Page 68 of Banter & Blushes

“While you were cleaning the counter, I washed the dishes and put up leftovers.”

I sigh and turn to Genesis. “I’m sorry. It’s been a long day, is all.”

“It’s fine. I get it. If the guy I liked was just out of eyesight filming romantic scenes with a girl taller and tanner than me, I’d be in la-la land too.”

My body temperature spikes, and I give Genesis a tight-lipped glare. I’m not sure what makes me madder. The fact that she noticed I didn’t help clean up or the fact that she noticed the reason behind it.

If I said I didn’t like Colt, I’d be lying. Another lie would be that the tall girl acting like she likes Colt for the camera doesn’t bother me. And I don’t even want to consider the possibility that she really does likes him.

I swallow that like a hard pill and take another look at myself in the spick-and-span countertop. I’m cute and know how to dress to accentuate my best assets, but none of those include long limbs.

“I guess you don’t want to talk about it, soI’ll let you be.”

“Sorry.” I straighten my lips at Genesis. “It’s weird seeing him so much after all these years.”

“I’m sure.”

“I mean, I think about him from time to time, but that was pleasant memories from my younger years. I never expected to hang out with him again, but now?—”

Genesis widens her eyes and makes a throaty sound. Confused, I keep talking. “It’s like he’s back in my life . . .” My last few words trail off as she points behind me. I turn to see Colt in front of the truck.

“Hey,” he says.

“Hi.” I stand straighter to try and regain some dignity.

How long has he been standing there? And since when does Genesis not talk over me when she thinks I should hush?

“We just wrapped. I was wondering if you wanted to hang out some.”

“I . . .” Great, now my voice hangs up.

“She’d love to,” Genesis answers behind me.

“I need to run Genesis to her car.”

“I can take the food truck.”

I give her a warning glare.

“What? I won’t wreck it again.”

I shake my head.

“Fine. I can catch a ride home with Johnny.”

“Johnny?”

“The boom operator,” Genesis and Colt answer in unison.

“You know this Johnny?”

“Enough to ride with him.”

“He’s a good guy,” Colt adds.

“Besides, I made Roman jealous by going out with Jeremy. I need someone to make Jeremy jealous without having to go out with Roman again.”

I shake my head at Genesis, then wipe my hands down my face. “Okay, if you can get a ride. But text me when you make it to your car.”

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