The four of us climb into a corner booth at a local pizzeria. Decorated with sports paraphernalia on every wall, I scan the restaurant for high school basketball photos—especially one with a certain green-eyed player. But no such luck. Ryan, whom I just met yesterday, will serve as a perfect diversion from Mike and the move. I do not even need him to like me. I would appreciate a few more encounters, so I can memorize his sexy grin and those gorgeous eyes.
Sure, I could tell Courtney that I’m crushing on him, but I would never admit my real feelings to her. Put it this way, Courtney might have the body of a twenty-something-year-old, but she has the mentality of a child and tends to spread who-likes-who like an evangelical Christian shares the good news of the gospel.
I glance up at my friends, each holding a menu and debating over which pizza to order. I, however, cannot think about food while the earlier conversation replays in my mind. Every detail of Courtney’s confession consumes my thoughts, and I cannot imagine any guy turning down her offer. I look over at Rob, his arm gently draped around Chloe’s shoulders. He must really love her, I decide. I wish I could tell Chloe—and let her know how lucky she really is.
A white dish tub lands at the end of our table. “I didn’t know you were coming in.” I look up and find Ian, wearing a hearty smile.
Courtney stands up and greets him with a hug and a kiss. “That’s ’cause I wanted to surprise you, baby.”
He smiles back at her. “I’ll tell the waitress to comp your meal. She’s new and might not know you.”
“Thanks,” Courtney responds and makes quick introductions, telling Ian how Rob and Chloe have to get back for youth group. She says “youth group” with disdain, making it clear that their commitment to church does not please her.
Ian looks at Rob and Chloe. “Too bad you’re leaving. We’re having a party in Callie’s honor tonight.”
“And why’s that?” Chloe asks, and then Ian fills Rob and Chloe in on the details of how I outscored Tommy in the game. I ignore Ian’s retelling, and instead, I think about Ryan and a flutter of excitement crosses my stomach. The thought of seeing him tonight makes me eager for the party. I receive round of high-fives from the table before Ian scoots off with a half-hearted “I better get back to work.” Apparently, some family friends own the pizza place, so he works out of a sense of obligation—and for the free pizza.
Courtney’s eyes follow Ian back into the kitchen. Then she slides back into the booth and leans across the table. “So Rob, how’s Joshua these days?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Just wondering,” she returns. Since Courtney has dated Josh Callahan, Rob’s cousin, off and on for almost five years, she likes to stay current on him and all her men, for that matter.
“He’s good. Still the same.” He offers a sly smirk. “And apparently so are you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He shakes his head. “Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.”
“Whatever,” she huffs. “So I like to keep my options open.”
“Yeah, ‘open’ is right,” I sneer. “Open for business. 24 hours a day. 7 days a week. Like the 24-hour Walmart…and just as classy.”
Courtney shoves me, and I retaliate a little harder. “Hey, don’t start with me, Valentine.” Then I eye Chloe, twirling a curl around her finger, laughing. As much as I want to tell Chloe how her boyfriend earned saint status earlier in the summer, I know the four of us wouldn’t be in this booth if she knew what Courtney offered him. Sure, I hated keeping secrets, but like so many of them, they’re kept for a reason.
Soon the waitress shows up, placing a basket of hot garlic rolls in the center, and takes our order. We order a large half-and-half pizza, letting Rob and Courtney name the toppings.
After the waitress leaves, Chloe leans in. “Are you and Ian exclusive?”
“No, I’m still seeing Ricky and—”
“Yeah,” I interrupt, “a little here, there, and everywhere.”
“Callie, stop it,” Courtney returns with a pout. “Can’t you pick on someone else—like Caitlyn?”
“No, that’s not nearly as much fun,” I return.
“Why?” Courtney asks.
Rob leans in, smirking. “Because she’s not here…and you’re so, uh, easy.” He pauses, “Double meaning intended, of course.”
Courtney slides down the seat and kicks Rob under the table.
“Ow,” he yelps. “That really hurt.”
Courtney stirs ice with her straw. “So did your choice of words.”
*****