Page 157 of The Off-Limits Play

“Because I think it’s more important for her to go to the winter dance than for us to. She needs to get out there.”

“Oh, well, I could help,” my mom offers, bouncing Zoey in her arms.

The little girl gives her an adoring smile.

“That’s so sweet, Breanna. Thank you.” Sienna leans her head against Zander’s shoulder. “But the dance is tonight, and you’re flying out, so…”

Mom tuts. “What a shame. I wish I could change my flight again, but I’ve already moved it twice, and I really need to get back to San Fran.”

Her eyes dart to mine, and I give her a tight-lipped smile. Yeah, we still have some work to do around Johnson, but I’m saving that for a later date. One thing at a time, right?

I got to play the quarterfinal game, and my counseling has been dropped to twice a week. Those are big wins.

“Who was going to babysit?” Wily asks.

“Uh…” Sienna’s gaze darts to mine. “Nylah. I lined it up with her ages ago, and she’d actually forgotten about it.”

Everyone shoots me awkward glances, but I ignore them all, sitting forward in my chair. “She’s going to the dance?”

“Yeah.” Sienna avoids my gaze. “I mean, when I called to confirm, she felt so bad, and she said if we can’t find someone else, then she’ll ditch her plans, but…” Sienna licks her lips and looks up at Zander. “I told her we’d be fine and she needed to go and have a good time.” Her cheeks are flushing red by the time she’s done, and now my insides are in chaos.

What’s she not saying?

Why won’t she look at me?

My heart starts pounding, making my voice gruff and uneven. “Who’s she going with?”

Sienna shrugs, so obviously trying to play this as casual, but?—

“Sienna,” I hiss. “Who?”

“I’ve forgotten his name already, but I don’t think it’s like a super-serious date or anything. She’s just going with her roommate and her boyfriend and his friends.” She clears her throat. “I think his name started with D,” she ends in a soft whisper.

I slump back in my chair, pain riding through me like a fucking tidal wave.

Nylah’s going to the winter dance with some other guy.

Fuck.

Did I miss my chance?

I was trying to get myself ready for her, but did I take too long?

With a soft huff, Zander walks over to the fridge and snatches the two tickets out from under the magnet.

Holding one out for me, he shakes it in the air, obviously expecting me to take it.

“What?” I frown at him.

“I’ll take your mom to the airport. And you can go to the dance.”

I’m already shaking my head before he’s finished. “I can’t go.”

“You better.” Zander gives me a pointed look, and Sienna backs him up, walking over to me and crossing her arms.

“He’s right. You’re totally ready, and if you don’t get that girl back, I’m going to slap you up the side of your head. Don’t be an idiot. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you.”

“What girl?” My mom perks up. “Is this the one you mentioned at the?—”

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