I think back to when I told Dakota what an amazingteacher she is, and how she downplayed herself. She builds others up so easily, but she can’t do that for herself.
“Whoa…” Camden says to Sophie. “You really are a genius.”
Blomdahl looks at him. “Did you not realize that? Look how young she is. No doctor is that young unless they’re a genius.”
Camden runs a hand through his shaggy, light brown hair and lets out an embarrassed laugh. “I figured you had to be older, but I just thought that you looked young for your age,” he says to Sophie.
She bursts out laughing. A second later, we all do too.
Camden’s cheeks are red as he flashes a flustered smile. “Sorry. I’m kind of an idiot.”
Sophie reaches over and pats his arm. “You’re totally fine.”
Bella comes back from the bathroom and sits down. She glances at the cluster of shot glasses. “Tequila shots?”
“We’re playing Never Have I Ever,” Maya says.
Bella grins and kisses Blomdahl. “Fun.”
“You know what we could do to make it extra fun,” Blomdahl says as he smiles down at his glass of Scotch. “Let’s play the dirty version of the game.”
Del glares at him. “Dude, you’re such a shit-stirrer.”
Blomdahl flashes a smug grin and shrugs. “Hell yeah I am.”
Camden’s eyes light up. “Yeah, let’s do it.”
Del groans and gestures at Dakota. “You seriously want me to play the dirty version of Never Have I Ever with my little sister?”
Dakota rolls her eyes. “Come on, Del. We’re all adults here.”
He shakes his head and stands up. “Nope. I’m going to the bar. Let me know when you’re done.”
He grabs his glass of beer and heads over to the bar to sit. Ingrid laughs as she shakes her head.
“How do you put up with my brother being grumpy all the damn time?” Dakota says to her.
Ingrid smiles, her heart in her eyes as she gazes at him. “He’s worth it.”
Dakota starts to smile and shakes her head. She looks up at me. “Hey, I saw the gift card to Tinsley’s Tea Room that you left for me on the kitchen island.” She bites back a smile. “Thank you so much. That was…” She shakes her head like she’s trying to find the right words. “It was so thoughtful of you.”
I smile. “I’m glad you like it.”
“I can’t believe you remembered me mentioning Tinsley’s Tea Room. I mean, I said it randomly.”
“It wasn’t random. It’s where you wanted to have your wedding reception. It’s special to you.”
Warmth flashes in her big brown eyes.
“I just thought that maybe you could have a fun girls’ night there. I know it’s not the same as having your reception there, but…” I trail off, feeling a little guilty for getting her a gift that could be a reminder of her failed relationship.
She grabs my hand and squeezes it, shaking her head. “It’s perfect, Sam. Thank you.”
I can tell by her warm smile that she means it.
Just then, Blomdahl claps his hands together. “Let’s play some dirty Never Have I Ever.”
He explains the rules. “We’ll all take turns saying dirty things that we haven’t done. Anyone who’s done that thing takes a drink.”
