Mm. Yeah. AndI’mvery good at not losing my absolute crap. But I have a feeling I’m going to need to remind myself of that for the entire rest of the evening anyway.
Chapter 14
?
Surely, this play date will go spectacularly.
Mirabelle
“Ah!” I almost drop my brownies when I find Mr. Anders leaning against my car in the moonlight.
He pushes off the driver side door. “Mirabelle.”
I gulp. “Yes, sir?”
“Quick question.”
I hope it’s quick. I don’t want to be late. I hate being late. It’s disrespectful.
He strides toward me, and my stomach turns over. Stopping what feels like an inch away, he says, “Does Fawn like the guys you’re about to go see?”
Uh… “Fawn doesn’t really like anyone.”
His brows furrow. “What?”
“People. She doesn’t really like people.” I attempt to sidle past him and reach my car.
He angles his body to follow mine as I move. “I did not get that impression from her.”
Unlocking my car, I nudge my way into the driver’s seat. “Oh, well. She’s pretty good at hiding it when she wants to. Also, I don’t think she dislikes you.”
He straightens, dropping his crossed arms. “Really? That’s…peculiar.”
“You’re more introverted than she is. She probably respects that. A kinship of introverts, or something.” It’s probably rude to saywell, byeand shut my door on him… I stare at him for about three seconds. Then I chirp, “Well, bye!” and try to shut my door.
His hand shoots out and stops it from closing. Distress riots in his eyes.
I stare at him, searching for any clue about what’s going on.
Then I remember that he is lonely and sad. And I’m about to go out with a whole bunch of friends and have milkshake drinks and brownies.
It dawns on me.
This would be theperfectopportunity for him to get some local friends.
“Please…be safe,” he says in the same moment I say, “Do you want to come with me?”
We both blink, but my brows furrow as his rise.
“Why wouldn’t I be safe?” I ask.
“I can come with you?” he hedges.
Putting the matter of safety while watching something on Disney+ or playing Super Mario Party Jamboree aside, I say, “Sure. The guys bring other friends with them all the time. And it’s not a public place, so we don’t need to worry about weird rumors or more photos.” I glance at the clock and wince. “We are going to be late if we don’t get going soon, though. Are you coming?”
“You don’t mind?”
“We’re just going to be playing Mario Party or watching a Disney movie. Why would I mind?”
