Page 172 of Tangled Like Us

People suddenly shift. The sounds of asses hitting chairs, uncapping paint dabbers, and ripping bingo cards for the next game. And then the hall deadens in silence.

It’s common courtesy. No one speaks loudly while everyone’s listening to the caller.

Jane stretches more on the table to stay quiet. “Yes,” she whispers. “Thatcher and I.”

“G-50! G-50!”

None of us have started playing this round yet. Numbers light up on the board, and Maximoff puts a hand on the back of Farrow’s neck. Leaning in close so his lips brush his ear. Talking quietly.

All the while, Farrow is staring at me. I wouldn’t call it a glare.

Jane leans into my side, and I dip my head down so she can speak to me.

“I can’t do brief, I’ve realized.” Her breath is warm against my ear.

“I can,” I remind her.

She nods. “Please.”

“I’ll do it,” I confirm. I’d like to rip this off and push forward

Some people are shooting us looks to shut the fuck up.

Jane picks up a purple dabber and multitasks while we have to be silent for another minute. Catching up with the numbers.

She marks my sheets too. Trying to fill-in a postage stamp shape.

“I-20! I-20!”

I wait for Maximoff and Farrow to look back at us.

More numbers are being called, and excitement builds in the hall. People tensing, some smiling the closer they are to abingo.

I hear double doors opening from commotion outside. My head turns, and I watch them slam shut. Late arrivals just came in.

No.

My eyes sear.

Jane must sense the strain in my muscles. Because she follows my narrowed gaze to Tony Ramella. He just walked in, his arm hooked around his grandma.

He’s off-duty.Xander must be safe at home. But Tony has to know we’re all here.

Seeing him almost instantly pisses me off, and I’m on-duty.I’m on fucking duty.I can’t let my anger or past grievances distract me. My blood simmers, and I roll up my red flannel sleeves.

“B-5! B-5!”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Tony shuffling slowly at Michelina’s pace. Headed to the long table to buy booklets.

“N-42!”

“BINGO!” Two women shout at nearly the same time. Groans fill the hall and tears of paper.

We have time as the caller verifies the bingo and goes to the next round. Five to ten minutes. People already talk and stand to use the restroom and to grab chow.

Maximoff and Farrow finally turn their heads back to us.

I let it out. “Jane and I are having sex.”