He opened the door a crack and grabbed them from me. A few minutes later, he stepped out. My eyes widened. My breath caught in my throat. Oh God. I swallowed hard as my gaze swept over him. The tux was perfect. It made his chest and shoulders broader, his hips narrower. His dark hair was disheveled from changing and although I hated the color pink, it actually looked good on him. Okay not good. Hot. His naturally tan skin tone brought out his smile even more. How had I not seen him before? I mean, really seen him?
“Wow,” I said at last. “You look amazing.”
The sales lady grinned at us. “You two will be quite the pair on prom night. And that pink, it works for you.”
“Wait, we’re not … ”
“I’ll take it,” Trey interrupted.
“Great. Why don’t you change, then bring everything to the counter and I’ll ring you up.”
When she left us, he turned to me. “So, be honest. Do you like it?”
He grinned. “You’re as bad as the guys.”
“Because the Nerd Herd corrupted me.”
“Yeah, right.” He went back into the changing room. “So,” he called through the door. “I thought I’d treat you to pizza for helping me today.”
Pizza meant spending more time with him. Which also meant we’d be alone. No Portia. No Nerd Herd. Just us. “Sure. I’m starving.”
Once he paid for the tux, we walked back to his car to drop off the purchase, and then went into the restaurant. The scent of bread sticks and pizza made my mouth water as we sat waiting for our order. We chatted about Dwarves of Iconia for several minutes and discussed possible ways to take out the ice dragon on the final level.
Sitting across from him in the booth, I fumbled with my napkin. Every minute I spent with him, I realized how much I liked him. How much we had in common. Trey might be one of my best friends, but I imagined we could be so much more than that. If he’d give me the chance.
I took a sip of pop.
“Sure.” His foot bumped mine under the table.
My heart raced and I cleared my throat. “I know this is gonna seem kind of sudden and maybe even crazy. But the thing is, I really li … ”
“Oh, my God, Trey. Hi.” Portia waved from the entrance.
Son of a B. Of course, she had to interrupt now. Right when I finally got the courage up. My eyes narrowed as she hurried to our table.
“Hey, I wondered if you’d have time to stop by.” Trey smiled.
She slid into the booth next to him. Not even asking if it was okay. Geez. She leaned over and gave him a peck on the lips. “So, how did shopping go?”
“Great. You’ll love the bowtie and vest we picked out.” He nodded at me.
Portia glanced at me, her lips turned up in a permanent too happy smile. It was like she had unicorns and sunshine and butterflies coming out of her butt or something. “Thanks so much for helping him. I wanted to come along, but my mom scheduled manicures today.” She held up her pink, blossom colored nails.
“No problem,” I said, forcing what I hoped was a non-life threatening grin.
“So, how are you doing since the break up?”
Um—okay, she might be dating my friend, but that didn’t mean I wanted to share my entire personal life with her. “I’m doing okay. Thanks.” I took another swig from my drink.
“Rex’s been bummed since you broke up. He’s such a nice guy. And I told him you had valid reasons for wanting to end things. It wasn’t like you cheated or anything.”
I sputtered, nearly choking on my drink. But it kind of was. I grabbed a napkin to wipe off my mouth and caught Trey’s eye. His brow furrowed, and I shifted my glance to my wrist and pretended to check the time. When I looked back up again, Portia had Trey in her embrace.
“Shoot, I’m gonna have to head out. Just remembered I have to meet Kenadi to help her pick out shoes.”
Trey pulled out of Portia’s hug. “But I drove you here. And we haven’t eaten yet.”
My fingers snagged my purse handle as I stood. “It’s fine. But I really have to run if I’m gonna catch her in time.”
Without a backward glance, I rushed from the restaurant. I whipped my cell out of my pocket and dialed Kenadi. After several rings, it went straight to voicemail. Crap. I forgot. Tonight was date night with Mikah, which meant she wouldn’t answer.
Next, I tried Drake’s number. But his went to voicemail too. Damn it. I so didn’t want to call my parents. Then I’d have to answer Mom’s questions. I could always go back and tell Trey that I got the day wrong and I didn’t have to meet Kenadi until tomorrow. But there was no way I wanted to sit through anymore Portia PDA. My only other option? Public transportation. AKA, the stinky ass bus.
