Page 54 of Class Act

“Oh, definitely when she was at his house and fell asleep on his couch. She’s breached the castle; the conquest has begun,” Ruby replied.

“Might have been earlier,” Meredith joined in, rubbing at her chin. “When the whole ice skating thing happened.”

“It was the opera.” Aryn snapped her fingers. “That was a seriously romantic situation. I’ll bet you looked smoking hot in your dress with your jewels, and his heart cracked open.”

“What’s her next move?” Lizzie asked the group.

I put my head in my hands. “You guys, I’m right here, and I’m not sure anything has changed or that I need to make a move.”

“It’s changed,” Ruby stated. “And the ball is in your court. Time for a total score.”

Everyone laughed while I blushed. I was grateful when the server returned with our drinks and fully planned to change the subject once we were all served. My friends, obviously, had other plans.

“All I’m going to say,” Lizzie said as soon as the server walked away, “is that so far his actions don’t match his words. He said he wasn’t open to a relationship, but the man is acting all sorts of interested in you. Give yourself a high-five. He’s a big score. Handsome, rich, darling kids, castle on the hill. I could only imagine not living paycheck to paycheck. He probably has an amazing kitchen, Hailey.” Lizzie’s face lit up. “Think of the dinners you could make there.”

“You wouldn’t even have to buy generic brands of everything. Real cheese, real eggs, real meat.” Ruby silently clapped her hands.

“What kind of food are you eating?” Meredith’s eyebrows dropped as she looked to Ruby, and we all busted up. “Don’t you know better, being a nurse and all? The way you’re talking I’m surprised your skin doesn’t glow neon.”

“The point is,” Aryn called us back, “the money is nice, but the man seems perfect for you.”

The others added their agreement, and I looked down at my soda. “Guys. I appreciate what you’re doing here, but Ford is not a candidate.”

“Why?” Meredith asked bluntly.

“Because I’m scared of Ford,” I whispered.

Lizzie’s hand landed on my forearm. “It’s understandable. He’s the type that could really do a number on your heart. I loved Jackson from afar for a long time. I know how that can make your chest feel hollow.”

“Maybe you don’t need to make a move,” Aryn said gently. “Who are we to give you advice? A bunch of single thirty-somethings? Please.”

“All you have to do is talk to him,” Meredith stated.

My stomach swooped as the others looked to me. “Talk to him about what?”

“I don’t know. Just don’t shut him down all the time,” she replied.

“Maybe the next time you’re thrown together, you let down your guard a bit,” Aryn said.

“I’ve been more open with that man than I have with anyone other than my parents and you four,” I defended, agitated.

“Great,” Meredith called. “Then when he asks you out, you’ll say yes.”

I blinked and shook my head. “He’ll never ask me out. He’s not interested in dating.”

“Mm-hmm,” Ruby said. “We’ve blown that theory out of the water. He brought you home when you were hurt and had your car towed and generally looks at you like you’re dessert.”

My cheeks flamed. “When have you ever even seen him in person? How do you know how he looks at me?”

Ruby laughed. “Your giant blush tells me all I need to know.”

“Come on, Hailey,” Aryn said. “I’ll agree to talk to Wesley if you’ll say yes when Ford asks you out.”

I swallowed, wanting this conversation to end, now. “Fine. If he ever asks me out, I’ll go. But it’ll never happen because he’s probably just a really friendly guy who likes to help out the honorary niece of his business partner.”

“Yeah, because people are always helping out honorary nieces,” Meredith smirked.

“Never say never,” Ruby added.

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