At least his girlfriend didn’t remember me.
Paige laughs. “Did you notice Nick’s expression when Larissa called him Daddy? I almost died.”
I crack a smile. “Yeah, he looked pretty uncomfortable, but who says that in front of a man’s daughter?” Some people have no boundaries.
I can fully admit I’m jealous of Larissa and her silky red tresses and designer clothes. Reaching up, I tuck a loose strand of hair into my lopsided ponytail. Some of us go with the natural look, and that’s okay too.
Paige takes a long drink of her bottled water. “Nick’s not my type, but seeing him cuddle his little girl did things to my ovaries.”
“We can’t help but find that appealing. My science teacher used to say that women are hardwired to be attracted to males who can provide security for their children. That it’s biological. So don’t give Nick too much credit.” When she doesn’t say anything, I turn to look at her. She has a strange expression on her face. “What?”
“Did something happen between you and Nick?”
“Like what?”
She nibbles her bottom lip. “I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking. I feel like you guys had a vibe.”
“If you mean he hates me, then yes, we had a vibe.”
Her mouth drops open. “Oh my God. Something definitely happened. You’d better dish, roomie.”
“Ugh, it’s too embarrassing.” I sink deeper on the couch and drag my arm over my eyes.
She squeals and wiggles in her seat. “I have an idea. Let’s have a girls’ night. We’ll do facials and manicures and you can tell me all about the reasons why you’re vibing with our sexy neighbor.”
Did she miss the part where I said he hates me? Or the part where he has a girlfriend?
But seeing as how I don’t have any friends at Lone Star State, I don’t want to pass up the chance to hang out with Paige.
I’ve never done a girls’ night before. My friends back home play Scrabble or Pictionary or annotate their favorite novels in their free time. “Can we do facials without discussing Nick Silva?”
She smirks. “Nope. I want all the details.”
Great.
An hour later, after we’ve cleaned up and ordered Mexican food, we’re both slouched on the couch again, but this time in our robes.
I wiggle my nose. “This mud mask itches.”
“That’s the price of beauty.” She holds up her glass of wine. “To a fun summer.”
“Cheers.” I clink her glass with mine and take a sip. “Can I ask you a question?” After she nods, I debate how to ask this. “Don’t take this the wrong way because I think you’re really fun and super cool, but I was wondering why you’d want to live with me instead of some of your cheerleader friends.”
Her mouth twists as she runs her finger over the lip of her glass. “I’ve had a hard time clicking with the team. It’s super competitive, and when Roxy quit last year because she got pregnant, some of the girls didn’t like that I took her place as a flyer.”
“What’s that?”
“I basically leap off of giant human pyramids.”
“Holy crap. That sounds terrifying.”
“It was the first time I did it, but I wanted to be the best at something. I have two brothers who are super smart, and then there’s me. I struggle to get Cs. It’s embarrassing.”
“How about we help each other? I’m a big nerd and love school, and you’re hands down the coolest person I know in Charming.” Well, her and Roxy, but Rox just moved to Chicago because they drafted her fiancé Billy. “Maybe you can help me be more social and less awkward, and I can help you with any class stuff you might struggle with. Tutoring is my jam.”
She gives me a wide smile. “I’d love that.” Holding out her glass, we clink again. “Okay, so dish. What’s the deal with Nick?”
I groan. “I hit him with my car.”
