Page 40 of The Disasters of Dating
My eyes widen, and a smile spreads slowly across my face. This may be better than my cousins. Maybe. The universe is still thinking about it.
Keaton
Hey, you still interested in grabbing some dinner or something this week?
My mom leans her head toward me, and I put my phone to my chest. “Excuse me? Privacy. Ever heard of it?” She obviously has some secrets she’s keeping from me. I think turnabout is only fair play.
She squints at me. “I wondered what could elicit that kind of smile from you at one glance.”
I lift a brow. “Maybe I’ll tell you…later. You need to go or you’ll be late for work.” I turn on my heel and head toward the back patio, where I can text with Keaton in private. I’m sure Mom is curious about this whole thing, but I admit to liking the proverbial shoe being on the other foot.
“I’ll hold you to that,” my mom calls as I walk out the door, pulling it closed behind me. I climb onto the cushioned wicker love seat and pull my legs up, sitting in a crisscross style.
Sure. Do you want to go tonight?
Keaton
I thought you had plans with your mom tonight?
Nope. They fell through. So I’m free as a bird. For the whole week, actually.
I mean, I was planning to clean out my closet. But I guess I could reschedule that.
My fingers hover over the delete button. Both texts make me seem so lame and uninteresting. Not to mention a little desperate.
Keaton
Cool. My only evening plans this week are binge-watching TV at my hotel. While that is riveting, cleaning your closet sounds like it could have some potential…
You obviously have never seen my closet.
Keaton
Is that an invitation?
Keaton
Sorry. I’ve been trying to work on keeping my creepiness at bay. That one slipped through when I wasn’t looking.
I laugh. That text sounded like Wrong Number Guy. Maybe it’s a guy thing?
I’ll give you one more chance.
And I guess since I’m the one paying for the apology, I should make the plans?
Keaton
I won’t say no to an offer like that. But I’m also good to plan and pay.
No! You already paid for my first attempted apology.
You want to go tonight?
Keaton
When and where?
Where is your hotel and do you have a car?
