I roll my eyes. “Trust me, I know.”
“If you do not answer him, I will.” Riley lunges to grab my phone out of my hand, but I stand up just in time.
“I’ll answer.” I hold up my phone away from her. “Just let me think.”
“What is there to think about?”
“Um, Charlie, for starters?”
“Oh, you’ve gotta be kidding me. You’re still thinking about giving that asshole of a guy a chance? No, I won’t allow that. Not when you have someone incredible like Rowan standing right in front of you.Again.”
“What about my job? New York? And if something does happen between me and Rowan? I’m just expected to leave and start that ridiculous idea of opening a bakery?” My tone comes out a bit harsher than I expected.
“For all you know, you try this out and realize that you’re actually better off as friends,not that I believe it for one minute,” she mutters.
The thought of Rowan getting down on one knee and proposing to me is something I can picture. Teenage Ellie dreamed about that, but teenage Ellie also dreamed about Rick from The Mummy proposing to her. Brendan Fraser was at his prime that year.
I drop my arm down and look at Riley. Charlie texted me a second time a few days ago. I left him on ‘read’ again. This time, asking meif I’d changed my mind early and if I was coming back home. He misses me, and everyone at work misses me.
Which I know is a big fat lie, since everyone at work focuses on themselves and their dishes. I’ve never gone out to get drinks with my crew or anything. I wasn’t like that with them.
Before I start to overthink, I lift my phone up and text him.
Ellie: Sure! Where are you thinking? The diner? That taco place by the beach?
Rowan: I was thinking Zesty Ziti. Is Friday cool? I can get you around 7PM.
My mouth gapes as I stare at the screen. That place is not the type of place that would serve you a greasy burger. From what I hear that place is where you go for an anniversary or to wine and dine with your significant other. Or go on a date.
“What did he say? Where is he taking you?” Riley asks eagerly.
I hold out the phone to her, letting her read his text. Her jaw drops, and her eyes widen. “Ellie,” she says.
“Shut up,” I reply, looking back down at my phone.
“Ellie.”
“Don’t say it, Riley,” I beg.
She gives me an all-too-big smile. “This is a date.”
“It can’t be a date. He should know better. I’m only here until the end of the summer. I’m not staying here.”
“Rowan and Ellie, sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n–”
“Donotfinish that.” I point to her.
“G.” She opens her mouth, smiling like she just challenged me.
I let out a sigh and looked back down at my phone while mumbling, “I should have let you choke on a sour patch, kid.”
I hear Riley laugh to herself while I send my reply.
Ellie: Okay, can’t wait :)
twenty-five
ROWAN
