“Life experience,” I suggest.
“Hmm…” She nods, contemplating. “How old is Kellan?”
“Don’t even think about it,” Connor says.
“Obviously I’m not thinking about it now.” Everly rolls her eyes. “But I’m not that far off from twenty. Then can I date a hockey player?”
“Only if you like your boyfriends with no teeth,” Connor says flatly.
“You have all your teeth,” Everly points out.
“Yes, well, no one has pried mine out with pliers.”
“Dred will let me date a hockey player.” She snuggles into Dred.
My phone pings with a message.
Everyone goes silent.
I exhale an anxious breath.
“Aren’t you going to look at it?” Victor asks.
“Give me a second.”
“Nut up, bro,” Everly replies cheerily.
“She’s definitely yours,” I say to Connor.
I open the message.
Tally
I would love to go on a date with you.
“Well? What did she say?” Victor seems to be on the edge of his seat.
“She said yes.”
Dred smiles. “See? I told you everything would be fine.”
“Shit, we’re playing Nashville tomorrow.”
“We’re not playing the following night, though.” Connor’s tone implies that I’m an idiot for not reaching this conclusion on my own.
“I’d like to take her out as soon as humanly possible.”
Connor nods to my phone. I flip him the bird.
“I love how sweet you two are with each other,” Dred deadpans.
Flip
I’m glad to hear that. Tomorrow is out because of the game. Are you still coming, and would you be free the day after for a date?
Tally
I have night class the next night, and then I volunteer at the cat shelter and have dance rehearsals the following night. But I’m free on Friday.
