit worried.
"No, it's nothing; I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you playing with Pops. You probably made his whole year better. My cousins are men now, so they rarely come by anymore. It's likely been a long time since he's had a guys' night like the old days."
"Honestly, it was an honor. I had a great time," I state, feeling beyond happy. Never, in my wildest dreams, would I have imagined just a few months ago that I’d be living this life. I’ve got the girl of my dreams, the best friend group I could ever wish for, and for the first time in my life, I finally feel like I have a family that loves and cares for me.I just wish Gabe was a part of my new life. Suddenly, I am overcome with a feeling of sadness at the thought that one day soon it may all be taken away from me.
