Matchmaker (Empire High #4) - Ivy Smoak Page 0,140
out that car bombs are delightfully fun. Boom.”
My stomach rolled. I honestly had no idea what she was talking about, and I wanted to keep it that way. In less than 48 hours I’d be out. I had to be. I couldn’t be pulled into car bombings and evil plots. I didn’t want any part of that.
“It warms my heart that you’ve found happiness again, Matthew,” Mr. Pruitt said. “Warms my heart indeed. If the two of you love birds will excuse me, I don’t want my absence to be noted.”
He hugged Poppy and then turned to me. “Just so we’re clear. If you hurt her, I’ll kill you. Slowly. Understand?”
I nodded.
“And I’ll have a relationship contract sent over to your residence immediately. Please return the signed copy as soon as possible.”
Just like that I’d been pulled back in. This was worse than just a lie with Poppy if I had to sign a contract. I couldn’t let it get that far.
Mr. Pruitt nodded and then strolled back out of the kitchen.
As soon as he was gone, Poppy elbowed me in my side. “What were you doing, purposely antagonizing him?”
“He…”
“And don’t you ever bring Brooklyn up again in front of my uncle. The last thing we need is for him to think you’re still in love with her.”
“I’ll always love Brooklyn.”
“Keep saying idiotic things like that and I’ll kill you slowly myself.”
“I’m sorry, Poppy.” I didn’t want to end up six feet under when I finally felt like I was living again. “It won’t happen again.” But only because this would be the last time I’d be seeing her before I had a way out of this shit show.
“Good boy.”
How many times was she going to make me throw up in my mouth tonight?
“Shall we get back out there?” she asked.
“Actually…you’re right. I’m completely underdressed. And we already chatted with your uncle. I should probably just head out.”
She assessed my outfit again. “You’re probably right. You’re certainly not making my ex jealous tonight.”
I’d take that as a compliment.
“But let’s go out again tomorrow night. There’s this new restaurant…”
“I have dinner plans tomorrow with a friend.” I wasn’t going to put off this dinner with Penny. I’d been putting off telling her about Brooklyn for years. Enough was enough.
“You can’t keep blowing me off, Matthew.”
“I’m here tonight, aren’t I?”
She sighed. “But you were late. Who are you having dinner with tomorrow?”
“A friend.”
“Be more specific, will you?”
“Penny. Scarlett’s mother.”
“Is there something there I should know about?”
“We’re just friends. And you better add her to the list of people you’re not allowed to hurt. All my friends, actually. And my family.”
“I won’t touch any of them. I promise. I need to get back out there.”
I caught her arm before she could leave. “I want to be very clear here. I don’t just mean touch. I mean harm in any way. Including your newfound love for car bombs.”
She pouted. “You’re no fun.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.” She pulled her arm away from me. “Make sure to clear your schedule next weekend for only me.”
Nope. I’ll be out of your clutches by then. “Sure thing, sugar tits.”
“Don’t call me that. It’s your nickname, sugar tits.” She pushed through the doors, leaving me alone.
I rubbed the back of my neck. All this stress was really starting to mess with me. I thought about the bath that was most likely waiting for me back at Tanner’s place. Honestly? A bath sounded pretty great right now. And I assumed I’d have to have a bath if I wanted any updates from Nigel. It was a win-win scenario, minus the whole him ogling me thing. At least he didn’t call me sugar tits. Yet.
Chapter 43
Saturday
Penny said she had a surprise for me tonight. I had no idea what that was about. But it didn’t really matter. All that mattered was what I needed to tell her. And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous.
I handed the valet my keys and walked up to the restaurant. It had been a while since I’d been out to dinner with anyone other than Tanner. And it would be nice to not have to pretend to be gay for a meal.
But there was still a sense of dread in my stomach. All Penny knew were my lies. For years I’d told her I’d never been in love. Half the time I was lying to myself about it. But I was done lying. In a lot of ways, Penny had been the closest person