“Cookie dough ice cream is not the same asactualcookie dough, Riley.”
“It’s not a crime to be wrong, Nat. I accept you as you are, even if you have horrifying taste in ice cream.”
I burst out laughing. “Who made you the ice cream police?”
Her comeback is quick. “I’m the self-appointed queen of the ice cream committee, and I also work on the ice cream police force…”
“Self-appointed?” My eyebrows fly up.
“This is not something that’s debatable, Nat.”
This conversation is so weird and ridiculous and I love it. “Please tell me where the ice cream committee is located so I can send a complaint.”
“It’s a secret. Not just anyone can?—”
Someone sneezes and Riley stops mid-speech.
We both look across the table at where Renthrow and Cordelia are staring at us.
Renthrow wipes his nose guiltily.
Cordelia smiles like the Cheshire Cat and makes a ‘go on’ gesture. “Don’t stop. It was just getting good.”
Riley’s smile evaporates and she self-consciously pulls away from me.
“So Cordelia,” I nod to Renthrow’s girlfriend, “word on the street is that you’re a mechanic too.”
“I am.” She studies me like I’m a puzzle piece. “Word on the street is that you’re single.”
I blink in shock.
Cordelia’s eyes swerve across the table as she adds loudly, “Riley.”
“What? Huh?” Riley jumps.
“If you’re interested, I’d love to set you up with someone. He’s handsome, rich and kind. And really into female mechanics.” Cordelia rests her chin on her hands and blinks innocently. “Would you like to meet him?”
Riley’s jaw drops.
Beneath the table, my hands clench into fists.
Say no, Riles.
I glance at Riley, who is blinking up a storm.
Say no.
As the silence stretches, I find myself getting more and more uncomfortable.
Note to self: I do not like the thought of Riley Carter dating other guys.
Chapter Fifteen
RILEY
The question came out of nowhere and, by the smile on my neighbor’s face, there’s some kind of ulterior motive.
Though I’m at a total loss as to what that motive is.
