Page 95 of Puck Princess

We go inside, and once I’ve dropped all the bags, I reach for Nicky. As soon as he’s out of her arms, I realize Summer is dressed up. It’s nothing wild, but the simple black dress and heels is a big step up from her typical leggings and oversized shirt ensemble.

“You guys didn’t have plans tonight did you?” she asks with a wince.

“Not at all.”

I don’t even want to look at Owen. I’m not lying, we don’t have plans. Me wanting a nap and him wanting sex don’t count as plans, no matter what he might think.

“Amazing, because I was wondering, maybe, if you all didn’t mind?—”

“Today, Summer,” Owen sighs, padding to the fridge for a beer.

“I wanted to see if you all could watch Nicky for me,” she finishes.

Owen finally takes her in, his eyes shifting back and forth and up and down. “While you do what exactly?”

Summer rolls her eyes. “I knew you were going to be a pain in the ass about this.”

“You’re going on a date, aren’t you?” I blurt, already bouncing with excitement.

“I am.”

“Wait, what?” Owen practically does a spit take.

“Who is it? Wait, is it the one with the long hair that kind of looks like Harry Styles? Or is it the one that likes metal music? Edward? God, I was always team Jacob, but that is kind of hot.”

“I know, right? And yes, it’s Edward.” I can’t remember the last time I saw Summer this giddy.

Owen stomps out of the kitchen with a scowl. “Who the fuck is Edward? Since when are you dating again?”

Summer turns to her and lifts her chin. “Since I realized I can. Since Miles lost his grip on me, and I looked in the mirror and decided I want to start over.”

“Where did you even meet Jacob?”

“Edward,” Summer sighs. “And dating apps. I would think you, of all people, would know how to network.”

I bite back a smile, and focus on Nicky, taking him over to the table to rifle through the things we bought for the new baby. He takes interest in a teether, and I crack it out of the packaging for him.

“I don’t network. I actively avoid people. Unfortunately, they barge in unannounced.” He smiles at her snarkily.

“Don’t listen to him.” I swat at Owen. “We’d love to watch Nicky while you go out with Edward. Where are you meeting him?”

“Surf’s Up? I think it’s a beach-themed bar.”

“I’ve heard of that place! They have cocktails out of a pineapple. Get one and tell me all about it. I want to live vicariously.”

“Hang on a second,” Owen cuts in. “You don’t know this guy. You’ve only talked to him on an app. But you’re just going to meet him at a bar?”

“That is usually how online dating goes, yes.”

Owen ignores her sarcasm. “How do you know he’s not a creep?”

“We’ve been talking for about a week. He seems really cool.”

“Edward the death metalhead will probably seem really cool, right up until he’s tying you down to his altar.”

Summer groans. “Never took you for a believer in the satanic panic, O. If he tries to play any Led Zeppelin albums backwards, I promise I’ll plug my ears and sing a hymn.”

“I don’t think you should just go out with the first guy you talk to on some app.”

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