“I’m leaving and I’m your ride, so you can come with me now or walk your ass home.”

Abby sputters and cries and screeches, and yet I don’t hear her response. I watch them fight and it’s like a movie where the sound has been turned down and everything goes slow-motion because in a moment of perfect clarity, I realize this is what I’ve escaped. This was my life, before.

I didn’t fight with Abby, and this is what she wanted. The high drama, the attention all focused on her, and when I wouldn’t give it to her, she went elsewhere for it.

They don’t say goodbye or pay me any attention, continuing to argue even as they’re walking away, around the side of the house and out of view.

I wouldn’t bring the drama for her and it’s what she wants. But it’s not what I want.

That’s not an epic love story, that’s an epic disaster.

Heading back into the yard, I look for Reese. She isn’t standing in the open doorway anymore.

I would have kissed her. In front of everyone. I want her. Badly. Worse than I ever wanted Abby. There’s no artifice, no drama or lies, just her. She’s so completely herself, awkwardness and ridiculousness and all.

And with that thought, I head inside to find her, excitement thrumming through my veins like a drum beat.

Until I find her in the kitchen. At the small table, surrounded by three guys, all in various stages of undress.

“What’s going on in here?” I step up to the table, getting in between Reese and the butt-chin guy, who also happens to be the least dressed one. He’s in only boxers.

“Strip poker. I’ll take two.” She tells the dealer and switches out her cards. “Do you know Duke?” And yes, she motions to Sir Butt-Chin.

“No. Hey.” I nod at him and his buddies at the table. One is in a shirt and boxers, and one has no shirt but is still in his pants.

“Want in on the next round?” Duke asks me. “I’ll be naked in ten seconds with this card shark here.” He leans around me to pat Reese on the arm and I have the inexplicable urge to break it.

Unaware of the feelings swirling inside me, Reese speaks. “The original term is actually card sharp, which referred to someone who cheats at cards. The phrase card shark, however, evolved soon after and isn’t necessarily pejorative. It can refer to anyone who has any kind of legitimate skill with cards, even for entertainment purposes.”

Duke laughs, leaning even closer to Reese even though I’m definitely in the way. “Is there anything you don’t know?”

Reese shrugs. “You don’t know what you don’t know.”

Duke is looking at her like he wants to eat her up, and Reese doesn’t seem to mind.

He gets even closer and now his bicep pushes against my side and I can’t help but push back a little, even though it’s the height of immaturity. I don’t care.