Page 62 of Betting on You

“It’s all done from love, my wonderful, sweet, oh-so-irresistible Bay.”

“Don’t try to compliment your way out of this,” I quickly snapped, but somewhere in the pit of my stomach I was thankful Nekesa broke the ice for me. Okay, so maybe she did know me. Too well.

“I have to get off the phone, but I’m adding you to the chat.”

“But do you—”

She had already hung up as my phone pinged from her text.

I looked down at the display as she sent me screenshots of their conversation.

The chain started with Nekesa texting—I can’t go to Breck—Bay is going to kill me.

After she explained what happened, and Theo tried making her feel better (catch up on your reading, troublemaker), Charlie texted—Bay’s gonna be devastated. You sure your parents won’t reconsider?

Something about his concern made me feel warm inside.

Nekesa: Positive

Charlie: So she’ll have to spend the trip with just her mom and Sock Boy. Fucking nightmare.

Nekesa: You should go in my place.

It felt surreal, reading their conversation; I felt like I was eavesdropping, even though I had permission.

Charlie: Dude hates me—try again.

I don’t know why, but it felt good that his initial response wasn’t something likeNo way.

Theo: Wait—that would totally amp the mom/boyfriend tension, tho, right?

Nekesa: YESSSSS OMG GO, AND FAKE DATE

Charlie: FAKE DATE. Are we in a fucking Hallmark movie?? How would that help?

Thank you, Charlie! At least it wasn’t just me who thought the idea was totally bonkers.

Theo: If the bf hates you, he’ll hate you more if you’re holding her hand bc it means you’re not goingaway anytime soon. VERY threatening to his territory.

I rolled my eyes, feeling that claustrophobia again at the thought of me and/or my mom being Scott’s “territory.”

Charlie: Okay—that would definitely make the guy lose his shit. BUT. Odds are good he’ll just say no to me going.

Scott would say that.

Nekesa: Bailey and I were going to drive out after work tomorrow and meet them. So basically he won’t know you’re coming until you get there, and he can’t say no if you’re already in Colorado.

Was I—Bailey, who doesn’t let others cut in line—ballsy enough to just show up with him? Could I be? Did I want to be?

Charlie: That will definitely add to the tension, holy shit.

And that’s when I chimed in with:DEFINITELY. HOLY SHIT.

Theo: Bailey’s here!

Charlie: Even though it’s HOLY SHIT, I’ll do it if you want me to, Bay.

I squeaked in disbelief—or anxiousness or nervousness—because this idea felt like something that might actually happen.

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