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Casey holds up what looks like an actual flashlight, but it is, in fact, an adult toy for men. The top of it looks like, well, a pussy.

I can’t help the laugh that comes out. “Sorry, Case, but that’s funny.”

He looks over at me incredulously. “How can you think this is funny under the circumstances? My sister is in the room, and my best friend, who happens to be a girl, is sitting next to me. Not. Funny, bro.” He waves the toy toward Liam.

“I don’t get why you’re mad, dude. I got you some lube, too, but since that technically put me over twenty, I figured I’d give that to you later. But, hey, before you use that, make sure you trim. I’veheardthat if you get your ball hair stuck in there, it feels like a wax. Hair rips right out.” He makes a jerking motion with his hand, eyes wide.

“This is a super-fun conversation, but I think I’m ready to move on. Charlie gave me my gift, and I gave Liam his. My gift might not be as entertaining as your gift for Casey, but I thought you might like to use it after your games. It’s a foot massager.” Noelle walks over to Liam, who is sitting back in his seat, and pulls it from the box. “See, you just slip your feet inside this little pillow and turn it on. And before anyone says anything about the limit, I got it on sale.”

Liam follows her directions and slides his feet in. “Babe, Noelle, I hate to tell you this, but it’s not working. Could be why it was on sale.”

“How are you a leader on the team?” she asks while shaking her head.

Liam scoffs. “I’ll have you know that not only am I one of the best college quarterbacks, but I also have a 4.0. There’s a whole lot going on here.” He gestures up and down his body with a laugh.

Pitz and Archie definitely make this house fun when we’re all together. I’m going to miss Archie next year. He’s one of the reasons I committed to Walker. Sure, I’d always wanted to go here, but there is no one better than Archie Griffith on and off the field. And I’m still hoping Liam sticks around, but this playoffs run, our coach has had Callaway starting, and I’m pretty sure Coach intends to start him in the quarterfinal.

“You’re not bad to look at—that’s for sure.” Noelle giggles and turns back to sit in her seat.

I look over to Casey, and his jaw his slack.

“I’m sorry, but who are you, and what have you done with my best friend?” He mocks.

Noelle looks at him with doe eyes. “What? I can’t appreciate a good-looking man? Don’t make me go all feminist on you, Casey King.”

Holding his hands up, he says, “Okay, you got it. I’m just surprised to hear you say something like that.”

“Leave her alone, Case. She’s having fun. A little flirting never hurt anyone. Am I right, Noelle?” Charlie winks at her, and Noelle smiles in response.

“Okay, so I think we’re all clear on who gave who what, yeah? King, thanks for the condoms.” Archie looks around, nodding his head. “I hate to break up this party because it really has been fun, but I do have a prior engagement. I’ll be back before practice tomorrow.” He walks toward the front door.

“Bro, where are you going? You’ve hardly been here between practices and classes.” Casey turns from his seat on the couch and leans over the back to face Archie.

A smirk kicks up on Archie’s face before he looks at Casey. “It’s all good, man. I just have places to be.” He doesn’t bother with a jacket despite the thirty-degree weather, but he does pull a beanie on his head and looks toward my girl. “Charlie, this was a real good time. Thank you, sugar.” He nods at Noelle. “Noelle, pleasure as always. You should come around more.” Then he looks around the room at the rest of us. “Dicks, I’ll see you tomorrow at practice.” Then he pulls on the door and walks out.

Casey turns back around and looks at me. “Do you know where he’s going and where he’s been lately?”

I shake my head, so he looks at Liam.

“Pitz, you know?”

Liam starts to busy himself and brushes off Casey. “Nah, I have no idea. Let’s get this cleaned up. I want to watchChristmas Vacationagain before I crash.”

After we clean up all the wrapping and Casey goes to grab extra blankets and a few pillows for Noelle, we all settle in our seats. He tried to get her to stay in his room, but she refused, not wanting to make him sleep on the couch.

With Charlie tucked into my side and everyone in their spots, I tilt my head back to rest my eyes for just a few minutes.

CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

CHARLIE

My head has been restingin Beck’s lap since the wet-carpet incident in the movie. We’re now in the part of the movie where Cousin Eddie is emptying the shitter in the sewer. This scene never gets old, and it always makes me laugh.

I look up at Beck, but he is sound asleep. I look at Liam, who is also sleeping. Then I turn to look down at the other end of the couch to see Noelle sleeping too. Casey is wide awake though, just like me, with a smile on his face.

“I love this part.” Casey glances over at me.

“Same. No matter how many times we watch this movie every single year, I never get sick of it. It’s like my comfort movie.” I nod and look over at my twin. I notice that Noelle’s legs are across his and he is holding her feet, which are covered by a blanket. “So, Case”—I’m trying to keep my voice quiet so I don’t wake anyone—“are you ever going to tell”—I stop and point at Noelle—“how you feel? Or are you just going to pine for her forever?”