Page 32 of Finn

So, I said, “Yes, I’d like that.”

“Great.”

We made arrangements for me to drive down to the arena with Ellie and meet up with him after the game. He told me there’s a lounge down the hall from the locker room where I can wait till he’s cleaned up. He’ll meet me there, and then drive us to dinner and take me home afterward.

Everything was set, and still is.

But now I’m panicking!

Not because this outing—I’m calling it that instead of a date—is happening.

And not because it’s too late to cancel, since game day is here.

No, the reason why I’m so hyped up is because Ellie will be at my townhouse to pick me up any minute, and I’m still not ready.

I’ve been having a hard time deciding what to wear. I’ve tried on four different outfits. Five if you count the one I have on right now.

Problem is, I want to look nice but not too dressy. I’m trying to avoid looking like I’m going out on a “date” with Finn.

That’s right, it’s an outing.

“And you know what?” I say to my reflection in the full-length mirror on the back of my closet door. “This is perfect.”

Yeah, I’m going to stick with what I put on a few minutes ago—a black stretchy shirt with lace sleeves, dark jeans, and black ankle boots.

With that decided, I shrug on a short leather jacket, and I’m ready to go.

Just in time, too, as Ellie just pulled up outside and honked her horn.

With no further ado, I grab my phone, throw it in my purse, and run downstairs.

When I hop into her car, Ellie glances over at me. “Hmmm, you look nice,” she says, sounding suspect. “Are you sure you’re not going on a date later tonight?”

Oh, good God.

I told her earlier that I’m meeting a male friend down at the arena after the game to grab a late dinner. I didn’t mention who I’m going out with, but I was clear that it’snota date.

“I’m sure,” I reply as I belt up. “It’s just dinner with a friend. What makes you think it would be anything else?”

Ellie shoots me a funny look before she puts the car in gear and drives out of my townhouse complex.

Shaking her head, she laughs and says, “Well, first of all, you look really nice. Your hair and makeup are on point, and your outfit screams sexy.”

“It does?” I say, looking down at myself with dismay.

She nods. “Yeah. At least I think so.”

Shit, I should have gone with the oversized Thunder jersey and baggy jeans.

But it’s too late now.

A minute or so passes without either of us saying anything, and I get the sense that she’s waiting for me to spill the tea.

Sure enough, tapping the steering wheel with her thumbs, she groans. “Okay, I can’t stand it any longer. Who are you meeting after the game? And why haven’t you told me already? If it’s not a date, what’s the big secret?”

She’s right. There really is no good reason to keep this from her. After all, Ellie is my friend.

So, I fess up.

---