Page 71 of Mr. Swoony

Since we’re not leaving for camping until tomorrow, we’re booked at a hotel in Milwaukee. “I booked us a suite.”

He sighs, widens his stance, and crosses his arms. “What is wrong with you?”

“You’re judging me for being a gentleman?”

“I’m judging you for not seeing what’s right in front of you.”

I lean against the truck. “Let me guess. Your guest is staying in your single room tonight and you’ll be sharing not only a tent, but probably a sleeping bag with her?”

He shakes his head. “Nah, I’m riding solo.”

“You said you were bringing someone?”

Henry pulls into the alleyway.

Tweetie chuckles. “That was just so you’d ask Eloise. Why would I bring someone for an entire weekend?”

I scowl at him. “I’m not Henry. I don’t need to be tricked.”

He shrugs. “Then make your move, Romeo.”

“It’s complicated.” Tweetie doesn’t need to know all the details of what’s going on with Eloise and me, but now that it’s over with her and Tristan, I’m having a hard time judging whether she’s ready to start something new or not.

Ruby walks out on the loading dock from the back of Peeper’s Alley, her apron secured around her waist. “This isn’t your parking lot.”

“We’re just packing up for a trip. You can fill the back room because we’ll all be gone,” Tweetie says.

“That includes that blonde?” She eyes me.

“You have a problem with Eloise?” Tweetie asks, hitting me in the stomach with the back of his hand. “Your boy here is too scared to make a move.”

“This is the runaway bride no one has brought down to meet me?” Ruby doesn’t look impressed. Of course, when does she ever?

Maybe it’s because the weather’s been so nice, but we haven’t been hanging around Peeper’s as much these days.

“You haven’t met her yet?” Tweetie asks, hitting me in the stomach again.

I step away from him. “Sorry, Rubes. She’ll be down here soon. I’ll introduce you.”

She sits on an empty keg and lifts her chin at Jade and Henry when they step out of their SUV.

“Hey, Ruby,” Henry says.

“Did you know Pinkie never introduced Eloise to Ruby?” Tweetie tattles as if Henry is our dad. I mean, his nickname is Daddy, but it’s just that, a nickname.

“Oh, you’ll love her,” Jade says, walking up to Ruby. “She’s my best friend.”

“I’ll be charmed then, I’m sure.” Ruby sounds anything but excited.

Jade glances at Henry before sitting on another empty keg by Ruby. “You don’t have to worry about these guys this weekend.”

“Then can one of you tell those three young kids to stop coming in? They seem to think that room is theirs.”

“The chipmunks?” Tweetie asks, pulling out his phone. “Are they giving you trouble?”

“No, but the girls they bring in.” She shakes her head. “It’s a younger crowd, and I don’t like it or them.”

“You don’t like anyone,” Rowan says, walking out of the private entrance from our condo unit to the alley. Both of his shoulders are filled with bags.

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