Page 52 of Trick or Treat Nurse at My Feet
Sylas mouths, "What's happening?" My shoulders rise and fall since I don’t know yet what is going on, and it’s making me nervous. I can feel my fingers tightening and twitching around the phone.
"I'm inviting you to come help out," Tyler clarifies. "As my, uh, guest."
Something warm blooms inmy chest, spreading outward until even my fingertips tingle.Guestis Tyler-speak fordate. An official, public, everyone-will-know date.
My body bypasses all logical brain functions and goes straight to shit-eating grin. "Your guest?"
Sylas is practically vibrating with excitement next to me, but for once, his enthusiasm doesn't embarrass me. Because I'm feeling it too… this ridiculous, bubbling happiness that makes me want to do my own victory dance.
"My date," Tyler says more firmly. "If you want to be."
My breath catches, the simple words hitting me with unexpected force. Time seems to suspend as those three words…my date… echo in my head. Not "friend." Not "guest." Not some ambiguous term that leaves room for plausible deniability.
Date. Clear. Unambiguous. Public.
A kaleidoscope of emotions tumbles through me, disbelief that this is happening, a flutter of anxiety at what it means, and underneath everything, this rush of happiness so strong it almost scares me to admit it's there. After months of Ryan's careful avoidance of any label that might suggest we were together, Tyler's straightforward claim sends electricity racing under my skin, the hairs on the back of my neck even raise..
Sylas's eyes go wide, and he grabs my arm, squeezing hard enough to bruise. I barely notice the pain, too caught up in the sudden lightness in my chest, like my ribcage can barely contain the strange mixture of terror and elation swirling inside.
Say something, Barrett. He's waiting for an answer.
For a scary second, I worry my voice won't work, that I'll be stuck in this frozen moment, bowled over by what Tyler is offering me. Not just a car wash, not just a casual hangout, but a public acknowledgment. Validation. Theopposite of everything I've become accustomed to accepting.
"I'd like that," I say after a moment, trying to sound cool while Sylas silently screams beside me. The words feel inadequate compared to the tidal wave washing through me, but they're all I can manage without revealing just how much this simple clarification means.
"Great! It starts at 10 AM in the parking lot by the student union. We usually go until about 3, but you don't have to stay the whole time if you don't want to."
"I'll be there," I promise. "Should I bring anything?"
There's a pause, and I hear what sounds like several voices in the background.
"Just yourself," Tyler finally says. "We have all the supplies."
He sounds different, strained almost. "Are you okay?" I ask. "You sound weird."
"I'm fine," he says quickly. "Just, uh, multitasking."
"He's surrounded by nosy bros!" a loud voice calls out in the background.
Nearly dropping my phone in surprise. Sylas claps a hand over his mouth to stifle his laughter.
"Please ignore my idiotic ex-best friend," Tyler says, sounding mortified.
I don't try to hide my laugh. "How many guys are listening to our call?"
There's a pause. "Six. No, seven," he corrects.
"Hi Ethan!" several voices call out in a sing-song chorus.
Sylas is now doubled over, silently wheezing with laughter.
"Oh my god," Tyler groans.
"Hi Delta Psi Omega," I'm feeling strangely bold. Then, lowering my voice, I aim for sexy when I ask. "So, a carwash, huh? Does this mean I get to see you in a wet T-shirt or without one?"
Sylas's head snaps up, his expression a mix of shock and admiration. This is the same guy who's watched me accept last-minute cancellations and middle-of-the-night booty calls without complaint for months.
The same friend who's held my hand through countless 'he's just busy' excuses and 'maybe next time' disappointments. His wide eyes clearly say,When did my sweet, accommodating Ethan grow a backbone?I hear whooping in the background on Tyler's end.
