Page 26 of Scout

But heis.

And it’sworking.

I can feel Xavier watching him just as hard as I am. And maybe he doesn’t mean to, maybe it’s just a reflex at this point—but I see it. The way his jaw tenses when Scout bends over to line up a putt. The way his eyes narrow behind those black glasses when Scout touches Stephanie’s arm just a little too long.

He’s jealous.

So am I.

And neither of us has any claim.

That’s the part that kills me.

Scout turns around at the next tee box and stretches dramatically, arms high over his head—as if he’s starring in a Nike ad instead of standing in a war zone of ex-clients and bad decisions. He catches my eye—again—and winks before hopping into the cart with Stephanie, who’s currently reapplying lip gloss with the focus of someone getting paid for it..

I swear, if she climbs into his lap at the next hole, I might black out.

“Want to switch carts next round?” Lin asks, unaware.

Xavier and I both answer too fast.

“No.”

“Fine.”

We both look away, pretending we didn’t just sound like jealous twelve-year-olds at a sleepover.

And Scout?

Scout just laughs.

11

Scout

Stephanie smellslike expensive perfume and cheap wine, and she’s talking about Lin again, but I’m not listening. I’m trying. I really am. But it’s hard to focus when the only two people Ididn’texpect to see today are currently glaring holes in my forehead.

Xavier. Kendrix.

They look good. Of course they do. All tan forearms and fitted polos, standing next to each other like a Calvin Klein ad for emotional repression. And yeah—they’re both clearly pissed that I’m here, which only makes me smile wider.

Because let’s be clear: this wasn’t my idea.

Stephanie booked me two hours before this event started. Two. Something about wanting to make sure Dr. Lin knew she was a “taken woman,” whatever the hell that means. I didn’t ask. I didn’t care. She offered to pay double for the last-minute booking and, well, I like paying rent. I like groceries. I like sending Juniper money for overpriced cheer gear.

So here I am—dressed like a golf course fantasy, playing the part. Smiling. Flirting. Laughing too loud and letting Stephanietouch my bicep, pretending we’re a couple instead of two strangers running the same con.

But seeing Xavier and Kendrix here?

That was a plot twist.

And the tension? Palpable. I swear, if someone dropped a tee between them, it would explode from the static.

They're still obsessed with each other.

I mean, it’s painfully obvious. The way Xavier watches Kendrix when he thinks no one’s looking. The way Kendrixisalways looking. And yet, neither of them seems to have the balls to say anything real. Which is annoying. And kind of sad. And definitely none of my business.

Except… maybe it is?