Charli smiles at her. “Girl, you got it all planned. I’m vibing off this big-time. Just make sure you have a spare room in your apartment so I can come visit.”
“And me!” Nix raises her hand, and I can’t help teasing her.
“She can fly in on her fairy wings.” I laugh, knowing that’s exactly what Tobin would say.
Nix gives me a playful growl and lightly pinches my arm.
I grab her hand and laugh at her… until my phone buzzes with a text.
Flipping it over, I check the screen and can’t help an audible gasp.
“What is it?” Charli wipes her mouth with a paper napkin.
“Is everything okay?” Jolie leans forward, her blue eyes bright with concern.
“Uh… yeah. It’s just… um…” Huffing out a nervous breath, I unlock my screen and read the message again. “Tyrell said he’s found me a guy to go out with. Am I keen?”
“Really? Did he send a picture?” Jolie holds out her hand for the phone.
“No.” I shake my head while Charli frowns at her friend.
“Why would she need to see a picture? Looks shouldn’t matter. What’s he like as aperson?”
I shrug, reading the next text. “Tyrell says he’s a super-friendly, nice guy who is a tutor… and he’s in Elizabeth Satchwell’s study group.” My nose wrinkles. “Do any of you guys know Elizabeth Satchwell?”
“Oh yeah. She’s a sweetheart.” Jolie bobs her head. “She’s dating Wily Wilson, who lives at Football Frat along with my roommate’s boyfriend, Carson.”
“Okay.” My forehead wrinkles. “So, do you think we can trust her opinion?”
Jolie keeps nodding as Nix reminds me, “You trust Tyrell. You told me that this morning, and if you trust him, then you have to believe that he wouldn’t set you up with a douchey guy.”
“She’s right.” Charli balls the napkin in her fist and shoots for the trash can on the edge of the courtyard. It goes in perfectly. “I don’t really know Tyrell, but he’s pretty respected at this school. You can trust him.”
“Yeah, I know.” I nod, a smile breaking over my face as another text comes through.
Black Jack: If you want, I can sit at another table in the restaurant. I’ve got your back, Dee. Always.
“What?” Nix nudges me. “Why’re you smiling?”
“He said he’ll sit at another table. Keep an eye on me throughout the date. If I want him too.”
“Awwww,” Jolie gushes. “That is so sweet and protective.”
“Ew. Or totally creepy.” Nix’s face wrinkles in disgust. “Stalker vibes!”
“No, it’s not.” Charli laughs at her friend. “It’ll be like having a bodyguard.” She starts jumping in her seat, getting all excited. “You’ll be like a celebrity.”
I hiss and rub my forehead. “I don’t know, you guys. Do I even want to do this?”
“Yes,” Nix says emphatically. “You want to put yourself out there again. You know you do. And sure, it’s scary, but if you want to avoid the whole gray hair, parakeet situation you were telling me about this morning, then you need to say yes to that text. Here.” Grabbing the phone before I can stop her, Nix replies for me.
I cringe but don’t try snatching the phone back.
“There you go.” She grins, passing my device back. I check the screen to make sure she hasn’t been too embarrassing.
Me: Thanks, Ty. That’s so sweet of you. Okay, I’ll do it. Let me know the details.
He responds before I even set my phone back down, and my insides sizzle. “The guy’s name is Paul, and he’s free on Saturday.” I glance up at my tablemates. “Should I do it?”
