Mattwinces. He takes adrinkof his coffee."Yikes."
"I'm sure she didn't mean it the way it sounded,"Biancasays, though her voice is uncertain.
I grunt."Not much to interpret there. If she can't see me as a potential mate by now, how much hope is there? We agreed to do this for theseason, which is over in a week if the Battle bomb out of the playoffs or three weeks if they make it all the way. It doesn't help thatfuckingLibertygot in her head."
"Who'sLiberty?"Biancaasks.
"A girlCharlieworks with. He hooked up with her when he first started and it didn't end well. Think bunny boiling."
"She's not crazy,"I insist."But she's still pissed. She convincedPalmereverything I've ever said to her is part of a script I use to charm women into bed."
"Looks like you got your work cut out for you,"Mattsays.
"Why bother?"I snort."It's done. I failed."
"Damn,Charlie,"Biancasays, pointing her fork at me."I didn't realize you were such a quitter."
"I'm a realist,"I grouse.
"You know what you need?"Biancaasks.
"A lobotomy."
"No, a grand gesture."Biancalooks betweenMattand me as we stare at her with blank faces."You know? The big moment in a rom-com when one of the main characters expresses their undying love, either through some big speech or a grand romantic gesture. Like when Hugh Grant saves the Community Center for Sandra Bullock inTwo Weeks Notice?"
My brother and I exchange aquicklook."Yeah, babe,"Mattsays."I don't think we've seen it."
Biancagrunts in frustration."It's our next movie night. Fine. I'll spell it out. GO. GET. THE. GIRL. Ride up on a white horse and rescue her. Be her Knight in Shining Armor. Bring her flowers.Holda boombox outside her window. Do something."
"You think I should go to her parents' house and crash theparty?"My mind isstartingto turn with possibilities.
"Yup."
"What if I get there and she turns me away?"
"Would you be any worse off than you are now?"Mattsitsback with his arm hooked over the back of the chair."Carlito, at this point, you're either going to be crushed or get everything you wanted. You're well past the point of no return withPalmer. So either fish or cut bait. Stopfuckingaround."
I hate it when my brother's right. Thegameisn't over yet. There's still time on the clock for me to make a move. Speaking of clocks...shit."Thepartystarts in less than an hour."
"Then you better hurry,"Biancasays, shooing me out of the kitchen.
I race out of the kitchen, then stop and swing back to plant a loud smacker on Bianca's lips."Thanks, future sis."
I cackle as Irunto my room before my brother can kick myass. I have to clean myself upquick. There's apartyI gotta crash. Right after I make aquickstop at the florist.
Finding a florist open on Sunday is impossible, so I settle for a bouquet of daisies and sunflowers from the grocery store and haulassto Frederick. There's a speed camera along the way, so I expect a ticket in the mail, but she's worth it. I follow the GPS up a mountain road surrounded by forest, almost sure I've gotten lost, when a huge estate spreads out before me.
I turn into the long driveway and spot the young men in valet uniforms watching over rows of luxury vehicles parked in a roped-off area along the side. My Honda Civic is fully loaded, but it's no Lexus. Ipullover before I reach the top of the drive and hike the rest of the way.
I'm not sure where to go. Music and voices are coming from the back of the house, but should I ring the bell? Or justwalkin. I've never crashed apartybefore, so I don't know the appropriate protocol. I approach a guy in black pants, white button-down, and tie, carrying a foil tray from a catering van.
"Excuse me,"I call out."You wouldn't happen to know where I could findPalmerYork, would you?"
"Is she one of the waitresses? Probably making rounds of drinks.Hey, grab one of the bags ofice, will you?"
"I'm not staff,"I say, glancing down at my charcoal trousers. With my white button-down and red and black tie, I could pass for catering staff. Great.
"Oh, sorry."Hands full, he nods toward the back of the house."Everyone is just getting seated, so I assume back there. They'll be announcing the couple soon, so you might want to hurry and find your seat."
