Page 44 of Finding You

“That’s for next week,” Chloe said. “We’re all dressed up like we’re hanging out at a Las Vegas casino. You wouldn’t eat at a food truck at a casino, silly.”

“I’d eat at a food truck just about anywhere,” Ashlynn argued lightly. “They have some of the best food.”

That led to a lively discussion of where the best places were to eat in the country.

“You’re from New York, MacKenzie,” Jade commented. “Surely you must have gone to Manhattan and eaten some great food.”

She nodded. “Only a couple of times. It’s a four-hour drive and when you take the train, it’s five hours, so…”

“Oh, wow,” Jade said with mild embarrassment. “I didn’t realize it was so far away.”

“Most people don’t realize just how big New York State is.” Then she laughed. “Hell, I didn’t realize it until I was trying to drive out of it!”

They ate, they talked, and they laughed. Once they were done, Devin rose and held out his hand to her. “We never got to dance last night.”

She immediately put her hand in his and stood. “No, we did not, but I’d love to now.”

Together, they walked out to the middle of the room where so many people were dancing and joined in. The first few songs were ballads and it kept her in his arms–one of her favorite places to be. But when the music turned a little more upbeat, Devin excused himself and left her to dance with the girls.

Which she did.

With abandon.

“So…?” Avery shouted as she came to dance beside her. “You and Devin look very cozy! I’m guessing the night was everything you hoped it would be and you didn’t get the ick!”

Frowning, MacKenzie continued to dance as she shouted back, “What’s the ick?”

“Oh, you know…something you discover that can be a deal breaker! Like he’s a really wet kisser, or not good in bed…has B.O. or snores!”

The bark of laughter was out before she could stop it. “Seriously? That’s what it’s called? The ick?”

Avery nodded before waving Ashlynn over. “Ash! Tell MacKenzie about the ick!”

“What? Why?” Then she looked over at MacKenzie. “Oh, no! Did Devin have one?”

“No!” she shouted. “No ick! I’ve just never heard that phrase before!”

“I once dated a guy who was super hot, but he used the phrase “Bada-bing” way too much! Suddenly, he wasn’t so hot!” She shook her head. “It’s crazy how that works!”

Before she could comment, Chloe twirled over. “I have to pee! Who’s coming with me?”

They all did.

For MacKenzie, it wasn’t so much about using the ladies’ room as it was to be away from the loud music for five minutes.

“Oh, my goodness…why is it so loud?” she commented when they were out in the hallway. “Would it kill them to just…you know…lower the music so we don’t have to shout all night?”

Billie came up beside her and chuckled. “You are far too young to be talking like that. There are people in that gym twice your age who are loving it!”

The line for the restroom was long, but it was still nice to have a conversation. “So it was a little hard to hear you while we were eating, but what is your date’s name?”

“Alan,” she replied. “We’ve been friends since the seventh grade and neither of us wanted to come alone, so…here we are.”

“And you’re not interested in him…romantically?”

Billie shook her head. “Not at all. He’s a great guy, but there is zero attraction.”

“Well, that sucks.”

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