Page 46 of How He Got the Girl
“Try harder,” I joke, trying to ignore the sting of his words. Words that are true but burn like salt on an open wound.
“Do I need to play you a sad song? I’ve been working on one—”
“I don’t need one of your tragic country songs. I need Mallory to fall hopelessly in love with me.”
“Or at least like you,” Rhett says.
“What’s wrong with you, man?”
“You’re the one who said you love how honest Mallory is. I’m shooting it straight.”
“It’s okay when Mallory does it because she challenges me. And, well, because she’s gorgeous.”
“You don’t think I’m pretty?” Rhett pouts.
“Go get compliments from all your female fans. I’m sure they’d love to boost your ego.”
“You know that I hate all the attention from fans.”
“Idoknow. It’s why we’re best friends.”
“Aww,” Rhett gushes. “Bro, I’m your best friend?”
“Maybe not anymore.” I smile, rolling my eyes.
“You love me. We’re going to be best friends forever. So, don’t let me find out about your engagement on social media next time, okay? I wanna meet her first, too.”
“Maybe you can meet her sometime. And we won’t be getting engaged anytime soon, trust me. It’s fake, remember?”
“I have a good feeling about this,” Rhett says, sounding optimistic. “I’ll write you a love song you can play and say it was commissioned just for her. Girls love that.”
“I’m not sure if that’s Mallory’s thing.”
“Well, just know that the offer’s on the table.”
“Thanks, man.” I glance at the time on my phone, and my eyes widen. “Shoot, I have to go pick Granny up from her physical therapy appointment.”
“I’ll catch you later, bro. Tell Granny and Mallory hi for me.”
“Will do. Later.”
Driving to Granny’s doctor’s office, I run through ideas for fun winter activities I can do with Mallory. If there’s one thing that’s become clear, it’s this: I need to up my game.
MALLORY
I’m freaking out!!
ME
What’s wrong?
MALLORY
My family wants to have you over for dinner tonight. We don’t have to go.
And by “we don’t have to go,” I mean that we shouldn’t go.
ME
