Stevie’s mouth is hanging wide open.
I clear my throat. “As I was saying, the appointment is in two and a half hours, so you three can do whatever it is you need to, while we three—” I nod toward Cam and Jake. “—were instructed to stay in the huge arcade. Kami—” I send her a sarcastic smile. “—made us reservations for the restaurant right next to the arcade. That way, we won’t be able to see you until the end of the day, once everything is done.”
My roommate’s mouth is still wide open. She taps my shoulder, signaling for me to bend down. She then fists my shirt collar and whispers loudly, “I can’t afford this, Levi. Youshould’ve consulted with me first.” Her voice is as stern as I’ve ever heard, and I recoil.
She really didn’t think I’d thought about a budget plan?
“Stevie, Em, and Kami helped me come up with a list of stores and whatever hair shit that’ll fit into a certain budget. That way, you can choose what works for you.”
Her features soften slightly in surprise. “Oh?”
Em takes a step forward. “If I may interrupt.” She pulls out a black Amex card, and my eyes feel like they’re about to burst out of my head because I know exactly who that belongs to. “Jake lost a bet and the winner received the other’s credit card for a shopping spree.” She gives Jake a giddy smile while he flips her off. “Luckily, he has this beautiful thing. Therefore, everything’s on him today.”
Stevie shakes her head. “I couldn’t. I only met you guys a few weeks ago.”
“I know it feels weird,” Kami explains. “I probably wouldn’t accept the offer either, but Emma will wear you down. It’s better not to fight it.”
I lean toward Jake. “What was the bet?”
He grinds his jaw. “I’d rather not say?—”
“Who could get more numbers walking around for twenty minutes in the mall,” Cam answers quietly.
“How many did they get?” I ask quickly.
“Em got fifteen…” Cam pauses for a second, clearly attempting not to laugh. “Jake got four. Em said he couldn’t tell the girls his full name since it gives him an edge.”
Jake gives him a dirty look, and I burst out laughing, with Cam doing the same.
Em and Kami giggle while Stevie looks between all of us like we’re insane.
“What’s so funny?” she finally asks.
Em taps her arm. “Come on, sweetie, we’ll tell you on the way.”
Kami blows a kiss to Cam and intertwines her arm with Stevie’s left one, with Em on Stevie’s right. Stevie looks over her shoulder as they walk away, smiles softly, and mouths,Thank you.
I return the smile and gesture to the guys. “Shall we?”
Jake intertwines his arms with mine and Cam’s. “We shall.”
The three of us skip to the massive arcade.
Chapter Sixteen
STEVIE
“Okay, so we asked Levi to let you choose your favorite outfit today,” Em starts.
“That way we can get a sense of your style,” Kami continues.
Em nods. “Exactly. We want you to be comfortable and still be yourself, but more chic.”
Kami shrugs, and I give them an unsure smile. Knowing that they’re trying to be helpful, and I’m thankful for it, I motion my hands to the stores.
“Where do we start?”
Em points to the right. “Over there.”
