Page 58 of The Rules of Dating

Billie: Hey. I’m going to an art show Saturday night. One of the exhibitors paints songs. It’s actually pretty cool. Once a month, he has his fans tell him their favorite songs from the indie top 100 charts. Whichever one gets mentioned the most, he creates a painting about. It’s not a literal interpretation, but just the feeling the song evokes when he listens to it. You view each painting with a headset that plays the song that inspired it. It’s pretty amazing how he nails the emotion every time.

Colby: Wow, that does sound cool. I love art shows.

I smiled. Yep, he’s definitely hinting.

Billie: I have an extra ticket. I was thinking I’d ask Holden if he wanted to go. You know, the musician connection and all. Of course, it wouldn’t be a date.

The evil side of me couldn’t help myself. Then I added:

Billie: It would be more like an undate. ;)

The dots started to jump around and then stopped, then started again and stopped. I might’ve cackled a little. Eventually, my phone vibrated.

Colby: You want to undate Holden?

Billie: Sure, why not? Of course, it would be platonic like you and I are.

I watched as the message went from delivered to read. A full minute went by and then my phone rang. Colby. Good thing he hadn’t FaceTimed me since I couldn’t wipe the huge grin from my lips.

“Hey,” I said.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“What?”

A few heartbeats passed. “Wait. Are you screwing with me?”

I laughed. “Why would I do that?”

“You are. You’re screwing with me.”

My laughter rolled into a snort. “Jealous much?”

“I’m going to kick your ass. I don’t even know if you have tickets to an art show. But for that little stunt you just pulled, you’d better find some. Because you’re taking me to one Saturday night.”

I bit down on my bottom lip. “I kind of like bossy Colby.”

“Oh yeah? Well I’m happy to boss you around, sweetheart. Just get your ass over here to my bedroom, and I’ll show you.”

Oh God. That sounded so damn good. But how the hell did we go from me busting his balls to me having blue balls so quickly? I needed to redirect this conversation before I told him to keep talking while I slipped my hand into my pants. I cleared my throat. “So…anyway. Would you like to join me at an art show, Colby? Of course, it would be an undate.”

“It took you long enough to ask.”

I laughed. “I have to go a little early. How is six?”

“Sounds good. I’ll pick you up.”

“I’ll meet you at the shop,” I told him.

“Are you working?”

“No, I’m off all day on Saturday this week.”

“Then let me come to you. I want to see where you live.”

“Umm…”

“Seriously? You don’t trust me yet? I’m not going to maul you, Billie.”