Page 3 of Taking the Pitch
“Mmm hmm,” Reese responds, knowing I’m full of shit, but not calling me on it.
I tip my beer and finish it off. I excuse myself and go to the bar to grab another one. I know I told my dad I would switch to water, but one more won’t hurt.
Fresh beer in hand, I spot my favorite nephew, or soon to be nephew, I guess, and head over to where he and Kade, Kara’s son, are sitting at a table playing on their Nintendo Switches.Hudson looks up from his game and gives me a wide grin. “Hey Uncle Judd, wanna play?”
A warm feeling spreads through my chest when he calls me Uncle. I return his grin and sit in the chair next to him. “Sure, what are we playing?” I ask, holding out my hand for his switch.
“Mario Kart,” he says, handing me his game system. “I’m kicking Kade’s ass, and I think he needs a break from me winning.” His eyes widen when he realizes he said the word ‘ass’, making me chuckle.
“Don’t worry, Hud, I won’t tell if you don’t.” I give him a wink.
He relaxes back into his chair and nods.
I lace my hands together and crack my knuckles. “Alright boys, prepare to lose.”
I suck…
Twenty minutes and several lost rounds ofMario Kartlater and Hudson has dubbed himself king. He wiped the floor with both Kade and me.
“Re-match,” I say, motioning to Kade for the switch. He’s holding it out for me when Kara comes up to the table, grabbing it.
“Sorry boys, no re-match, the party is over,” she says, motioning to the room. I look around and realize that only our families are left and getting ready to head out themselves.
Standing up with the boys, I take my phone out of my back pocket and check the time. 8pm. Shit, it’s still early. If I go home now, I’m just going to sit in my apartment and mindlessly flipthrough the channels. I make the decision to stop by my favorite club for a while before heading home.
I walk with the boys and Kara over to where Kessler, Lucy, and my parents are getting their coats on. October in Oregon is usually pretty wet, and this year is no exception. It’s currently dumping outside the event space they rented for the party.
“Great party guys,” I tell Kessler and Lucy, grabbing my jacket.
“Nice speech,” Lucy says, slipping her coat on that Kessler is holding out for her.
I blow on my nails and buff them against my shirt. “Thanks. Only the best for my favorite future sister-in-law.”
Lucy laughs and gives me an eye roll.
“Hey! What about your favorite brother?” Kessler asks, shoulder bumping me.
“I don’t have one of those.”
“If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t have a favorite sister-in-law,” Kessler argues, handing Hudson his jacket before putting his own on.
I lift a shoulder. “You’re right.” Placing my hands on Hudson’s shoulders, I stand behind him before adding, “There’s still time to change your mind, Luce. I could have a favorite fiancée instead,” I say, giving her a wink.
Lucy barks out a laugh while Kessler says something about being an only child under his breath. An elbow digs into my ribs, and I turn to see my mom giving me a pointed look.
“Quit teasing your brother.”
“What? I’m just letting Lucy know that she still has options.”
Lucy pats my arm and gives me a sweet smile. “Sorry, Judd, but I only have eyes for Kessler.”
“That’s right baby,” Kessler says, looking down at Lucy like she’s the only woman in the world. He leans down and connectshis lips with hers. Mom makes a soft hmm and places a hand over her chest, grinning.
“Ugh, gross,” Hudson mutters.
I laugh and pat his shoulders. “One day, Hud, you’re not going to think it’s gross.”
He shakes his head in disagreement, making us all laugh.
