Page 31 of Betting on the Best Friend
She’s sitting on a bench opposite the rental desk, tying the laces on a bowling shoe. She smiles and waves me over.
“Hey,” she says. “I don’t know if you’re a hugger.”
“I’m a hugger.” I hold out a hand to help her up.
She accepts, standing to give me a good hug. “Good to see you. You ready to do this?”
“I really, really am.”
“I paid for the lane and shoe rentals, so tell them you’re with me.”
“You didn’t have to do that,” I protest.
“Yes, I did. I’m getting bowling and drama. Who wouldn’t pay to watch that?”
I give a small laugh. “Thank you. I’ll get my shoes.”
By the time I’m back at the bench to change out my pristine white Nike Air Force 1s, I’ve snuck a few glances Ruby’s way. I can’t read Mike’s body language, but Ruby’s shoulders are tight, her arms folded across her stomach.
Sydney gives the faintest nod in their direction. “Don’t think it’s love at first sight.”
“That’s a shame.” My tone makes Sydney laugh.
I’m pulling on my second bowling shoe when Ruby and Mike make their way over to the rental counter. “Rube,” I call. “Sydney covered it. Tell them you’re with her.”
Ruby gives me a thumbs up, and Sydney and I settle into dissecting the date playing out twenty feet away.
“Ruby’s body language is standoffish,” Sydney says. “She’s leaning her head toward him to listen, but it’s because she’s keeping her body out of arm’s reach.”
“Look at him leaning way into her space to talk,” I say. “Trying too hard, my guy. Settle down.”
They spot us sitting on the bench, and we both wave. Ruby gives us an overly bright smile and says something to Mike, who looks our way and nods.
They walk over, and Sydney and I both stand to give them space to change their shoes.
“Hey, y’all. This is Mike, Sami’s friend.” Ruby puts a slight emphasis on Sami’s name. She introduces Sydney and me, and we all exchange hellos.
“You know Sami too?” Mike asks.
He’s intense, his dark eyes making too much eye contact with both of us from beneath the brim of his . . . I squint. Pixie Luna hat?
“I do,” I say.
“Haven’t met her,” Sydney says. “She’s the one in the band?”
Mike makes a disbelieving sound. “In the band? Try lead singer and songwriter. I see a lot of groups come through, but she’s the best.”
It sounds like he’s daring us to argue.
“Great band,” I agree.
“Because she’s talented, man. I see every show they do. I’m trying to get on their tour as a roadie this summer.”
Definitefight mevibes. Ruby’s expression doesn’t give away much, but I can see the calculation in her eyes.How obsessed is this guy and how will I get back at Sami for this?
“I’ll have to listen to their music,” Sydney says. “I’ve heard their songs on the radio, but that’s it so far.”
“Tip of the iceberg, man,” Mike says. “Doesn’t begin to touch her genius.”
