He crossed his arms and his insides squirmed. “I guess you saw the TEW article?”
“Darla told me about it first, then I read it.” She shifted, put all her weight on one leg. “Is it true?”
His gaze focused on the ceiling. How did he answer? “Kind of?”
“What kind of answer is that?” She rolled her eyes and thrust a bowl of popcorn his way.
“An honest one,” he shot back. Grabbing the bowl before any more kernels toppled out.
“How are you ‘kind of’ dating America’s sweetheart?”
He opened the refrigerator door, pulled out a can of pop, handed it to Phoebe, then grabbed one for himself. “It’s complicated.”
“Obviously,” she muttered under her breath.
Her disdain for Deena grated on his nerves. “I know you don’t care for her, but she’s a different person once you get to know her.”
“If you say so.” She tossed her hair behind one shoulder and stuck her nose in the air. Walked right past him as if he didn’t exist.
Aggravation rushed through him. What was Phoebe’s problem? In the two decades he’d known her, he’d never witnessed catty behavior from her. He took a deep breath before he went back into the living room.
She settled in her dad’s recliner with a crocheted afghan over her lap. Without looking at him, she asked, “Can you explain yet how you’re ‘kind of’ dating Deena?”
“Will you listen and comment without obvious disdain?” For the first time in his life, he found himself good and truly annoyed at her.
“I’m sorry.” When she lifted her head, he saw concern rather than judgment in her eyes. “The news took me by surprise. You’re one my oldest friends in the world, and I don’t want to see you hurt.”
His heart softened. “I appreciate that, but I’m a grown man. I can take care of myself.”
“I know, but love can be blind.”
He chuckled. “Love would be a gross overstatement.”
“Well, that’s a relief.” Her wry grin complemented her features much better than the scowl.
Now that she’d lost her edge, he found himself more willing to explain. “The truth is, she asked to spend time with me and see where it goes. I agreed.”
She nodded slowly as though processing the news and unsure how to take it. “It’s all happened so fast. She’s been here, what, five days?”
“It’s not like we’re getting married.” He blew out a breath. “The TEW story took extreme liberties in their description. I barely know her, but she makes me laugh and feel good about myself.”
Creases formed on Phoebe’s forehead. She cradled her bowl of popcorn in her lap, staring at it. “Just promise you’ll keep an open mind. It’s not my business, but I don’t have a good feeling about it.”
“Why?”
Her gaze locked with his. “It’s not my place to say.”
“Really?” He tilted his head to the side and gave her what he hoped was his best dumbfounded expression. “It hasn’t stopped you yet.”
“You want my honest opinion?”
“Yes.” He might be annoyed at her for the moment, but he still valued her insight.
“Despite being America’s sweetheart, Deena doesn’t have the best reputation.”
“I’ve seen firsthand today how the media distorts the truth.” He popped open his can of Mr. Pep. “Deena has her flaws like everyone else, but you can’t believe all you read about her.”
She raised her brows. “Coming from the man who admitted two minutes ago that he barely knows her.”
