Everyone knew Bobbyâs family had cut him off financially, so he was walking on eggshells, trying to mind his manners. He glanced towards the kitchen, desperate for an excuse to slip away.
âThink they might need some help? Maybe I should go.â Shawn snorted.
âDonât bother. Theyâll just pin the blame on you if anything gets burned.â
Bobby couldnât seem to do anything right around Shawn; even breathing felt like a risk.
Just then, Ferris sauntered in, a deck of cards in hand.
âAnyone up for a game?â
Bobbyâs face lit up.
galnovâ¯âsâ¤com keeps you updated âDefinitely!â
But as soon as Bobby stood, Shawn doused his enthusiasm.
âAnd how do you plan to play with just three people?â
Ferris waved Katherine over, reasoning that if she was just sitting in the kitchen, she could just as well join them in the living room.
Once everyone was gathered around the card table, Katherine gave Bobby a teasing smile.
âSo, howâs everything going with Fannie?â
Bobby, drawing a card, barely looked up.
âYou do know Shawnâs right here, donât you? Letâs keep the questions about other guys to a minimum.â
Katherine turned to Shawn with an innocent shrug.
âHey, Iâm just curious!â
Shawn raised an eyebrow at Bobby.
âJust humor her. First trimester and all, we donât want her stressed.â
Bobby sighed, exasperated but holding his tongue, while Ferris shot him a sympathetic glance.
Bobby muttered, âEnough about me and Fannie. How long have you two even known each other? Can you give me a break already? Sure, I went out with Katherine once, but we didnât even hold hands, let alone anything else.â
Shawn smirked, winning the round.
âOh? So you wanted to do something else?â
âNo! Not even close,â Bobby stammered, backpedaling.
Katherine cut in, âHonestly, Bobby, Fannieâs fantastic. Are you not thinking about giving it a shot? I mean, youâre not getting any younger, and youâre the only single one in the room. Doesnât it ever get to you?â
âWho says Iâm the only one? Michaelâs single too, isnât he? And Leahâs still riding solo.â
âStop dodging.â
Bobby groaned, âSheâs a fool. Not interested.â
âIs she the clueless one, or is it you?â Katherine teased, almost spelling out the fact that Fannie clearly had a thing for him. But Bobby was stuck on Fannieâs ongoing drama with Jett. The last thing he wanted was to step into a romantic minefield. Calling off the engagement had been a smart move, no doubt. Better that than finding himself constantly watching his back, wondering if she was still tangled up with Jett.
âSo you donât have any feelings for her?â Katherine asked.
âNone,â Bobby replied, shrugging as he idly tapped his cards.
âNot my type. Iâd lose interest right after sleeping with her.â
Bobbyâs comment cast a perplexing silence over everyone at the table. Positioned with his back facing the door, he saw Katherine, Shawn, and Ferris glancing awkwardly towards someone behind him. Upon turning, Bobbyâs cheeks flushed red.
âOh no.â
Why was Fannie here?
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