Page 16 of This Is Why

“Chicken. Egg. Whatever.” I shrug and then give my attention to Lexi. “So. You owe me a dinner tonight. I won fair and square. And this time, I choose the place and it will not, under any circumstances, have any kind of plastic or trays or self-serve anything included in the dining experience.”

Lexi breaks eye contact, staring out to where Gabe still plays in the fountain. “Since the entire bet was rigged from the get go, I’m not sure you can call it fair and square.” She sucks in her lips, still not looking my way. “Besides. I have Gabe tonight and no one to watch him. I can’t goout.”

I open my mouth to argue because damn it, she’s going out with me one way or another, but Michelle beats me to it. “Gabe can come play at our house while you guys eat. The kids deserve to have a little fun and lord knows you and Ty do, too. Right David?” David nods his agreement.

Lexi shakes her head. “I couldn’t impose on you. Not on such short notice.”

“Since when has Gabe ever been an imposition. If anything, he makes things easier for us because he keeps Claire occupied. And besides, remember when you were adamant about the universe trying to get me and David together? And you were gracious enough to take Claire for me night after night?” Michelle gives Lexi a pointed look. “It looks like the universe took note of your good deeds and is offering me a chance to repay in kind. And what was it you said again?” Michelle cranes her head, looking thoughtful. “It’s a bad idea to ignore the will offate?”

“I didn’t say that.” Lexi laughs. “And if I did, it’s not fair to use my words againstme.”

Michelle rolls her eyes. “Okay. How about this. Ty’s a good guy and I think you guys would be good together, so why don’t you stop being a stubborn pain in the ass and just go out with him already?”

Score one for Michelle.

Lexi looks shocked and then breaks out laughing. “Since when did you get so blunt?”

Michelle leans her shoulder against David’s. “Since he came into my life and taught me the power of saying what I’m thinking.” She takes his hand and looks down at their twined fingers. “This seems like a pretty big deal, Lex. And forgive me for saying it, but you’d be a fool to pass itup.”

I don’t know when Michelle decided to fight for me instead of against me, but I’m definitely not complaining. “She’s right, you know,” I say as I smile widely. “You and me, we’re kind of a bigdeal.”

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