Page 34 of The Summer Dare
When he sees my bag, he eyes it quizzically. “Isn’t the point of going to a signing—to get books there?”
“Oh, I’ll get more. Trust me. Since many authors are traveling from out of state to attend, their supply is limited. They’ve encouraged us to bring our own books if we want them signed.”
Ryan links his hand in mine as he drives us across town to his favorite diner. When we find lines stacked along the sidewalks, he suggests grabbing something in Manzanita, a few towns south of Seaside. Usually, tourists who come for the festival stay close to Seaside or Cannon Beach, and if we go just a little further, we might find a diner that’s not packed with people.
After placing our orders at the small hole-in-the wall diner we found about twenty minutes away, Ryan reaches for my hand. “I know you’re busy for the next two weekends with your family, but what are your plans for the weekend after?”
“Most likely work, but I don’t have my schedule yet, why?”
Taking a sip of his orange juice, he casually states, “I’m going back to CRU for the weekend for a wedding. I’d love for you to be my date.”
“Won’t the bride go crazy having last minute guests?” Surely, he knows this, right?
Ryan shakes his head adamantly. “Not at all… In fact, it’s mainly just family and friends. It’s taking place in their backyard and there’s no formal head count—besides, I’m allowed a plus one.”
“Oh, Ryan,” I say, shaking my head at his logic. “There’s always a head count at weddings. Trust me. Even if it’s just a small wedding, I’ll stick out like a sore thumb.”
“Look, Vince is my best friend. It’s his sister gettingmarried… and well… they don’t have many people in their corner besides the friends they’ve made since college—but that’s their story to tell. There’s nothing I won’t do for either of them. I’m not sure how many people are coming from the groom’s side of the family, but from my understanding, it will only be his siblings and grandparents, along with their closest friends.”
“Are you sure?” Taking a date to a wedding is a big deal—at least I consider it a big deal for such an important event.
When he pins me with those beautiful blue eyes, my heart skips a beat. “Look—total disclosure. I’m selfish. I know you’re busy for the next few weeks and I really like spending time with you. I still have my apartment near campus so it won’t cost us a ton of money. And… I promise… I’ll bring more condoms than we can possibly need.”
“Ohmigod.” I gasp, coving my mouth as I look around to see if anyone’s heard this sudden declaration. Then I hiss in disbelief, “You didnotjust say that.”
Instead of answering, he deflects, “You’re the one who made me promise toneverforget them.”
“Touché.” He’s got me there.
The moment he knows he’s won, a triumphant smile spreads over his face. “And before you attempt any more excuses, it’s a summertime, backyard wedding. No one other than the bride and the groom are even wearing formal attire. I’m wearing a pair of slacks and a button-up and any summer dress you own will be perfect.”
“You say they’re from school. Will I know anyone?”
Letting out a heavy breath, he shrugs. “It depends.”
“On…” I prompt, wondering why he seems hesitant.
“Whether you follow sports, I guess.”
Crossing my arms over my chest, I demand, “Explain.”
“Well, I’m pretty sure a few guys from the basketball team will be there. Drew is pretty tight with Vince’s girlfriend, Sydney. His roommates, Grey and DeShawn, have been hanging out there a lot this spring… well, ever since Vanessa found out Grey couldn’t cook to save his life.”
“Okay…” I draw out, mulling over the names. I know of them, but don’t know any of the players personally. “Anyone else I might know?”
“Well, Damien—the groom, his sister is Charlotte Anne—the author you’re seeing today. I’m sure she and her husband, Luke, will be there.”
My jaw drops to the floor in the way that he mentions this so casually.
He continues before I can process his words. “I haven’t officially met either of them, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time. Don’t say anything about it today when you meet. She already lives in a fishbowl with her husband being the head coach for the Rainier Renegades. I don’t want to take away her anonymity.”
“I… I don’t even know what to say,” I ponder in awe over the information he’s dumped on me.
He shrugs as if my decision should be simple. “Say yes. Say you’ll go and be my date to the wedding. I need to at least make an appearance and help out where I can.”
“When are you leaving?” I ask, wondering if I can make this happen.
“I’m heading to CRU Thursday afternoon for the bachelor party, but the wedding’s Saturday.”
