Page 19 of Here's to Tomorrow

5

Rae

I could strangle my best friend. She roped me into a double date that I donotwant to go on.

First, I hate double dates. Second, why me? Third, did I mention my hatred for double dates?

Okay, fine. I’m in a bit of a sour mood, have been most of the week. I’m kicking myself in the ass for not being mature enough to talk to Hudson more the other night and for not growing a pair and asking for his number. This is the 21stcentury—girlscanask for a dude’s number. I was just too much of a chickenshit to do it.

So, yeah, I’ve been a sourpuss all week, bitching and moaning about everything, especially this bullshit double date and my lack of balls.

“Knock knock! You ready yet?” Maura lets herself into my small room, making herself comfortable on my bed. I glower at her. “Hey, don’t be mean. You’re going and that’s final.”

“You won’t even tell me who my date is!”

“That’s because I don’t even know who it is, you loser. That’s the whole point of ablinddate.”

I grumble and spot her sporting a satisfied smirk in the mirror as I swipe on the last of my mascara. Maura looks adorable in a cute white and black strapless romper with a cropped black cardigan, a bright red belt, and black flats. She’s the only person I know in real life that can pull off a romper. She looks so sexy and edgy all at the same time with her blonde bob, bright red lipstick, and sultry body. She’s one of those naturally gorgeous girls, and I’d envy her if she wasn’t the world’s sweetest person.

Well, except for right now, because she won’t let me out of this horrible date.

“Let me get my flats on and I’ll be ready. Do I look okay? Am I dressed appropriately? I’m not sure since you still won’t tell me where we’re going.” I’m wearing simple skinny jeans, a fancy, silky army green tank top, and my usual minimal makeup. My curly auburn hair is spritzed with hairspray and hanging naturally. The whole look makes my green eyes pop out more than normal.

“You always look good, girl, and yes, you’re fine. The outfit is perfect.”

I trust Maura with every fiber of my being, so I don’t argue or double-check like most girls would. I nod and slip my feet into my slightly sparkly black flats. “Ready!”

“Good. We’re meeting the boys there. Want to take my car or yours?”

“I’ll let you drive since you know where you’re going and I have no idea at all—because you still won’t tell.”

“Works for me. By the way, you should know me well enough by now to know your passive aggressive remarks aren’t going to get you anywhere.” She smirks at me.

“Bitch.”

She winks at me over her shoulder as she opens my bedroom door, walking out into the living room. “I learned from the best.”

I laugh and follow her out, spying my sister relaxing on the red loveseat of our small two-bedroom apartment. She has a bag of cheese popcorn in one hand, a bag of Skittles in the other, and her e-reader sitting in her lap. She’s wearing lime green sweatpants, a Disney t-shirt, and has her hair up in a messy bun. I’m guessing she’s not going out tonight.

“You look fabulous, ladies! Those boys are gonna have to pick their tongues up off the ground by the end of the night,” Haley tells us as we make our way to the front door. “Please be careful, and never leave your drinks unattended. Are you wearing underwear? You should always wear underwear on the first date. You never know what the guy may try, especially on a blind date. I can’t believeyouagreed to a blind date, Rae. That’s absurd and completely out of your norm. Just please tell me you’re wearing underwear.”

Maura and I exchange mildly surprised looks and burst out laughing.

“How much sugar have you had tonight? Better yet, can I have some of whatever the hell it is you’re smoking? You’re nutty as hell, woman—and yes, we’re both wearing underwear.” I’m not sure if I just lied for Maura or not, but I knowI’mwearing underwear.

“Good girls. Now run along. I apparently have some more sugar to eat and joints to smoke!” She waves as we walk out the door.

As I close the door, Maura turns to me. “Dude, your sister is so weird, and I love her so much for it.”

“I HEARD THAT! I LOVE YOU MORE, MAURIE!” Haley shouts through the door. That one sends us into another round of belly laughs.

Once we sober up, we begin making our way out of the building. I can feel Maura’s stare on me so I peek over at her and raise my eyebrow.

She sighs. “I know this isn’t your thing—it’s not even reallymything—but you can back out. I can’t. Last chance…you in or out?”

This time I really look at her. She’s biting her lip; it’s her tell. She wants me there, and I truly want to be there for her. She’s going to need some support. Am I excited about this blind date? Not really. I kind of figure the dude I’m being set up with is Tucker, and I’m not terribly excited about that. Truth be told, I want to wish for a miracle and pray Hudson is the one I’m being set up with. But, I highly doubt that’s the case. Tanner and Hudson didn’t seem buddy-buddy, and it’s logical to assume Tanner will bring his brother, even if neither of us are into each other.

But this isn’t about us. This is about Maura and Tanner, and I’m going to be there for her—even if I go kicking and screaming the entire way.

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