Page 84 of It's a Date (Again)

“Peyton, what do you think?” Tyler asks. The corner of his lip perks up.

I glance to my side at Robbie and then back at Tyler. “I’m with Robbie. I don’t think you have a twin brother.”

Tyler presses his lips firmly together and nods. “That’s right.”

Robbie holds up his hand for a high five. Our hands splat together, and then he points at Tyler. “We got you pegged,” he says.

“Easy to have him pegged when you did a deep dive on him,” I tease.

He shrugs and laughs, while Tyler’s face is serious, almost more of a pensive look, with a creased brow and tightened eyes. I smile at him, but he doesn’t return it. Instead, he takes a long sip from his Solo cup.

“Nash, your turn,” Maya says.

Nash sits up straight in his chair and sips his drink.

“Make this one spicy,” Debbie says.

He rubs his arm, his fingers brushing over the colorful tattoos. “I lived in France for a year. I’ve been on TV. And I went on a date with a celebrity.” His face remains stoic when he finishes speaking.

“Damn. I can’t believe two of those are truths,” Anthony says with a husky laugh. “You’re a cool guy, Nash.”

Nash shrugs like he’s being modest, but a small smile creeps across his face.

“You got him pegged too?” Tyler directs his question toward Robbie.

Tyler and Robbie lift their chins and lean forward in their seats, almost as though they’re challenging one another. I didn’t think this was supposed to be such a serious game.

“I think I do,” Robbie says. “The date with a celebrity is the lie.”

“My bet is on the TV show.” Maya sips her drink.

“What do you think, Peyton?” Nash looks to me.

I tap my finger against my chin, pondering for a moment. “Dating a celebrity is the lie.”

“That’s right,” he says with a nod.

“Wait, what TV show were you on? It couldn’t be myBachelorshows.” Debbie squints and leans forward in her chair, trying to get a better look at him. “I for sure would have recognized you.”

Nash cracks a smile. “No, I wasn’t on one of those dating shows. I was onChopped. It’s on the Food Network.”

“I loveChopped. Did you win?” Anthony’s voice is full of excitement.

“No, came in second place. I got cut because I forgot to plate one of the ingredients.”

“Dang. That’s the worst. Sorry, man,” Anthony says.

Nash nods. “It is.” He sips his drink.

“All right, Peyton’s turn,” Maya says.

I whip my head in her direction. “No, I’m not playing.”

“I told you, me, Robbie, and Debbie will name your three.”

I sigh and eyeball the guys. Tyler tilts his head and folds his arms over his chest. It’s almost like he doesn’t want to be here. I smile at him, but either he doesn’t notice, or he ignores it again. Nash props his foot up on his knee and gives his attention to Maya, waiting for her to speak. He seems to be having a better time than Tyler.

“I’ll go first,” Debbie says. “Peyton is the kindest person I know, and if any of you hurt her, I’ll ...”

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