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“The trick to the game is only putting down two or three cards at a time,” Wren says through her laughter as she places down two cards, declaring them two threes. “Makes it more believable.”
I glance down at my hand, grinning when I see my hand. I place four cards on top of the pile. “Four fours.”
“Bullshit!” Ronnie calls out, bouncing excitedly in her seat.
I arch my brow as I flip the cards over. Everyone laughs when Ronnie’s face drops. “Sorry,” I tell her with a shrug.
Three rounds later, Brady wins when he places his final cards down on the pile. Ronnie pouts, throwing her massive hand on top of the pile. Jordan pulls her onto his lap and nuzzles into her neck. “Don’t worry, Freckles. I’ll still give you your prize when we get home.”
Ronnie’s cheeks flush. “Keep your dirty talk to yourself, Rossi,” I groan.
He grins at me. “You’re just jealous, Willis.” As soon as the words are out of his mouth he realises his slight and slaps himself in the forehead. “I’m so sorry, Ivy! I was just kidding. That was a really shitty thing to say.”
I give him a tight smile. “It’s fine.”
An awkward silence settles over the group. Wren gives me a sympathetic smile, but I ignore it. Brady and Ronnie are both shooting daggers at Jordan.
I clear my throat. “Does anyone want dessert? Maybe we could go to The Scoop before it closes?”
“Great idea,” Ronnie says, nodding so hard her glasses slip down her nose. She pushes up from Jordan’s lap to help Wren clean the table. They head inside to put the cards away while Brady takes our empty bottles to the recycle bin, leaving me alone with Jordan.
Jordan’s the one to break the uncomfortable silence. “I really am sorry, Ives. I didn’t think.”
“Forget about it.”
“Have you spoken to him?” I know exactly who he’s talking about.
“No.” I’ve purposefully ignored him since he went back to Italy. “Why would I?”
Jordan sighs. “Look, I don’t agree with what he did or how he went about it, but I think you should talk to him. Losing Mum like that…” His voice breaks. I reach out and squeeze his hand. “It wasn’t easy, for either of us. And neither of us handled it the right way. Maybe if you talk to him, it will help both of you get some closure.”
I raise a brow. “What makes you thinkIneed closure?”
“You guys were together for four years–friends way before that. There’s a lot of history there. I know he feels bad for leaving you the way he did.”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath before opening them again. “I don’t need his explanations, J. He broke up with mebeforehe left, so it’s not like he cheated or anything.” Jordan winces. “I’m not going to lie to you, Lachy hurt me, but I’m working on getting past it. I promise. I just need some time before I can talk to him.”
“Ives–”
“You guys coming?” Brady calls from the back door.
I climb to my feet, signalling the end of this conversation. “Yep.”
“Just think about what I said,” Jordan says quietly as he follows me through the house. “I want to see you happy–so does he.”
My stomach twists at his words. Does everyone really think I’m that miserable? Have I really been that depressing to be around lately? The realization is like a slap in the face. Yes, I have been. That’s not who I want to be.
I spin around as we step out onto the front porch, throwing my arms around Jordan’s waist. He grunts in surprise, hesitating a moment before squeezing me tight. “Thank you,” I say quietly, my voice muffled by his shirt.
“What for?” he asks, pressing his lips to the top of my head.
“For the wakeup call.” I tilt my head up to look at him, a small pang of nostalgia hitting me as I realise how much the Rossi’s look alike. “I’m not ready to talk to him yet, but I don’t want to be this pathetic, bitter version of myself anymore.”
“You’re not pathetic or bitter,” he tells me with a shake of his head. “You’re hurt. If there’s anything I can do to make you feel better, I’m only a call away. You’ll always be the little sister I never wanted.” His fingers poke into my side, letting me know he’s joking, and I try to squirm out of his grip.
I roll my eyes as I laugh and push away from him. “Great,” I deadpan. “Anotherannoying brother.”
He slides his arm around my shoulders, pulling me against his body as we hurry down the road to catch up with the others. “I’m always going to be here for you, Ives. And for the record, you don’t need a man to make you happy, but when you’re ready the right one will come along and he’s going to treat you like the princess you are.”
