Page 91 of The Disasters of Dating
“Paisleigh?” I knew that she and Poppy were friends, but I didn’t plan on running into her. I guess I knew it was likely to happen eventually. But just not tonight.
“Keaton? You’re the black-eye guy?” Paisleigh walks down the hallway, a huge smile on her face.
I knead at my brow. That’s how her family and friends know me?
“Wait,” Poppy looks at us with confusion. “You two know each other?”
“Keaton is Shay’s fiancé’s brother.” Paisleigh fills in the details. Guess I don’t need to figure out a way to work it into a conversation.
Paisleigh grins even wider. “Is that why Shay was asking me where Poppy worked?”
I shrug. “Yeah, probably.”
Poppy smiles. “Well, this is unexpected.”
Paisleigh lifts her brows at Poppy. “You’re right about Chris Pine.”
I frown. What is she talking about? I tentatively nod toward the door. “Should we head out?”
She looks back down at her pants. “Are you sure I look okay?”
“You look gorgeous, Pops,” Paisleigh gives me a challenging look, as if I’d refute her.
I reach over and grab her hand, giving it a little squeeze. “You look great. You always do.”
“Thanks,” she says, but she doesn’t sound convinced.
“Have fun, you crazy kids,” Paisleigh says, and she shoos us out the door.
We walk into The Spicy Cactus, and Poppy pulls me to a stop. “Do you mind if I stop at the restroom first?”
I nod. “Sure. I’ll wait for you here.”
She smiles. “Go find your co-workers. This place isn’t so big that I’ll not be able to find you.”
“Are you sure?” I ask. I don’t mind waiting for her.
“Yeah, go ahead. You never know how long you’ll have to wait for the ladies’ room. I don’t want you to be late.”
I’m fine with being late. But I don’t want her to feel any more self-conscious than she already is. She moves off, and I walk into the dining room, a feeling of déjà vu coming over me. Not because of the location, per se. But more of what greets me. Brenden, Dan, Claire, and Jasmine are all seated at a table, and I’m walking in alone. But this time, she’s here. Unless…sweat dots my brow. What if the restroom was an excuse for her to leave? I shake my head. Poppy wouldn’t do that.
Raising a hand, I approach the table. “Hey, guys.”
Brenden looks behind me. “Hey, Lincoln. Are you alone?”
“No, she’s in the restroom.”
He doesn’t look convinced. How did I not realize what a punk he could be when we were interviewing him for the job?
“Well, we have a seat for her whenever she gets here,” Claire says, pointing to the chair next to her.
“Keaton?” I hear Poppy’s voice behind me as I reach for my chair. I turn around and grin. She comes and stands next to me.
“Hey,” I say. I move in closer and drop my head. “I so owe you one,” I whisper in her ear.
She looks up at me. “No worries. I’m glad I came.” Then she glances behind me with a nervous smile.
“I hope you still think that way once we leave.” I give her a smirk and turn her toward everyone.
