a quick text.
Sry I’m late. I’m comin’ I promise. Don’t u dare start walkin’ over here. I’ll text u when I’m close.
Yeah, the last thing I need is for Hayles to show up and see me, Mom, and Quynn talkin’ like it’s some sort of messed up book club or somethin’. The image makes my palms sweat.
It’s so lame.
“Hey, Quynn’s here. Come talk with us.”
Yeah, lame isn’t a strong enough word.
“I can’t.” Damn it, I just snapped at my mom. Now she’ll know—
“What’s wrong?”
I sigh. “Nothin’. I’m running late.”
“Where are you going?”
“Out.”
Tucking my wallet into my back pocket, I try to walk past her, but she blocks me, crossing her arms over her waist in that ‘Don’t talk to me that way’ mother stance.
“Brody, you tell me what’s going on right now, or you’re not going anywhere.”
Ugh. I don’t talk girls with Mom. She’s biased. She doesn’t say it out loud, but I know she wants Quynn and me to…
Yeah, I don’t talk girls with Mom.
But I’m honest with my parents.
“I’ve got a date.”
Her arms drop. “Oh.”
Yeah, that’s all she says.
“Can you tell Quynn I’m sorry, and I’ll see her in school?”
Her lips purse together for a second before she says, “You can tell her yourself. You have to walk past her anyway.”
She turns to head upstairs, but pauses, hand resting on the handrail. “Is it Hayley?”
I sigh again. Mom’s more observant than I thought. And I have been spendin’ a lot of time with Hayles lately. “It’s her birthday.”
“Oh, okay.” Her voice turns upbeat and her smile goes back on her face. I wish that didn’t bug me, but it does. What if it wasn’t Hayles’ birthday? Why does she care so much about who I decide to date?
Guess I should rephrase. Why does she care so much that I want to date Hayley? I have a guess, but I don’t want to even think it, ‘cause it’ll make me sound like a big dick.
“Tell her I say Happy Birthday.”
“I will.” I reach over and grab my set of car keys off my dresser. “You okay if I…?”
“Yup, just be careful. And put some gas in it when you’re done.”
Yeah, I’ll have to do that anyway since I’m sure Mom left it on fumes.
I nod, and we both head upstairs, my heart going faster with each step. I don’t want to see Quynn’s face or smell her citrusy and girly scent. It’ll just confuse the crap out of me, and I don’t want all that before I’m with Hayles.
Tonight has to be perfect for her, and I won’t think about another girl on our first date together. Hayles deserves more than that.
Ugh, am I the right person to do this for her?
“Hey, Brody!”
“Oof!” For a tiny girl, she sure has a lot of force behind her hugs.
Wait… another hug. She’s gettin’ a lot more touchy feely with me. Is it all ‘cause of those two days I actually used those pointers Hayles gave me?
She pulls back, her face burning red as she tucks the loose strands of hair behind her ear. “Sorry, it feels like I haven’t seen you in forever.”
I chuckle. It comes out kind of shaky and dorky. “I saw you yesterday.”
“Yeah, but we didn’t talk. You were… busy.”
Awkward. Especially with Mom standing right here.
“Yeah, sorry. Been… preoccupied.”
Understatement. I’ve been obsessed. Followin’ Hayley around tryin’ to figure out what she likes so I can make this date good for her.
Quynn nods, grabs my hand and pulls me to the couch. I’m a douche, because I whip my hand from hers so hard, I can see it hurt her feelings.
“Sorry, I-I can’t stay and talk. Got a…” Why is the word not coming out? Say it, Brody. D-A-T-E. It’s not hard.
“Got plans tonight.”
Yup, you’re a douche.
“Oh that’s right. Friday night is game night.” She taps her forehead with the heel of her hand. “Totally forgot.”
I should correct her. Mom walked out of the room, and I hear the blender going for whatever frilly drinks she’s makin’ for the two of them.
I shouldn’t lie.
But I do.
“Yup, so I gotta run.” I stand, wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans. “See ya, later?”
She gives me a big smile and nods. “Have fun.”
And I bolt out the door before I make more of an ass of myself.
I hate this. This isn’t how tonight was supposed to start. I’ve got a date with the most freakin’ awesome girl, and then Quynn shows up, messin’ with my head. Why is it so hard