Page 109 of Not That Into You

My phone chimes with a text message.

Cameron: You coming over tonight?

I bite my lip before glancing up and meeting Claire’s knowing gaze. Before she can say anything, however, something catches her eye, and she lights up like a Christmas tree. I look behind me and spot her boyfriend Elliot making his way toward us.

He strides up next to Claire’s chair. “Ready to go?”

“And hello to you too, Mr. Blake,” Hayley says.

Elliot glances at Hayley before returning his attention to Claire.

I snort. Elliot Blake, master of social niceties.

Grinning, Claire gets up and gathers her things. She waves at all of us, promising brunch over the weekend.

Before she leaves, however, she leans down to whisper in my ear, “Be careful, Monica.”

I raise my brows at her.

“I’m not sure this thing with Cameron is a good idea.”

With that ominous comment, she sweeps out of the bar with Elliot close behind.

Chapter 30

Cameron

I laugh as I read Monica’s text message.

Monica: You’re not as funny as you think you are.

I sent her a picture of an armadillo and asked whether she thought I should adopt it. Smiling, I type out a response.

Cameron: I’m serious. I think it would make a great pet.

Monica: Uh huh

Cameron: It reminds me of you.

I barely contain a grin as I wait for her reply.

Monica: I really shouldn’t ask, but I’m not sure whether to be offended or not. Why does an armadillo remind you of me?

My grin breaks free.

Cameron: Because it has armor and sharp claws.

There’s a long pause before she responds.

Monica: Thanks?

Cameron: In fact, “armadillo” is derived from a Spanish word meaning “little armored one.”

Monica: And?

Cameron: That’s you!

Monica: Okay. I’m going to go with offended. I’m offended by the comparison.

---