Page 192 of Shy Girls Can't Date Celebrities
“I don’t blame you,” I say. “Life was pretty cruisy when we got to charge everything to the penthouse.”
Kylie smirks. “Rub it in, why don’t you.”
Wyatt chuckles. “My bad, guys. I’ll have to get the bill next time.”
Parker bats a hand. “All good. I got it.”
“No, I got it,” Kylie and I say at once, and then end up laughing.
“Okay, let’s split it.” Parker says, dishing out the cakes left behind by Maddy.
We all agree and swiftly move on to trying the vegan strawberry shortcake, and dairy-free cookie dough milkshakes.
“My goodness, Kylie,” Wyatt says, barely swallowing. “These are fr-freaking amazing. You make these?”
Kylie nods proudly. “If there’s anything you especially want baked while you’re in town, just let me know.”
“I’m sure I’ll love whatever you’ve got cooking,” Wyatt replies.
Parker smiles at Kylie. “Give her a challenge, Wyatt. She loves it.”
“Do you make donuts?” Wyatt asks.
Kylie sits taller, her gaze lifting as she thinks on it. “I’ve never made vegan ones. Challenge accepted.”
After the cake and milkshakes have been consumed, and the check split three ways, we don’t risk being made in the café. Instead, we head back onto Main Street.
There aren’t a lot of people around, so we meander toward the closest park. It adjoins the skatepark, making it a popular hangout space. Although, it’s still early enough not to have a crowd.
The afternoon sun gives the lush greenery a soft hue, and the gentle breeze has a calming warmth to it. I can’t help smiling, marveling at the rolling hills surrounding us.
“Does it feel familiar, Wyatt?” Kylie asks.
“It’s weird,” he replies. “I remember it, but it also feels new. Not much has really changed, but I guess I feel like an outcast.”
“Wyatt Hayes is no outcast,” Parker quips.
“Hey, thanks for bringing us out here,” Wyatt says to Parker. “It’s really cool to hang out like a regular person.”
“Glad you’re into walking around Main Street,” Parker replies. “It’s literally a regular day for us.”
Kylie gestures at the skatepark. “Over there is where Parker taught me how to ride a skateboard. Maybe when you’re feeling up to it, you could give it a go?”
“My coordination isn’t the best right now,” Wyatt says with a laugh, “But, yeah, maybe.”
“How long do you think you’ll stick around for?” Parker asks.
Wyatt blows out a breath, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “I really don’t know. Circle 8 might turn up tomorrow and demand I go back. I was excited to start recording, but my time in the studio wasn’t exactly creative.”
“What do you mean?” Kylie asks.
“Does soul-sucking mean anything to you?” Wyatt replies.
“Oh.” Kylie frowns. “That doesn’t sound fun at all.”
“Definitely not,” Parker agrees. “You really must’ve been miserable if walking around a park is fun for you.”
I hug an arm around Wyatt’s back. “It’s totally the company, right?”
