Page 41 of Jingle Bell Jilt
“Dude. That’s like the exact definition of a stranger.” Lowell gives me a raised brow. When did the little punk learn how to do that?
Keaton grins. “She’s hot, isn’t she.” It isn’t really a question. “That’s why you’re letting her stay.”
“No. That’s not why I’m letting her stay.” I need to end this call. Immediately. “She needed a place to stay and the only room available was at the Super 4 in the bad part of town.”
Keaton looks disappointed. “Then she isn’t hot?”
I want to die right now. My face is blazing and there’s no way I can look over at Shay now. Death seems like the only way I will get this conversation to end.
“Hey, she’s there, right? Turn your laptop around and let me see what she looks like.”
“I am not turning my computer around. You’re such a tool sometimes.” I roll my eyes.
He stares me down through the computer. “You kind of have to, bro. Because if you don’t, she’s going to think that you think she isn’t hot.”
I drop my head back into my hands. “I’m not not doing it because she isn’t hot. I’m not doing it because she isn’t some centerfold that wants to be ogled by you.”
Keaton puts his hands up in front of him, clasping them together. “Please? Come on, dude. You totally blew us off and I want to see for who.”
“I didn’t blow you off,” I say, covering my face with my hands. How am I ever going to look Shay in the eye again? I can’t even imagine what she thinks of me.
“Wow, dude. Your girlfriend is way hot. Why did you make her sound like she is a complete dog?”
I look at my screen and see Shay standing behind me. Her hair is up in a messy bun on top of her head, and she only has minimal make up on, just a little eyeliner and some mascara. But Keaton is right. She’s way hot.
She winks at me and then moves out of the screen.
I’m both appreciative and annoyed that she gave in and did what Keaton wanted.
“She’s not my girlfriend.” I’m not sure who I’m trying harder to convince, them or me.
Lowell puts his hand to his mouth like he’s telling a secret. “I would have blown us off too, Evan. No worries.”
“I didn’t blow you off for her!” I yell at the screen.
“Okay, son. You don’t need to get angry. The boys are just offering their support.” My dad is trying, but failing, to keep a straight face. He looks down at his watch. “We probably shouldn’t keep you much longer. We need to stop for breakfast before the movie.” Sure, now that they’ve humiliated me, they’re on a schedule?
“The movie? But it’s only 9:30 in the morning.”
“There’s aDie Hardmarathon at the theater. We’re going to see all six.” Lowell fist pumps the air.
“All six. Well, I’m sad to be missing that.” Not even a little. I glance over at Shay. She’s taking the popovers out of the pan and arranging them on a plate. “Although, I already watched the firstDie Hardlast night.”
“What? How did you convince her to watch that? Or had she already gone to bed?” Keaton looks like he might take back all the nice things he has said about her.
“Actually, it was her idea.”
Lowell’s mouth drops open. “Evan, you should marry her,” he whispers rather loudly.
“I’ll take it under advisement,” I glance over at her. Had she heard Lowell or had he actually kept his voice low enough? I can’t see her face as she bends over the muffin tin. “Have fun at the movies. Don’t get sick on popcorn.” I need to get off this call beforeIhave to go stay at the Super 4 Motel.
“I’m going to pace myself.” Lowell says, his face dead dog serious.
“Good plan,” I chuckle. As much as they make me crazy, I love these guys. Even my dad, who completely changed how Christmas was celebrated.
“Alright, I love you guys. Merry Christmas.”
“Love you too.” My dad says.
