The Cuddling Game

Books and Chocolate

I set all my books out on the desk, careful not to mess up my papers. As soon as I settle into the seat, Bella calls up to me.

"Abby! There's some dude down here looking for you!"

"Coming!"

I hope it's the guy that was selling chocolates. They should be in by now.

I rush down the stairs, anxious for my chocolate.

"Hey, Abby."

"What are you doing here, Chase?"

"For one, Jaxon wanted me to deliver these chocolates to you."

He hands over my box of raspberry smidgens. I set them on the counter, ripping off the plastic and the lid before popping one into my mouth.

They are delicious.

"Second, I told you that I would be over tonight."

"Why?"

"So we can go over our game plan for Saturday."

"A game plan? Are you serious?"

"If we are going to win that money, we are going to have to set rules and boundaries here."

"Like?"

"Our rules for eating and drinking."

"We have to have rules for eating and drinking?"

He slops onto the couch, propping his feet up on the arm.

So classy. Note the sarcasm.

"Yes. Eating and drinking means bathroom needs. Bathroom needs means separating. Separating means failing. Failing means no money. You want that money, right?"

"That's a stupid question."

"Then we need to set out rules to follow."

"Can't we do this tomorrow? I have homework Bella is probably drawing on in my room."

"I heard that!"

"You were meant to!"

Bella's head appears over the railing.

"Leave me out of this, psycho."

I stick my tongue out at her like a child and she does the same back to me.

"Can we get back down to business here, Abby?"