Page 21 of Playing for Keeps
“Ooh, tacos,” Laney says, dropping into a chair around the large table.
“This looks amazing, Ben,” I tell him as I take the seat beside her, eyeing the spread.
“Dig in,” he says.
I’m just about to reach for a taco when my phone buzzes with a new message.
“Sorry,” I mutter, pulling it from my pocket.
Ben chuckles. “No need to apologize. I gave up on the no-phones-at-the-table rule years ago. Perils of parenting a teenager.”
“You’re on your phone at dinner more than I am,” Laney says dryly.
He laughs. “She’s not wrong.”
I give him a smile, then glance at my screen, blinking in surprise when I see a message from Wyatt.
Wyatt:Hey, Ivy. It’s Wyatt. Hope you’re okay. Are you free one night this week? I want to run something by you
.
Run something by me?A tiny pang of disappointment settles in my stomach. Is he trying to cancel dinner? I hope not.
“Everything okay?” Ash asks, a hint of concern in her voice.
“Uh… yeah, I think so,” I reply, still distracted.
“Who is it?” she presses.
I groan inwardly. Telling her it’s Wyatt will only fan the flames of her matchmaking mission. Still, I can’t lie.
“It’s Wyatt.”
Her face lights up. “I didn’t even know he had your number. What’s he saying?”
“I gave it to him so he could update me about the dinner plans,” I explain. “He’s just asking if I’m free one night this week,” I add quietly, keeping my gaze down.
“Another date!” Laney exclaims.
I laugh and shake my head. “No, it’s not. Please don’t encourage her.”
Ash just waves it off with a grin, clearly enjoying herself.
“Are you going to say yes? What are you going to wear? I could do your hair, and Laney and I can help you choose something sexy to wear.”
Her words tumble out in excitement, and I hold my hands in the air.
“Whoa. Stop! This isnota date, Ashlyn. I don’t need my hair doing, and I definitely don’t need anything sexy to wear. Did you not hear anything I just said?” I shake my head. “You know what? I’m just going to tell him I’m not free. It’s easier that way.”
“No, don’t,” Ash rushes out. “I’m sorry. I get it, you don’t like him that way. I’ll stop pushing. I swear.”
I raise my eyebrows skeptically. “You promise?”
She nods. “I promise.”
“Fine. Let’s just change the subject,” I tell her, slipping my phone back into my pocket without replying.
“You’re not going to answer?” she asks cautiously.
