Page 31 of The Anaconda Downstairs

They just let me talk. And talk. And talk. WhenI finished recounting the whole saga, Trixie and Jules exchanged a look that made me nervous.

“Oh, honey,” Trixie said, reaching out to pat my hand. “You’ve got it bad.”

I felt my face heat up. “What? No, I don’t. This is just... a business arrangement.”

Jules snorted. “A business arrangement that involves almost kissing? Come on, Pen.”

“It’s not like that,” I protested...weakly. This was not where I was hoping this conversation was going to go. I’d just have to explain about my plan. I’d left that part out somehow.

“It’s exactly like that,” Trixie insisted. “Look, it’s obvious to anyone with eyes that you two are totally into each other. Why don’t you just ask Everett to be your date for the Grampys?”

I shook my head vigorously. “No way. Everett is sure that Declan will murder him for even helping me. Much less being my actual date. He is kind of protective of me. Which I get, but also, I don’t even know how to handle that. It’s not like I grew up with brothers. You get it, don’t you Jules? Besides, haven’t you noticed? Everett’s not playing his best lately.”

Jules’s cheeks went supernova and her eyes went wide. “I, uh, definitely do not tell my brothers about any crushes I may or may not have, or any dates with college boys I may or may not go on.”

She frowned and pointed at Trixie. “And you’re not going to say a word to Chris. He already tells dad that I should be grounded till I’m forty on a regular basis. And I will be going to the winter formal and prom without any of them the wiser.”

Trixie held up her hands. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. I’m pretty sure you made me sign the Kingman queen code when I got engaged to your brother, and I will stay loyal to my oath.”

Jules narrowed her eyes and nodded. “That’s right. Queens have to stick together.”

I knew I liked Jules. “Did you make Kelsey sign that too?”

“A hundred percent. And I believe you and Willa can expect contracts in your inbox soon too.”

“No, no. Not me. I’m not dating your brother, and I’m not going to ask him to be my date. What I need to do is help him fall in love as a thank you for all his help, and you know, so he can play better.”

Trixie’s eyebrows shot up. “And how exactly do you plan to do that?”

I bit my lip and then figured I’d told them everything else, I might as well let them in on the plan. Maybe they’d help meexecute it better than I’d done so far. “I’m trying to set him up with Simone Tester.”

“From the Testers? The fem band that opened for Kelsey at Rust Rocks?” Jules groaned when I nodded yes. “Pen, that’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard. First of all she’s not even his type, and honestly, you can’t teach someone to fall in love, and you definitely shouldn’t try to set up the guy you’re clearly crushing on with someone else.”

“But—” I started to argue, but Trixie cut me off.

“No buts. Jules is right. This is a disaster waiting to happen. You need to tell Everett how you feel before?—”

The bell above the door jingled, and we all froze as Kelsey, Declan, and Everett walked in.

“Before the coffee gets cold,” I said loudly, desperately trying to change the subject. “That’s why I love coming here. The coffee’s always hot.”

Trixie and Jules stared at me like I’d grown a second head but quickly plastered on smiles as the trio approached our table. I was buying the two of them tiaras later.

“Hey, girls,” Kelsey said, her eyes darting between us suspiciously. “What are you all up to?”

“Just wrapping up our book club meeting,” Trixie said smoothly. “Right, Pen?”

I nodded enthusiastically, praying my face wasn’t as red as it felt. “Yep. Books. We love ’em. Can’t get enough.”

Everett raised an eyebrow, and his gaze shot between me and Jules. “Uh-huh. And what book was that?”

My mind went blank. I couldn’t remember the title of the book they’d been discussing for the life of me.

“It was, um...” I stammered.

“Chase Me,” Jules supplied helpfully. “It’s about dragons. And romance. You know, typical book club stuff.”

Kelsey’s eyes lit up. “Oh, I love that book. Declan got it for me when I was sick. Why didn’t you tell me you were in a book club, Pen? Is this the secret you’ve been keeping from me? I would’ve loved to join.”

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