Page 16 of Rough and Rugged

But damn. That guy was beautiful. There was no way he was gay. I couldn’t be that lucky.

My phone vibrated, and I pulled it out of my jeans, thankful for another reason not to stare unabashedly at the guy. When Mindy’s name appeared, I knew she was standing me up.

That was the thing about best friends—you loved them despite their flaws. And Mindy Devlin, soon to be St. James, was a notorious over-scheduler.

Mindy: Don’t hate me, E, but I can’t make it. Mitch’s mom is demanding I try on my dress one more time.

Mindy: If I didn’t love Mitch so much, I’d tell her exactly where she could take her suggestions.

Everett: No, you woodn’t. You love Peggy.

Mindy: Ugh. You’re right. And God, I love your phone.

Everett: It’s your fault. I can’t get it to change for the life of me.

Mindy: bwahahaha

Mindy: Got wood?

Everett: I’m ignoring you now.

Mindy: Wood you?

Mindy: What’s wood have to do with it?

Mindy: *laughing emoji*

Mindy: Ah, come on, E. Don’t hate me.

Everett: Not for missing dinner, but the phone thing’s still up for grabs.

Mindy: Yay, you don’t hate me.

Everett: I love your ability to ignore the things you want.

Mindy: It is a skill. Speaking of ignoring…

Mindy: Are you wearing the shirt?

Everett: No.

Mindy: Lame, E. Promise me you’ll still go to Ridgeway.

Everett: Maybe.

Mindy: Don’t make me storm down to Sawmill in my dress to give you a talking-to.

Everett: I’m half tempted to see if you wood.

Mindy: *laughing emoji* LMAO

Everett: I’ve changed my mind. I hate you now.

Mindy: No take backs.

Everett: Fine. Leave me alone so I can find a man.

Mindy: I expect you to meet me for breakfast and tell me about it!

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