Page 96 of The Valentine's Bet

Because as I stand here in front of my dad, it hits me...

Idoknow exactly what Amy needs.

And for the first time, I think I can actually give it to her.

I just need to make a few phone calls.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Amy

“I can’t believe you talked me into getting ready for the concert,” I tell Eliza as I apply the finishing touches to my mascara. “I don’t even have anyone to go with—and I still don’t understand why Parker sent me the tickets. It’s ridiculous. I didn’t even win the bet.”

“I think he just feels bad,” Eliza says.

“Don’t take his side!”

Eliza shakes her head. “I’mnoton his side. I think you nailed it when you said he’s scared of love. I’m just saying that you shouldn’t let perfectly good concert tickets go to waste—you’ve wanted to see The Band Allen for years. Plus, it’s your birthday! You deserve to go and have a nice time. And hey, you might even find someone while you’re there who can help you get over him, too,” she adds, giving me a smile.

“No way,” I mutter. “I need a break from dating. I’m not ready to go chasing love again. It didn’t work out for me.”

She sighs. “Please don’t become a cynic.”

“I won’t,” I say, though at the moment, I’m not sure what else to be.

The sound of a knock on Nellie’s apartment door catches my attention, and I glance toward it. “That’s weird. Nellie’s supposed to be gone until tomorrow.”

“Well, go see who it is,” Eliza urges. “Maybe it’s a delivery.”

“Did you send me something?” I ask, laughing as I stand to my feet and head for the front door. Nellie’s place is about as luxurious as Parker’s, but only a third of the size.

I let out a sigh as I lean forward to peer through the peephole.

No way.

“Um...”

“Who is it?” Eliza asks.

“Parker,” I whisper.

“Answer it! I’ll let you go. Love you.”

Before I can say anything else, she hangs up, leaving me to answer the door alone. I smooth out my hair before opening it.

“Hey,” Parker says, clearing his throat.

“Hi,” I mutter, suddenly feeling thankful I got all dolled up despite having no intentions toactuallygo to the concert. It was just something to do...

“I was hoping we could talk,” he says, his voice coming out more nervous than I’ve ever heard it before. “And I wanted to wish you a happy birthday.”

“Thanks,” I say, stepping to the side to let him in. “How’d you know where Nellie lives?”

“I have connections,” he says awkwardly. “And social media comes in handy sometimes. She said I could come here.”

“You messaged her?”

“Well, yeah. I wasn’t going to just show up at her apartment without her permission—Nellie’s the one who gave me her address—but anyway, I was wondering if you had someone to go with to your concert tonight.”

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