g21 LANE
Catch!”
I grab the hot dog Jarrow sends sailing my way and drop it onto my plate, blowing on my fingers. Brat by brat, Lois’s family is doing an amazing job of easing my nerves. We’ve gathered in the yard, the food finally coming off the grill, and my mouth is watering. If it weren’t for all the Christmas decorations strung up all over the place, it would feel like the start of a summer vacation.
“Lane, second hot dog incoming!”
“Got it!”
“Nice catch.” Mitch is nodding approvingly at me. “Lois told me you’re studying film. Play any sport?”
“Nope.”
“He does have a side hustle, though.” Lois spears her burger with a fork.
I spin around to her, my eyes widening. Don’t tell me she’s about to…
“He writes movies.”
“Really? That’s incredible!” Her mom is gazing at me.
That was close…
“Porn movies.” Lois beams at me.
I gape at her. I’m not ashamed of what I do, but is she for real? This isn’t exactly family-friendly material.
“I had no idea they used screenwriters for those kinds of things.” Mary sounds curious.
“Right? That’s exactly what I said, Mom!”
“Of course they do!” Kesley shouts down from the end of the table.
“And how exactly would you know, young man?” Lois’s mom eyeballs him.
“Ask Dad.”
“Something’s burning.” Mitch sidesteps neatly, turning back to the grill, while Diego peers at me excitedly.
“So does it pay well?”
“Can’t complain.”
“Can you hook me up with an actress?” Jeff tries.
“Jeffrey—”
“I’m kidding, Mom!”
His mom might believe him, but I sure as hell don’t—not after the secret kick he just sent me under the table.
“Like I said, Lois,” her brother says, topping off his glass, “this guy is way cooler than your last one.”
It’s funny how the simplest of sentences can hit so hard. He just compared me to Kirk as if Lois were my girlfriend, and my eyes slide over to her, a bunch of scenes flying through my mind. It’s the kind of movie I would never normally shoot. The Florida sunshine has clearly fried my brain, and now I must be staring at her, because Lois raises an eyebrow.
“Have I got something stuck in my teeth?”
“No, I’m just shocked to see you packing in the calories, for once.”
“Since when do you diet, honey?” her mom asks.
Lois is sending me distress signals—I’m picking them up loud and clear. I cock an eyebrow, keeping my eyes locked on her.