I nod, keeping a neutral expression even though I’m internally freaking out.
Tyler saunters to the sink and washes his hands before he stands directly behind me, sending cold shivers down my spine. He presses one hand against the edge of the island, showcasing his bare forearms and I’m suddenly parched like the Sahara Desert. “Let’s get this ball rolling.”
I half snort and chuckle at his dry joke. “You’re not funny,” I say, handing a stack of wrappers in front of him.
“Made you laugh though.” Tyler retorts.
I show Tyler the ropes of how to make my aunt’s egg rolls. After four failed egg rolls, which I’m forcing him to eat later, he’s got the hang of it. We’ve barely hit the twenty mark when Jared marches down the stairs, making a dramatic entrance to the kitchen for his keys on the hook.
“Where do you think you’re going?” I ask, eyes following his movement.
“Ma wants ice cream and Alli needs a ride.”
“You still talk to her?” Tyler questions, dropping the filling on the wrapper.
My eyes flicker between Tyler and Jared becausewhat?
Jared ignores Tyler’s question and kisses the top of my head. “I’ll be back in an hour. Alli and I can be in charge of frying duty.”
“Where is Auntie?” I ask, waving the spoon in my hand, “I thought she was coming down to help?”
“She’s, uh, pulling the pregnancy card,” Jared replies with a hint of hesitation.
I blink in disbelief. “You’re joking, this is her mistake,” I blow loose strands of hair away from my face.
Jared shrugs, “You try to argue with a pregnant lady.”
“Is that why you’re getting her ice cream?”
“Ice cream solves everything, her words, not mine. I’ll be back in an hour.” Jared throws up a hand over his shoulder in a casual gesture goodbye as he heads out.
I sigh heavily and slump onto the barstool. Glancing at Tyler, I resume making more egg rolls. “Well, looks like we’ve got our work cut out for us.”
Tyler settles into the seat beside me, mirroring my actions. “Perfect time for an icebreaker.”
I raise an eyebrow as I slather filling onto my current egg roll. “What is it with you and these icebreakers?”
Tyler grins, mischief twinkling in his eyes. “Icebreakers make the world go ’round.”
“And if I’m not comfortable answering the question?”
“Same rules as last time apply. Just say tapioca.”
I chuckle. “Alright, hit me with it.”
He rubs his chin theatrically, pretending to think long and hard. “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?”
I smirk back at him. “Flying, hands down. I wouldn’t have to drive.”
Tyler nods approvingly. “Practical. I like it.” He continues to roll his egg roll. “Mine would be telekinesis. Whatever Wanda has, looks dope.”
I let out a laugh. “Because of Wanda?”
“Because of Wanda.”
I wipe my hands together. “If you were on a deserted island, what are the three things you’re bringing?”
“My phone, food, and a hammock.”
