Page 16 of The Prodigal Son

When I don’t respond, she continues. “You should go with me!”

“To Phoenix?”

“Yes! Flights are cheap there, and it would be such a blast.”

Instantly, I start thinking about plane rides and hotel rooms, and anxiety builds inside me.

But for Theo Virgil tickets…

“Oh, and did I mention they include backstage passes?” She gives a coy smile as she brings the straw of her drink to her lips.

My jaw drops. “You’re joking with me.”

She shakes her head slowly.

“Yes, let’s do it,” I say without hesitation. “When is it?”

“Next Tuesday night. But we could do one night in Phoenix and fly back Wednesday.”

“I’ll buy the tickets now,” I say, picking up my phone. Gabby starts to giggle excitedly, and it’s a sweet sound. Bubbly and warm.

She really could be perfect for me. I just have to get over my hang-ups.

Again, for backstage Theo Virgil tickets, I’d do just about anything.

I book the plane tickets quickly on my phone and she works on getting us a hotel room, picking a nice one near the venue. We settle on a single room with two queen beds and agree that for just one night, we can share.

I don’t miss the excited energy written all over her face as she books it. Judging by the way she leans in, touches my arm, and smiles flirtatiously at me, it’s clear that Gabby is interested in more.

So am I.

So am I, so am I, so am I.

If I say it enough in my head, it will make it true, right?

Our parents head over shortly after their game, and I notice my mom’s eager expression as she takes in just how well Gabby and I are getting along. She’s been hounding me to find a nice girl and settle down for a while anyway, so I know that’s what she’s wishing for now.

And if I did it with her best friend’s daughter, she’d be on cloud nine.

“Jensen is going to go with me to Phoenix next week for the Theo Virgil concert!” she says excitedly to her parents.

My mom’s eyes light up. She’s watching me with an enthusiastic smirk, excitedly wringing her hands.

“That’s wonderful!” Gabby’s mom says. “You two will have a great time.”

As the six of us leave the bowling alley together, I sense my mother hovering behind Gabby and me, but when I move to say goodbye to her, she gives us space.

“I’ll see you next week, then,” Gabby says while staring up into my eyes.

“I can’t wait.”

Gabby moves in for a hug, and I start to panic, afraid she’s coming in for a kiss. To my relief, she’s not and we just share a quick, platonic embrace.

Leaving her at her car, I walk over to my own, where my mother is waiting.

“Well, that sounds like fun for you two,” she says with mischief in her eyes.

“Yeah,” I stammer.

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