Page 32 of Playbook
“Like how long? Is it that finance guy Paige set you up with at her wedding?”
“No.” God no. That guy was so boring. We only went out once and he referred to my illustration work as “my little hobby” three times in the span of two hours. If I wanted to be insulted over dinner I would have just gone with my parents.
“Is it that guy Luke that you booty call sometimes?”
My jaw drops. I have definitely never told her about Luke. I may have texted him a few times while we were out though.
“Does anyone say booty call anymore?”
“You’re deflecting.”
“No, it’s not Luke. He started seeing someone else. I think it’s getting serious.”
“Serious as in he no longer needs his booty call?”
I glower at her, and then because I know she isn’t going to drop it say, “It’s new and not even worth talking about yet.”
“Are you kidding? I’m about to be a married woman. I’m going to need to live all the dating drama through you.”
“I like my life drama-free.”
“Will you bring him to the engagement party?” Her eyes light up with the idea.
“No.” I shake my head adamantly.
“Why not?” Whine slips into her tone. “I want to meet him. What’s his name?”
“I just told you it’s not worth talking about.” My face grows warm. I look anywhere but at her because I just know it has to be obvious that I am lying through my teeth.
“Give me something. Come on.” Those big blue eyes widen, and she tips her head down.
“Don’t give me that sweet puppy dog face. It won’t work this time.”
“I think you should bring him.”
“The engagement party is about you and Ben. I’m not bringing some guy who might turn out to be a real loser and ruin the night for you.”
She laughs and then gives me a pitying look. Apparently, even my imaginary dates are shit.
After leaving my parents’ house, I swing by to get my mail. It’s been another week free of Brogan’s fan mail. The perfume smell is almost gone.Almost.
I pull out a few envelopes, pausing when I see another from Brogan. After our back-and-forth texting last weekend, I haven’theard from him again and really didn’t expect to. He asked me out and I said no. Have I regretted it? A little, but I know it’s for the best. There’s no world in which going out with him ends well for me. He’s not the kind of guy you have a one-night stand with and then just move on. Where do you go after Brogan Six? I’d be ruined for all other guys. Of that, I am certain.
Still, my heart flutters in my chest at the sight of his penmanship scrawled across the paper.
London,
You’re my lucky charm.
Brogan
And folded inside, two more tickets to tonight’s game that starts in…two hours. His lucky charm? I snort. The man is full of lines.
On my way out to my car, I text him.
Me
Thank you for the tickets. I can’t use them tonight, but wishing you good luck!
