Page 57 of Text Appeal

“Hi,” I say. “I’m Riley.”

“Nice to meet you, Riley. Ignore our petty rivalry,” says Mari. “Ava stole Miss Port Stewart from me. After that I just kind of made bitter my entire personality.”

“I don’t know why you’re still hung up on that.” Ava smiles wryly. “The crown was ugly.”

Mari grins. “It really was. Like a melted-down wire shopping basket that had been dipped in rhinestones.”

“Did you know my updo got tangled in it?” asks Ava. “I pulled out a chunk of scalp trying to get free. There’s this little patch on the side of the head where my hair never grew back.”

Mari gasps. “Karma got you. Show me. Now.”

“No. I’m not messing up my hair. Keep your hands to yourself.”

Their laughter is so carefree, and I find myself enjoying their dynamic.

Connor: Need a rescue?

He’s on the other side of the room with his buddies. I shake my head no. But he stands there watching me with his cell in his hands for a minute. Just in case. Someone has protective instincts.

Me: I am fine. Go. Frolic. Cavort.

Connor: What doesthat even mean?

Me: Google it.

Me: I can drive if you want to have a few drinks. Wait. Am I allowed to drive your car?

Connor: You drive stick?

Me: Yes.

Connor: Then yes.

Soon I’m swept into their playful arguing. Because Ava is busy reading our texts over my shoulder. And the woman is outraged. “He never let me drive the Mustang!”

“Fuck off, please.” I tuck my cell back into the clutch. “That is so rude.”

Mari smiles. “You have teeth. Good for you. And Ava, honestly, can you blame him? Part of the reason he started working with cars is because you kept hitting things. Including my parents’ mailbox and his big brother’s motorbike, as I recall.”

Having a blunt person on your side is sometimes a gift. Not all the time though. They’re tricky.

“He didn’t used to cling. Do you need a rescue? Seriously.” Ava pouts.

“Guess he doesn’t trust you with his new girl either,” says Mari. “Can’t say I blame him.”

“What am I going to do?” asks Ava. “Drown her in the punch bowl? It’s not even that deep.”

I shake my head. “Heartening to know you’ve thought it through.”

We all turn to face my date, who is indeed still watching. This is getting a little embarrassing. Like he doesn’t think I canhandle myself. I give him a meaningful look and he raises his brows in surrender and returns to his friends.

“Here, Riley.” Ava shoves a glass of cider at me. “Have a drink.”

“Did you poison it?” I ask.

Mari scoffs. “Like she’d be stupid enough to hand you a poisoned drink herself.”

“I’d get Mari to pass it to you,” says Ava.

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