Page 27 of Unravel Me

“Coming, honey!” She bumps my hip with hers. “Have fun on your date, Casanova. Don’t forget to bring flowers and dessert. Chicks love that shit.” She winks at me as she backs away, holding a hand up between the side of her face and the rest of the room. “They also lovebeingdessert.”

As if I’m taking any advice from Emily.

* * *

Okay, I’m takinga littleadvice from her.

About the dessert. Bringing one, not making Rosie mine. One day, maybe, but—no.No, Adam. Focus.

I tuck the freshly baked cookies and chocolate-covered strawberries into my picnic basket and set it by the front door, next to the bright bouquet of pink, orange, and yellow peonies I picked up earlier. I slip my shoes on, clip Bear’s leash on, and open the front door.

Then I slam it again.

Bear looks up at me, head cocked as if to say, “What the fuck, dude?”

I run to the bathroom, flick on the light, and stare at my reflection.

My curls have been tamed, my face freshly shaved, my teeth brushed threes time just in case, and my outfit is on point, thanks to Cara. I smooth my shirt down, pat my hair, and look to Bear.

“Whadda ya think, buddy? Handsome?”

His happy tail thuds against the wall.

“Right? So handsome. Everything’s gonna go great. I’m gonna tell Rosie what I do for a living, she’s gonna be totally nonchalant about the whole thing, we’re gonna have a great night, and maybe I’ll even hold her hand, and it’ll be perfect. Perfect night. Yeah.”

Still, I raise my phone, flash a shaky grin, and take a picture. Then I send it to the girls.

Me

Do I look okay?

Jennie

Handsome as ever, my dude. Go get it. *eggplant emoji* *water droplets emoji*

Olivia

*heart eyes* *happy tears emoji* You look perfect, Adam.

Cara

If my husband won’t put a baby in me, will you???

I pick up the basket and flowers, then take a deep breath.

“Wish me luck, Bear. Gonna go win over the pretty girl.”

CHAPTER7

SPILLING SECRETS AND WINE

ROSIE

“She wentwith the tinted balm. Nice choice.”

“I didn’t give her a choice.”

“And the sundress? Was that you too?”

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