Allen stared at it, then typed back.Yeah. With friends.
A second later, Rick responded.Good week?
Allen glanced up at Jamie, Mark, and Connor staring at him. He glared at them to stop, but they ignored him and carried on watching.
Jamie mouthed,Say yes.
Allen rolled his eyes and typed.Same as always. You?
Long week. I want to see you.
Allen’s throat tightened. It was so direct it made his brain stall for a second. Mark’s expression softened. Jamie looked delighted. Connor looked annoyed, but not surprised.
Allen typed back before he could overthink it.Okay.
Rick replied almost immediately.Tomorrow. Dinner. I’ll pick somewhere quiet. 7?
Allen stared at the screen, then looked at his friends, asking for help. Jamie nodded, and so did Mark. Connor didn’t nod, but he didn’t shake his head either.
Allen stared at his phone, then responded.Yeah. 7 works.
I’ll message you the address.
Allen put his phone down slowly and stared at it, a strange mix of nerves and excitement rushing through him. He wiped his suddenly clammy palms on his pants and exhaled heavily.
Jamie let out a low whistle. “Tomorrow.”
Allen’s cheeks burned. “Yeah.”
Connor pointed at him. “Message one of us the address. In case he’s a serial killer.”
Allen snorted. “He’s not.”
Connor’s expression didn’t change. “That’s what people say right before they end up on a documentary because they were murdered by a serial killer.”
Mark laughed. “Connor.”
Jamie leaned closer to Allen. “Are you excited?”
Allen hesitated, then nodded. “Yeah.”
Mark’s smile was gentle. “Good.”
Connor’s gaze stayed on Allen. “And you’re not ignoring the weird bits just because he’s famous.”
Weird bits? Allen shook his head. “I’m not.”
Jamie smirked. “You like him.”
“Yeah.” Allen nodded and gave Jamie a small smile.
Jamie sat back, satisfied. “Alright. We’ll be annoying about it, but we’ll support it. Now, more importantly, can you make me some of that chicken with the peppers?”
“The chicken and bell pepper stir-fry?”
“Yeah, that one. Can you? Please?”
“I will.”
