Page 112 of Ozzie

“You know we can’t do that,” Durango says.

“Why not? We all agreed we need to draw John out. I’d be with both of you. We’d be out in public.”

I glance at Durango and shrug a shoulder. She has a point. Maybe it will draw him out and make him do something stupid that will get him arrested.

Durango takes a deep breath. “Fine. But since we’re going out, do you guys mind if I invite Willow too?”

I’m surprised by this. I mean, they’ve been talking, but inviting her kind of makes this a double date. “I’m fine with it,” I say.

Piper shrugs. “Okay.”

Durango either doesn’t sense her hesitation or ignores it. I’ll admit I’m curious to see how Willow is around Piper.

Durango texts her, then smiles. “We can pick her up on the way.”

“And where would you like to go?” I ask Piper.

She grabs her jacket. “I’ve been craving Thai food for a long time, so we’re going to my favorite place.”

I watch her as I realize despite being friends for the past year, I don’t know all her favorites. And in this moment, I have a strong desire to learn every one of them.

“Let’s go,” Durango heads out the front door first, eyes scanning in every direction.

Piper is next to me as I also scan. My arm is around her shoulders, keeping her close.

We take Durango’s car, and he drives to my place to pick up Willow. As much as I want to sit in the back with Piper, it might have been too much for Durango, so I sit up front. I text her when we are close so she’s on the street waiting for us. She jumps into the back.

“Hello, everyone. Thanks for thinking of me. I’m starving.”

Once we arrive, we are seated right away.

“Wow, everything looks so good,” Willow says.

“It is, but their curry is amazing,” Piper says.

I smile at her, put my hand on her leg, and give it a squeeze. After last night, I can’t sit next to her and not touch her.

Willow’s eyes follow my hand and widen. “Wait, are you two together?”

I clear my throat as I reach for the glass of water infront of me. This isn’t something I want to actually discuss in front of Durango. I mean, he said he’s okay with it, but that doesn’t mean he wants to hear about it.

“We’re dating, yes,” Piper answers.

Willow frowns. “I’m sorry, but aren’t you too young?”

Piper may be many things, but she does not look young for her age. I have no idea why Willow is acting this way.

“Willow, she’s not,” I say.

Her eyes go from me back to Piper. “Why, Ozzie? Why do you have to be so stereotypical?”

Her eyes well with tears, and she stands up. “Excuse me.” She rushes toward the restroom.

“I’m going to talk to her,” Piper says and stands up.

Durango stands up. “I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“If you want to date her, we need to get along. I’d like to find out why she doesn’t seem to like me.” Piper storms off before we can say another word.

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