The Trade(36)

“And when we go back home and she wants nothing to do with me because I was her rebound, what then?”

He scratches his chin and says, “Take it out on the ball?” He chuckles, knowing it’s a shitty solution.

“Really fucking helpful,” I say just as Dottie, Natalie, and Jason walk up to the table. Jason sits next to me, Dottie next to him, and Natalie on the farthest end.

“The old married couple emerged,” Jason says. “Did you guys fall asleep doing a word search puzzle together?”

“Yeah,” Carson says sarcastically. “I was looking for the words with my tongue in Milly’s—”

She clamps her hand over his mouth and chastises him in his ear.

I should say thank God he didn’t finish that sentence, but I’m pretty sure everyone knew what he was going to say.

As a warning and courtesy, I say, “Dude, please. I’m her brother.”

He shrugs unapologetically. “We’re married now, no need to impress you. I got the goods.” He chuckles. I roll my eyes, even though I am grateful Milly married someone so chill.

“What’s the plan for the day?” Dottie asks.

“Snorkeling, right?” Jason asks. “Aren’t we going to Buck Island?”

“Is that today?” I ask, thinking that was on Thursday.

“I think so . . . right?” Jason asks and looks around at the table. No one knows, because Knox and Emory are the ones who planned the trip this go around.

“It’s today,” Natalie says from the end of the table. It’s the first thing she’s said since last night. After we awkwardly said good night and turned out the lights, I woke up early, rolled out of bed, brushed my teeth, peed, and came down here where I’ve been drinking coffee and eating since. She followed ten minutes later, wearing a pair of bike shorts and a baggy shirt, hair stacked on top of her head. She looks like she’s on vacation, letting her face breathe free of makeup and allowing the sun to kiss her beautiful skin.

We all look down the table where Natalie is sitting, an egg-white omelet on her plate and bowl of fruit next to her. She’s sipping from a mug and looks half awake, half asleep. Did she have trouble sleeping last night too?

“Emory sent that itinerary.” She holds up her phone that’s on the table. “It says Buck Island and booze boat for today. Departure is at eleven, which gives us forty-five minutes to get it together.”

Jason thumbs toward his sister and says, “That’s why I keep her around.”

“I’m so lucky,” Natalie shoots back with an eye-roll and then shoves a large piece of pineapple into her mouth.

“Forty-five minutes gives us some time,” Carson says to Milly with an eye wiggle.

Christ.

“Keep it in your pants, Stone,” Milly says, standing from her seat. “We’re eating.”

“Yeah, you need that protein, right, Coach?”

Milly stops, turns to Carson, and even though her cheeks are blushing she says, “You’re going to make me puke with all your innuendo. Is that what you want, Carson? For me to puke?”

“If she pukes, I puke.” Jason raises his hand, looking concerned. “You know how sensitive I am to vomit. Total trigger for me.”

“He’s not kidding,” Dottie adds. “I’ve seen him throw up far too many times than I would like to admit.”

“Fine.” Carson holds his hands up in defense. “If everyone is going to be so sensitive.” He stands as well, snags Milly’s hand, and walks off to get food with her. I watch as he lifts her hand to his mouth and gives it a soft kiss while smiling down at her.

I remember when Milly was just starting college, how I teased her about boys. When I was in Baltimore, I asked if there was anyone new in her life during our weekly FaceTime calls. Her answer was always no, but when I asked her what she was looking for, her answer was the same every time. Someone who wanted to hold her hand.

Seeing them now, the attention he gives her, it fucking lights me up inside, makes me want to find someone I can give attention to. Which is terrifying, because I didn’t want that. I didn’t want to complicate things with my career, but the more I spend time with the guys, watching them in their relationships, I realize how grounded they all are, how they’re stronger emotionally because of the women by their sides.

It’s time I start pursuing a relationship, but I need to pursue one with the right person and even though the girl at the end of the table holds my interest, I know she’s not in the same frame of mind as me. Despite it being painful, I have to keep reminding myself that she’s not what I’m looking for.

Clearing her throat, Dottie says, “Since we’re going to be together all day, would you two be offended if Jason and I sat at another table for some private conversation?”

Natalie looks up from her fruit bowl. “Oh, of course not. Go ahead.”

Jason looks confused at first but then Dottie whispers something in his ear. A sly smile pulls at his lips as he gathers his plate and cup and they find a table over by the garden.

Glancing at Natalie, I awkwardly give her a quick wave as she leans back in her chair and folds her hands over her stomach.

“Why do I feel like we’re going to get to know each other really well on this trip?” she asks, breaking the silence between us.