Page 48 of One Last Shot

“I think I need to challenge Shep to a little eight ball,” Moose said, carrying over the empty steak plate.

“Let’s put fifty on it and I’ll really make it hurt.” Shep followed with some glasses.

“I don’t mind doing the dishes,” said Axel.

“You wash, I’ll dry,” said London.

“No, I’m good.” Boo took the glasses from Shep. Set them on the counter. Then she turned on the water in the sink and opened the dishwasher.

Only Oaken stayed to help her, bringing more dishes from the table. She loaded the dishwasher, then ran water to do the platters.

He arrived, towel in hand. “Hit me.”

She looked over at him and couldn’t stop a smile.

“Two in one day. What’s going on?”

She rolled her eyes. “What are you talking about?”

“You know what I’m talking about. We might be becoming friends.”

“Don’t get excited. I’m not a great friend.” She handedhim the salad bowl.

“What makes a great friend?”

She grabbed the steak platter. “Someone who, you know, cries with you?”

“I’m not a big crier.”

“Someone who goes to your events.”

“That’s a big ask for a guy like me.”

“Maybe. Someone who always has your back.”

“I’m starting to think we’re besties.”

She handed him the bread plate. “Thanks for... you know.”

“Respecting your privacy. Yeah, that’s a big sacrifice. You owe me.”

She pulled her hand from the soapy water and shot bubbles at him. He dodged.

“Really? Don’t start. You do not want to tangle with me. I did dishes for a year in the college kitchen after I lost my scholarship.”

She considered him, then grabbed the steak platter. “What kind of scholarship?”

“Baseball. I was a pitcher.”

“What happened?”

“Dislocated my shoulder working at my dad’s ranch one summer. Never healed right.”

“What, were you bull riding?”

“Nope. Broncs.”

She looked at him. He didn’t appear to be kidding. “Really.”