“I’ve been in the mood for bowling recently,” Jamie says, changing the topic. “We could bowl a couple rounds and hang out for a bit before … coming back.”
Bowling? That’s, like, the most date-y thing possible. Who bowlsexcepton a date?
This would be the perfect opportunity to shut him down. Make it clear that him blurring the lines of this arrangement isn’t going to work on me.
But bowling does sound kind of fun …
I eyeJamie warily outside the bowling alley. “Cut it out.”
“What ever do you mean?”
“You’re holding the door for me.”
“And?”
“You literally ran past me while I was reaching for it so you could hold it open for me.”
He smiles mischievously. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I was walking at a perfectly natural pace. And I hold the door open for everyone. Doesn’t mean anything.”
I compress my lips. Jamie’s incessant courtesy and impeccable manners really do serve as plausible deniability for borderline romantic gestures.
I side-eye him as I walk past. Triumph glimmers in his eyes as he holds the door wide open. Plausibly deniable triumph.
On our way to the counter to rent shoes, I can’t believe who I spot walking out.
“Kazu! You bowl?” My aunt’s stoic boyfriend stands by her side, looking very conspicuous in a place that’s all about fun and games.
Kazu’s expression is as flat as the smooth surface of the bowling lane. “I am … not good.”
“But he tries,” Cindy says, beaming from ear to ear. She steps closer to Kazu and runs her hand across his chest. His shoulders stiffen.
“We should compete sometime,” Jamie says. “Two-on-two. What about you and Carmen versus me and Kazu?”
Kazu looks at Jamie, like he’s noticing him for the first time. The perpetual half-frown on his face turns to a full one as his lips curve low. His gaze turns serious and assessing as it elevators up and down Jamie’s frame. There’s a peculiar look brightening his eyes … protectiveness?
A noncommittal hum is all Kazu answers with. His eyes continue to bore through Jamie like they’re X-rays.
“Oh, my!” Cindy exclaims. “Is this a date we’re stumbling across?”
“No,” I answer sharply enough to cut the legs out from under Cindy’s excitement. “We’re just hanging out.”
“As friends. Very good friends.” Jamie’s voice is full of irony.
I feel my brow crinkle. “Casual acquaintances.”
Cindy blinks twice before a peal of laughter rushes from her. “Whatever you crazy kids say. Come on, dear, let’s leave these two friends to their very platonic bowling non-date.”
If my aunt hadn’t done so much for me, I’d be tempted to put something into the next drink I make for her at the café.
Kazu’s still staring a hole through Jamie when Cindy tugs at his arm. They walk past us to the exit.
Jamie turns to me. “Is it just me, or was Kazu looking at me like he wanted to practice his knife skills on a living specimen for a change?”
I huff a small laugh. “Who knows what Kazu’s thinking?”
Jamie shrugs. “Not too hard to figure this one out. He’s protective of you.”
I roll my eyes. “No need for anyone to get protective over a simple bowling da—hang out.” I cringe at myself for the word I almost used.
