Page 21 of Writing On The Wall

“You’re datingToby?”

“Mhmm.” Her eyes jump to each of us then back to Ember.

“But I thought you said he’s like?—”

“The sweetest. I know, he’s so sweet. Just…the sweetest.”

I release a short puff of air with the roll of my eyes.Gag.

“He’s sweet, you’re sweet, we’re all sweet. Can we order now?” There’s a slight edginess in my tone, making my irritation evident. I realize I sound rude, but I’m irritatedaboutbeing irritated…about the memory of seeing Ivy and Toby together. And I don’t want to examine those feelingsat all.

Colton catches my reaction, silently questioning me with a frown. I reply with a quick headshake, which he interprets using brotherly telepathy.

Ember’s brows crease for a second. I don’t look at Ivy. I don’t want to see the effects of my poor attitude etchedon her face, especially not after Colton glances at her and immediately turns back to aim his big-brother glare in my direction. And he’s wielding the one when he doesn’t blink and only shows the slightest hint of a scowl at full strength.

His brow lifts, silently scolding me for being a giant ass and telling me I better tighten it up this time.

God must be smiling on me or giving me an out, because my phone rings, breaking the tension. “Sorry, I’ve gotta take this,” I announce, as I stand. “Get me the burger, Colt.”

Ivy

“Someone woke up on the wrong side of the construction zone.” Ember scowls as Ethan stomps out of the restaurant doors.

The guy’s got something up his butt, that’s for sure.

The waitress takes our food orders, and as soon as she leaves, Ember unleashes an onslaught of questions regarding Toby. She’s so excited I can practically see the stars popping fireworks in her eyes.

“Em. I’m not marrying the man. We’re just hanging out.”

“But youcouldmarry him.” She arches one brow.

I roll my eyes, but instead of drifting back to Ember, my gaze settles on Ethan as he rejoins the table wearing the same scowl. What is it with this dude? And what have I done to annoy him this time? Is it my breathing? Maybe he had a traumatic experience with heels in his past. I bet an enraged ex threw one at his face, and that’s why he’s such a poopyhead about it.

“Phone call not go well?” Colton asks, clearly reading Mr. Grumpy Pants’s face.

“It was great. The network wants me to fly to Frisco in a couple weeks to shoot a test episode.”

“And that’s not good?” Ember scrunches her nose.

“It’s great.”

Colton throws his hands up, letting them plop on the table as he shakes his head. “That makes perfect sense, since you look like someone just sat on your origami collection and all.”

“Colt, Don’t be the wigs from theTwilightmovies. It’s good news. I’m happy. Let’s move on.” Ethan smiles more genuinely, seemingly returning to his usual relaxed state. I don’t know where the Kings get their weird analogies, but it’s definitely a family trait.

Maybe that heel to the head did permanent damage.

“By the way, I saw you chatting with Sandra on your way out today,” Colton pries. “She ask you out again?”

Ethan scratches the back of his neck with a sigh. “Yeah.”

“Did you say yes?”

“I was on the phone. I told her I couldn’t talk.”

“Interesting,” Colton replies.

“Can we stay on track?” Ember interrupts. “I need to give everyone their duties for the wedding day.” Colton apologizes, and she continues. “Seriously, I want to make this as small of an event as possible. And with our moms running the opposite direction, maybe it’ll end up being a regular-sized wedding.” Her elbows rest on the table as she massages her temples with a groan. “Are you sure we can’t elope?”

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