Page 67 of Unspoken Promises

“Hey, guys, is there a festival on this weekend?”

“Oh! I forgot to ask actually,” Callum says. “One of the guys from the station offered for us all to hop in his minivan. The festival is in Mount Hamilton, about forty minutes away.”

We wander down the Main Street to where Callum is parked, and he hits the car clicker to unlock his Jeep. “You have to come. Pen and I always go. You can meet some of the guys from the station and eat nut-free brittle until we roll you out of the place.”

I eye up Penelope because she’s the only person who could have told Callum about that night.

Her cute little shrug makes it impossible to be annoyed with her.

“I told Callum about the chocolate spread incident.”

I sigh. “Just more fuel for the rumors.”

We get in the car with Penelope and Callum in front, me in the back.

“I’m more discreet than that,” Callum scoffs. “But by the way, I’m glad you’re okay, but how the hell didn’t you know you were allergic to nuts?”

Using Enzo’s classic technique, I simply don’t answer, and Callum doesn’t push.

As we drive, I take my cell back out and consider Enzo’s message. Does he want to take me? Is this like a date? This curiosity over what’s happening between us exceeds anything I’ve ever wondered about in my life. And that’s saying a lot because the question marks around my existence are true mysteries.

I shouldn’t lead his text to where I want it to go. I’d love for him to ask me on a date even though it’s wrong. Shit. Hormones really do make you do stupid things. I try a neutral approach.

ME

You mean the one in Mount Hamilton? Callum just offered to take me and Pen with some of the guys from the station.

As soon as I send the text I regret it. The little dots come and go, come and go. Maybe a simple “yes, they told me” would have been better and left it open-ended? Was he going to ask me to go with him? Did I just cock block myself? But if he wasn’t going to ask me, I kind of wanted him to know I might be there… maybe we’d run into each other and go on a ride or he could win me a prize by pounding a sledgehammer with those thick biceps of his. Maybe we could end up trapped in some romantic moment I’ve watched in a YA coming-of-age drama…

I will the dots to say something.

Beep.

ENZO

Glad you’re going. You’ll enjoy it.

Wait. I never saidyesto Callum. I didn’t say that I was going with him in my message, just that Callum offered. Maybe I implied it? But should I backtrack and seem like I’m asking Enzo to take me instead? I click the edges of my fingernails nervously, considering my next move.

ME

Are you going? I’d love to see you there.

My stomach is on a rollercoaster ride… it’s a move, but not really. My head is screaming I’m an idiot, but my mouth is hell-bent on kissing those deep-red lips of his.

ENZO

I’m taking Dad and Santi. But it’s a big venue, so we might not run into each other.

I scrunch my nose and consider his message. It seems like he was going to offer to bring me with the gang. Maybe I’m the only one feeling the tingles between us. I think I’ve been friend-zoned. Which, much as my heart splattered on the leather car seats disagrees, is definitely a good thing.

My phone beeps again.

ENZO

Save me a ride on the Ferris wheel.

22

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