“They are,” he replies.
“Do you miss the chaos of living at home?” She leans forward.
“Oh, trust me,” Brinley begins. “It’s plenty chaotic here.”
“Not even close,” Declan argues. “And you realize youdon’t live here, so you don’t have to come over every night if you don’t like it.”
“I live by myself, goober; it gets lonely when I’m not here.”
“You could’ve had a roommate,” Declan adds.
“I need my space.”
“Of course you do.” He shakes his head.
“So, Ember,” I begin, changing the subject, “are you a real hockey fan? Or just a fan ofNHL 17?”
“I’m as real as it gets.” She crosses her arms, leaning back in her chair. “Does that make your ego feel a little better about me kicking your ass?”
“I’m not sure. I’ll let you know next time you come over. For all you know, I’m letting you win. Maybe I’m taking it easy on you.”
“If Iwasn’ttaking it easy on you, you wouldn’t even get close to scoring.”
“Trust me, I doplentyof scoring.” I wink, and she tosses a crumpled-up napkin at me.
“I meant in hockey, you perve.”
“So did I.” I lie.
“Alright,” Ember stands up, “as fun as this has been, I should get home.”
“You could stay the night,” I begin. “I’ve got a nice, big… bed with your name on it.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I’d rather sleep in my bed.”
“I’ll walk you out.” Declan smiles as he gets up.
“Okay.” Ember looks at Brinley. “You want a ride back to your place?”
“Ooo, sure!” Brinley jumps out of her chair. “Have fun with the dishes, boys.”
“You cooked; the least we could do is clean up,” Jaxon replies, gathering plates from the table as Declan walks Brinley and Ember outside.
“Alright, how long before they jump in the sack?” I wonder.
“I’m not taking part in this.” Jeremy pushes away from the table, collecting the remaining dishes as Jaxon returns.
“Taking part in what?” Jaxon asks.
“A bet,” Fletcher replies for me. “Zeke wants our guesses on—”
“Oh, Ember and Declan sleeping together?” Jaxon finishes his sentence. “I think they’ll fight the sexual tension until the project is over, and once it is, they’ll be fucking before they even have their grade.”
“Really, you think they’ll wait that long? Brooks,” I begin. “what do you think?”
“I think we’re too old for these childish games,” he says.
“Come on, guys, why is Jaxon the only fun one? We could all say when we think it will happen, and whoever’s closest gets fifty bucks.”