Page 40 of The Nicest Thing
"I just want it to look good."
"I'm sure it will no matter where you choose."
Bella laughed again, running her fingers down his arm."Well, aren't you a charmer?"
Finn didn't seem to know what to say, but Ana rolled her eyes.
"Hey, let me give you my number.If you're not doing anything later, maybe—"
"He has plans," my cousin said.
Bella's eyes moved to her."Oh does he?"
"Yes, with my cousin, Rose."
Finn nodded.
"Well, that's too bad," Bella said.
"Yeah, for you," Ana responded with all the frostiness of her 16-year-old self.Looking my way, her eyes brightened."In fact, here she is now.Rose, what took you so long?"
"I was writing," I said, stepping into the lobby.
Finn's smile was instant."I see you've got the ice cream out.Guess you met your goal?"
"Yeah."
"Good scene?"
"It was," I said, not feeling quite as excited about it as I had only moments ago."If you need to reschedule, Finn, it's not a problem."
It was actually.We really needed to film these reels.I had to sell more for Grandma Rose's sake.But for some reason, I felt like I was in the way.
Finn looked confused."No, why would I?"
As Bella's face fell, I said, "If you're sure…"
"Yeah, I've been looking forward to this all day."
Ana smiled like the cat with the cream."Like I said, Bella, if you'll take a seat, one of our artists should be back soon."
"Okay," she said, deflating, "nice talking to you, Finn."
"You too," he said.
"I hope you and your"—she looked me up and down, obviously finding me lacking—"tutor have a good time."
"Thanks," Finn said with a laugh, while Ana said, "Oh, they will."
I bit back a smile of my own.
To think Finn would need my help academically?
It was laughable.
For so many reasons.
He looked to me then said, "You good, Teach?"
