Page 76 of Betting on the Best Friend
“Our leverage is that the prize is really cool, and if you love us, you’ll want one of us to win,” Ava says.
Josh and Joey grin like they know the girls have me there.
They’re right. “Let’s hear it.”
“We each get one last chance to set you up,” Madison says.
I groan. “I want to be done, not go on more dates.”
“It gives us a chance to take our very best shot, and worst-case scenario, you’re done after three dates.”
“Four, counting today.” I’m already tired by the idea.
Josh holds up his phone. “Don’t worry about that one, Ruby. I’m cancelling it. Matty will understand.”
Sami gives me a challenging look. “There you go. Three more dates. We each take our best and final shot, and then you can quit.”
They all look pretty determined, but I appeal to Ava. “Don’t make me.”
She shakes her head. “I’m not getting you out of this. I want a chance to take my final shot too.”
I could still say no, but it means they won’t let this go. Even if I never give in, I’m going to have to hear about this indefinitely. Probably I will have to win the lottery and treat myself to a week in a tropical paradise where I meet a handsome stranger who likes to read as much as I do, and I walk down the aisle to marry him. Then maybe they will let this go.
“Fine,” I say without an ounce of grace. “You each get one more setup, then I’m done. No more dates.”
Madison cheers and Sami starts singing an old techno song, “One More Time.” Joey gives it a beat on the chair arm, and they all dance, even Ava, while I shake my head at my idiot friends.
I want to get this over with.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Charlie
When Ruby texts meTuesday morning, it catches me by surprise. She answers every time I text, but she hasn’t initiated any texts since she apologized. It’s her way of giving me space, but giving people space isn’t her nature, and I’m sure it’s been killing her. Guess she’s fed up with waiting.
The date bet is ending
I killed it
Punched it in its stupid nose and drowned it
Sounds like assault
A salty Ruby? YES
YOU COME IN MY HOUSE AND PUN?
They negotiated for one last shot each.
Then I’m free.
I put my phone down on my kitchen counter without asking any follow-up questions. I’m not always sure what Ruby news will make me miserable.
Last night is a perfect example. I watched the game at Oliver’s house, wondering if Ruby was home at the other end of the complex. But I hadn’t wanted to know for sure, because if she was there, I couldn't have resisted dropping by to say hi, and if she wasn’t there, I’d make myself miserable wondering where she was.
I don’t have to ask myself how I feel about her giving up dating. Like a boulder got rolled off my chest, that’s how. We could hang out again without her having to edit how much of her life she shares, like these dates. So why doesn’t it feel like the answer to anything?
I’ve been taking this post-confession transition a day at a time. A-day-at-a-time has turned into thirty, and Ruby is still waiting for me to figure out what our friendship will be.
