Total pages in book: 162
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 158872 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 794(@200wpm)___ 635(@250wpm)___ 530(@300wpm)
“Murder mystery, huh?” He rubs his hand over his chin. “Maybe we should hold a murder mystery dinner at the bar one night.”
“Really?” I squeal and dance on my toes. “That would be so fun. Would you let me help you plan it? Please?”
“Yeah, maybe.” He flashes a quick grin. “Research it for me tonight at the party. Let me know what works and what doesn’t.”
“Okay.” I nod eagerly. “I can do that.”
“Hey,” he says more seriously, “I’m glad there’s no American Pie pact with you and your friends.” He turns to the side and sticks out his tongue, pretending to gag.
Burning with embarrassment, I slap his side with the back of my hand.
He straightens up and turns serious. “Given we’ve got all this alcohol-soaked generational trauma in our family, I’m more worried about your friends drinking and driving tonight.”
“Ohhh.” Now I understand his concern better.
“You’ll be with Griff,” he continues, “so I know you’ll be safe. But look out for the other girls. Try not to let them do something dumb.” His lips tilt into what I think he intended to be a smirk, but it seems more sad than sarcastic. “I don’t want to see Hayden wrap that shiny new BMW around a tree or plunge it into a lake.”
“That’s, uh, oddly specific,” I mutter.
He ignores my comment and continues. “If anyone needs a ride, call me. Okay? Doesn’t matter what time it is.” He holds up one hand. “No lectures or judgment.”
Now I’m the one who’s speechless. “Thanks, Remy. I appreciate that.” I reach up and hug him, careful not to whack him with my heavy shoes. After a second, he returns the embrace.
“All right.” He releases me and steps back. “I want you to have fun tonight.”
“I will.” I bite my lip. “I almost feel bad I’m making Griff go. He’s probably going to be bored.”
Remy shakes his head. “He’s with you. He’ll be fine.”
I curl my finger, motioning him closer. “Darcy wanted me to ask if you’d go with—”
“That’s a hell no from me. Sorry.”
I blow out a quick, relieved breath.
He cocks his head. “You don’t want me to go with one of your friends, do you?”
“Absolutely-the-fuck-not.”
“Didn’t think so.”
I shrug, feeling dumb. “I said I’d ask, so…”
“Hayden’s going with Wade, right?” he asks.
“Yeah,” I answer slowly.
“So, Jenn, Kyla, and Darcy can all be solo together, right?” he asks, as if he’d reconsider his hell no if he found out only one of my friends would be dateless. It’s sweet, but I still don’t want him coming.
“Yup, they’ll be fine,” I assure him.
“Good.” He blows out a breath. “But the ride thing still stands. Anyone needs a ride, call.”
“Thanks. We will.”
He turns toward the refrigerator and pulls out a tray of cold cuts, cheeses, and fruit. “Make sure you eat something before you go. Dinner will probably be served late.” He carries the tray into the dining room and sets it on the table.
I follow him and dutifully grab a slice of salami, roll it, and pop it in my mouth without smudging my lipstick.
“Molly, can I talk to you for a sec?” Kyla asks.
“Yeah, sure.” I pat Remy’s shoulder and follow Kyla into the living room. She keeps walking until we’re standing by the stairs and away from everyone else. Tension lines her forehead and she won’t stop wringing her hands. “What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Please don’t be mad.” Her forehead wrinkles like a sad, anxious basset hound puppy’s.
A single warning bell clangs in my head. “About?”
“Well…” She hesitates and flicks her gaze toward Darcy. “I was talking to Wesley, and he wants to go with me.”
“Wants to go with you where?” In my gut I already know the answer, but I need to hear the words from her mouth.
“To prom!” Her eyes sparkle with excitement that Wesley doesn’t deserve.
“Why?” My question comes out much harsher than I intended.
“I dunno. He’s home. And I guess because his brother’s going with Hayden, he wants to go too.” She scowls at me. “How’s it any different than Griff going with you?”
“Uh, Griff’s my boyfriend, and I asked him weeks ago. He isn’t crashing the prom at the last minute. How are you even getting Wesley a ticket?”
“He was captain of the basketball team the year they went to state.” She rolls her eyes. “I’m sure they’ll let him in.”
“All right.” I lift my hands in the air, palms up. “So, what do you need my permission for?”
“Well, I know you liked him—”
“No, I didn’t.”
She stares at me. “Okay.”
Someone knocks on the front door. Please don’t let it be Wesley. “He’s not coming now, right?”
“No, he and Wade are meeting us at Hayden’s.”
Thank God. I don’t want that creep anywhere near my house.
She reaches out and traces her fingertips over my arm. “So, we’re good?”
“Yeah. If you’re happy about it.” I bite my lip, debating whether I should warn her. What if she just tells me I’m being silly like Hayden did? “Then, I’m happy for you.”