“Yeah, but I would’ve stayed awake during the game,” Rhett laughs.
Swinging my hand, I lightly slap Bodie on the chest. “You told him?” It had been embarrassing enough when it was just between me and my best friend, now I’ll have Rhett relentlessly teasing me about it for all eternity.
“No, I didn’t.” Bodie rubs his chest. “But y’all have your aim coordinated.”
“Really, Avery. Carter Barlowe’s return to the big league, and you read and nap the entire time?”
“Whatever.” I shake my head as Finn wiggles in my arms. Leaning over, I whisper in his ear, “He really deserved it,” before placing a smooch on his cheek and setting him down so he can take off running.
“This isn’t over!” Rhett shouts after Finn as I watch the little rascal disappear around a corner. On my right, from my peripheral vision, I register Bodie waving his hands and when my eyes cut to him, he halts, trying to play it off like the chump that he is.
“She doesn’t know,” Rhett hoots, bending over as he holds his stomach. “This is great.”
“What’s going on?” I ask Bodie, but he simply shrugs with the most unconvincing “innocent” expression I’ve ever seen. Eyes wide, eyebrows nearly at his hairline, mouth hanging slightly open. Idiot. I look back to my jokester brother and know whatever it is, I won’t share in on my little brother’s delight.
“Don’t worry, Avery, Bodie didn’t tell me. He didn’t have to.” Rhett gives Bodie a grin before turning back to me, not wanting to miss the opportunity to reveal whatever the hell is going on. “ESPN did.”
“What?” I shout louder than intended as everyone in the kitchen focuses on me. Whipping around, I turn to face Bodie. “What the hell is he talking about?”
“Don’t worry, sis. The picture of you reading wasn’t all that bad.” Rhett saunters over to drape his arm around my shoulder. “But that one of you drooling in your sleep while Carter Barlowe stood over you—classic.” Rhett holds up his phone, lo and behold, it’s a picture of me sleeping while the Coyotes pitcher hovers in front of me with his head cocked to the side, staring down at me. Shit.
Shoving the phone back at my brother, I round on little Mr. Innocent, who apparently knew but didn’t think it vital to inform me of this latest development. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I was gonna … later.”
“Yeah. Much later.”
“Oh, calm down.” Presley waves me off as she folds her arms over her chest and glares at me. “It’s not even a big deal.”
“No, not to you because it’s not your face plastered all over a nationally televised program.”
“You can barely see your face in most of the other pictures … because the book is … blocking it.” Bodie’s explanation loses steam as I turn my death stare on him. “Not that that seems to be helpful to you. Really, it was a quick highlight in the game. They were just joking about you being Barlowe’s biggest fan. I’m sure it’ll all blow over soon. Probably already has. No one cares about this stuff.”
“Yeah. Only all of the local news stations and most of the major sports outlets,” Rhett adds.
“Damn it, dude. Shut up.” Bodie throws a hand up in the air, waving Rhett off. Not that he’s made much progress in calming me down, but he’s smart enough to know Rhett is an ass and will continue to rile me up.
“Yesterday was supposed to be a simple shopping trip with my best friend, and now I’m the joke of the week because I dared to read a damn book at a baseball game.”
“See, if Bodie had taken me instead, neither of you would be in this situation.” Rhett winks at Bodie who just shakes his head.
“Buttface should’ve been written across your forehead to give anyone who looks at you twice a fair warning.” My insult falls upon deaf ears since my buffoon of a brother is enjoying my humiliation way too much.
“I’m really sorry, Avery.” Bodie gives me a look that reminds me of Finn’s puppy dog eyes. He knows I’ll crack eventually, but it’ll be afterwards when my face is no longer a sports highlight, and he’s trying his best to make me feel better.
“Hey, y’all,” Dad calls out, making his way around the room to greet everyone until he stops in front of me. “Read any good books lately?”
Rhett cackles. Bodie tucks his chin to his chest. Presley rolls her eyes. And I accept my dad’s warm hug with a long exhale. All this over a stupid baseball game.