Logan (Chosen Champions #1) - Macy Blake Page 0,18

you would know if you weren’t so busy putting me in the ‘can’t be real friends’ box. I’m sick of waiting for you to stop with the no confidence or self-worth and realize I really like you and we’re really friends.”

Bailey dropped the broom handle. It clanged onto the floor, then rattled around until it stilled. “Accounting?” He processed the first whammy statement. He needed time to think through the rest.

“Yep. Didn’t see that coming, did you?”

“No, I can’t say that I did.”

“Well, yeah. That’s what you get for judging a book by its cover, or whatever. My dad is a CPA, and I’m going to join his firm. Maybe we should work on our master’s together, huh? I bet my dad would hire you, too, especially once I tell him you saved my life.”

Bailey groaned and unlocked the door. “I didn’t save your life, Ash.”

“That’s not the way I’ll tell the story. Job security for life. Although… he might expect you to put a ring on it before he offers you a partnership.”

Bailey went outside and waited for her to follow before locking up. As they walked to the car, he shook his head in confusion. “I’m really not sure where I went wrong with this conversation. Pretty sure I somehow just agreed to marry you?”

Ashley laughed, the big loud one he loved. He unlocked the car door for her, then ran around to do his side. Maybe one day he’d become an accountant like Ashley suggested, and then he’d be able to afford a car with electronic locks. And windows. Oh, and maybe a sunroof.

“We going to Denny’s?” Bailey asked.

“Duh. Where else would we go? And I’m gonna need a favor.”

“What?” Bailey asked as he backed the car up.

“I’m going to need you to flirt with our server and find out what exactly they put in their ranch dressing that makes it superior to all others. I’ve tried twice and failed. Maybe you’ll have better luck.”

Bailey sputtered but then laughed. “God, I love you. You’re the most ridiculous person I know.”

She beamed and tugged his hoodie more tightly around her. “I know. But I love to make you laugh. So… you gonna text Logan and find out what’s up?”

Bailey used driving as his excuse to ignore her. He backed out of the driveway and got them on the road to Denny’s. “Are we eating breakfast or lunch?”

“I’m getting a Super Bird, and you’re getting a pancake plate, preferably whatever ridiculous flavor of the month, and then we’re going to share.”

“Pancakes for dessert for the win.”

“And this is why we’re real friends. I didn’t even have to explain my logic.”

“It’s true.” Bailey stopped at a red light and grabbed her hand. “We’re real friends, aren’t we?”

“I said that already. I have one more semester to go, but I’m going to stay on for the master’s program here, so you’re not getting rid of me. My advisor already said I’m in, and because I’m only two classes away from my bachelor’s, they’re going to bend the rules and let me take a class this semester that’ll go toward my master’s.”

“How’d you manage that?”

“My dad made a rather large donation to the roofing project.” She grinned over at him. “You want me to use my power for evil and get you accepted to the program too? I totally will.”

Bailey shook his head and continued driving. “I’m not sure. I didn’t—okay, brutal honesty, I’m not sure I can afford it.”

She nodded. “I get that. And I’m just being a brat about the donation thing. My dad did donate to the new roof thing, but I have a 3.9 GPA and am double majoring, so they’re letting me take a class because I’m a good student, not because my dad is rich.”

Bailey wasn’t sure that was a hundred percent accurate, but he let her continue believing it. If he knew one thing for certain, it was that membership did indeed have its privileges. “Maybe I’ll look into scholarships. See if there are grants.”

“You should. I’ll help. Let’s do it after brunch, because I don’t really want to be alone, to be honest, and it’ll be a good distraction.”

“Deal.”

Will, Heather, and Joey were already at a table when they arrived, and Will had a cup of coffee ready for Bailey. He slurped it happily, ignoring the bitterness of the diner coffee. The others chattered around him, and he used the excuse of sleepiness to stay quiet and pay attention for once. He still couldn’t