Page 82 of Friendshipped
Trevor
On the drive home I feel like I’m a tightly wound spring. My conversation with Laura runs on repeat through my head. One moment I want to take it all back, and the next I can’t wait until tomorrow evening when we set up my profile so I can finally start pursuing Lexi, even if it’s through a pseudonym.
“Are you okay”” Lexi asks about halfway through the drive.
“Yeah. We got hate mail for my review of the Cowshed today.”
“I’m sorry. That place boasts the best burgers in the Buckeye state. It’s a strong claim to make and they don’t live up to it. More like, if you like burgers as dry as a buckeye …”
I laugh. “Well, Jeanette’s handling it.”
“She always does—for you.”
“What’s that about?” I ask.
“She asked me into her office to go over my garden piece. She said it lacked personality. I pitched the Oh-So-Ohio column I want to develop again. She shot it down.”
“I’m sorry, Lex.”
Her head sags a little.
“Don’t give up.”
“I’m not. It’s just hard to wait sometimes. I know we all have to earn our stripes. I have the strongest feeling I won’t ever get ahead while Jeanette’s in charge. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something.”
“Shoot.”
I look over at Lexi and smile. She has an expectant look on her face. She’s wringing her hands, always a sign she’s nervous.
“Will you be my date to Felicia’s wedding? Not date, date, obviously, just come along with me. Be my plus one?”
She’s asking me on a date? Okay. I know it’s not a date. But she used the word! But then she said,not a date, date.
I settle my heart while Lexi looks at me with her eyes wide and her eyebrows raised waiting for my answer.
“Of course. I had figured we would go together anyway. Also, I didn’t know if you even needed a date since you’re in the wedding party.”
“I do. I’ll be up on the altar during the ceremony, but they’re not having a head table, and I wanted you to go with me.”
“I’d love that.”
Lexi becomes quieter.
“I thought you might be planning to bring Meg.”
What? Maybe Laura was right. Lexi thinks there’s something going on between me and Meg.
“Nah. I wasn’t planning on it. It’s not like Meg’s close to Felicia and I know it would make the day harder for you if she were there.”
“Oh. Okay.” Lexi lets out a gust of breath.
Was she nervous to ask me? Or nervous Meg was going to be a wedding crasher?
“I appreciate you thinking of me,” Lexi says. “I mean by not asking Meg.”
“Of course. Always.”
She doesn’t know how deep my feelings are for her, but she will. I’m a combination of nervous and excited knowing we’re finally going to face the music. One way or the other I’ll know where we stand. With any luck, she’ll give me a chance.
