Page 168 of Even Ground
I look at Delaney. She’s also got her hand clamped across her mouth, and her face is reddening at what seems to be a huge effort not to laugh.
“I’m not sure. I’ll find some way to make her suffer.” I shoot Amelia a wink, and she returns to eating, seemingly satisfied with my answer.
Pania’s got an eyebrow arched and directed at me when I meet her gaze again. I shovel more food into my mouth and wink at her too.
She just shakes her head and goes back to eating.
Punishment can wait until later.
40
Pania
This is the life. California, in April, relaxing with my best friend in her backyard. The warm sun is relaxing as we lie back on loungers under a large umbrella, a table with drinks and potato chips, and Addison on a blanket on the grass between us.
“It’s so weird to think three years ago, we were working so hard in the diner with no clue that this would be our life,” Delaney says.
I smile. I’m not officially in business yet, but the building Reece and Josh bought for their production company offices had space available, and I moved in. I’ve been busy making designs and looking at fabric swatches. Good things take time.
Dropping my sunglasses down my nose, I raise my head to look toward Reece as he pushes wickets into the ground.
“Where on earth did you get a cricket set from?”
Delaney chuckles. “The first time we went back home. I promised to teach Josh the rules in our wedding vows, but we never actually got to that.” She pops another chip in her mouth.
“So, if those three are playing, who’s doing the teaching?”
“Melly can teach them.”
I facepalm. “The rules will change every time to benefit her.”
“Of course.” Delaney waggles her eyebrows. “That’s my girl.”
I reach out and grab a chip. “It won’t take them long to realise they’re being duped.”
“It’ll just be fun until that happens.”
“Amelia Carter,” Reece calls out. “I don’t think it works that way.”
Delaney and I glance at each other.
“What’s going on?” Delaney asks through her choked laughter.
“Your daughter is working on a scam that means she never has to retrieve the ball.”
Delaney nods. “Uh huh.”
“Apparently, the only person who has to run after the ball is the person with the letter R in their name.”
I run everyone’s names through my head before laughing. “I’m pretty sure that’s just you.”
Reece glares at me. “That’s right.”
“That’s a legitimate rule. They don’t play it for international matches, but …” Delaney tries so hard to keep a straight face, but loses it, dissolving into laughter again.
“Delaney.” Josh moans.
“Fine. There’s no such rule. Melly, you’ll have to take your turn fetching the ball.”