“She’d do that?”
“Once I told her what happened, she was completely outraged. She’s on a mission to make sure asswipe doesn’t get near you ever again. My mom adores you.”
“She’s only met me once.”
“You’re the kind of girl who leaves an impression even when you do everything in your power to push someone away. Thankfully, I’m just as determined to not be pushed away.”
“You’re a pain in the ass.”
“You love me.”
She humphs.
“Well, you will eventually. Right now, I know you really, really like me. I have a very charming smile.”
“Is that right?”
“Yes, my Granny told me so. She said it was going to get me into trouble one day.”
“Did it?”
“Um…can I plead the fifth?”
“No. I call birthday rights. No pleading the fifth.”
“Well, if you call birthday rights.” Whatever the fuck that is. “I was in tenth grade and a senior asked me out. I forgot I had asked Allison Grant out for the same Saturday as well. The girls knew each other and found out I had a date with them both on the same day.”
“Did they beat your ass?”
“No, but they said my charming smile wasn’t all that and dumped me on the spot.”
“Actions do have consequences.”
“Melissa Scott saw what happened and took me to McDonalds and then a movie. Her treat.”
“So…no consequences then?”
“Nope. I got a free meal and a movie out of it.”
“That’s terrible.”
“I didn’t think so.”
“Do you know how hurt they must have been?”
“They both had dates a few hours later, so I doubt they were that hurt.”
“Well.” She seems at a loss for words.
“I got you something for your birthday.” I gently pick her up and scoot her off my lap so I can get up and grab the gift I left lying on the small table by the door. I hope she’s not too mad.
“What is it?” she asks and takes it as I sit back down.
“It’s a surprise, so open it already.’
She takes it and unlike every girl I know, she rips open the paper the same way myself or Collin would…just shreds it as she pulls it off. Her face goes from that blank expression to one of shock and then mutinous determination.
“Nope. You are not gifting me the latest iPhone. Absolutely not. My phone works perfectly fine.”
