Courtney dropped her arm around Zoe’s shoulders. “Of course, she does.”
“You don’t have to get up early tomorrow?” Ethan asked.
Did he want to her to go? She couldn’t read him.
“No!” Courtney spoke for her. “She hired a darling little thing, Bobbie James, who is going to work weekends for her.”
“Really? When did that start?”
“Tomorrow,” Zoe said, hedging. Although she’d hired Bobbie for this exact reason, she didn’t think Bobbie was ready to open the bakery on her own. Or if Zoe was ready to let her try. “So, I really...”
“Really should go to The Green Hog,” Courtney finished Zoe’s sentence.
Zoe had agreed to hire Bobbie because the girl desperately needed a job and Zoe really needed to get a life outside of the bakery. Going out with Ethan and Courtney could be fun, but would she be a third wheel? What if Ethan was interested in Courtney? Courtney was definitely interested in him...which could get awkward and tricky.
“Is that where we’re going?” Ethan asked.
“Two words,” Courtney said. “Karaoke and onions rings.”
Zoe thought about pointing out that those were technically four words, but since she was trying to be fun, she kept her mouth closed.
“I know those two things don’t sound like they should go together, but they do,” Courtney said. “Even though the hog’s onions rings give you the worst breath, and there you are singing your lungs out, fanning everyone with your onion breath.”
“Do you eat onion rings?” Ethan asked Zoe.
“She does,” Courtney said. “Everyone does. Now, let’s go.” She rummaged through her purse and pulled out her keys. “I’ll drive.”
“I need to talk to Mitzi’s parents before I set Hannah loose,” Ethan said. “I’ll meet you there.”
Zoe watched Ethan navigate through the crowded auditorium until he found the set of parents surrounded by Hannah, Laurel, and a small group of girls.
Courtney nudged Zoe. “Come on, let’s go have some fun.”
“I don’t know, Courtney,” Zoe said, following her sister outside. The cold air hit her lungs, making her feel alive and tingly, but apprehensive. “I’m not dressed for the bar, and you know I don’t do karaoke.”
Courtney rolled her eyes and tromped across the parking lot toward her Honda. After clicking the fob, she climbed in behind the steering wheel. Zoe got in the passenger side, debating whether she should have Courtney take her home. Knowing Courtney, she’d refuse. Of course, once they returned to Oak Hollow, Zoe could always walk home.
“Didn’t you hire Bobbie for this very reason?” Courtney pressed.
“Not for karaoke, no.”
Courtney jabbed the key into the ignition and the car roared to life. “You told me you wanted to have more fun. Well, this will be fun.”
“For who?” Zoe slid her sister a glance under her lashes. “Are you interested in Ethan?”
“Me? No.” Courtney pulled out of the lot and headed for the highway that would take them back into town. “But I think he’s cute. Don’t you?”
“You’re trying to fix me up with him?”
“Why not? You definitely have proximity going for you.”
“We’re too different. He’s an artist.”
“So are you. In your own way.”
“No, I’m not. I’m a follow-the-recipe sort of person. Ethan...is not.”
“So what? Maybe he’s not right for you, but you can still have a good time tonight. Or at least try.” Courtney flashed her a pleading look. “Promise me you’ll at least try.”
