She lets the sentence drop off because I know exactly what she means. The last thing we want to do is have to explain why we have an empty wine bottle and glasses. Most of the cops in this town know the Summers, but I don’t think they’d let us slip by with that.
“I hope it’s cool I invited your brother.” I didn’t even think to ask before I did. Maybe she wanted the two of us to be alone tonight. Either way I’m happy.
“Please, I have plans when we get there.”
“What do you mean?”
“He shouldn’t have let us know that us doing couple things would bug him. I plan on torturing him.”
Shaking my head I turn toward the front and head to my car. I’ll never understand the need for siblings to get under each other’s skin.
That doesn’t mean I’m not going to enjoy watching Parker squirm. Like he’s always said, we’re like family and I might also be okay with pestering him the way a sibling would. Tonight is going to be a blast.
twenty-one
. . .
piper
Being morethan best friends with Beau the past few weeks has been amazing. Instead of causing friction, it’s only brought us closer together. I don’t have to pretend I’m something I’m not with him. He knows me inside and out. From the awkward teenage years when I wore bad clothing styles to learning my way around the local college. He’s seen me find myself along the way.
Having him by my side as a boyfriend…is the cherry on top. He knows what I need before I do, and he’s helping me find who I am in a relationship. A small part of me finds it odd that he’s even by my side for this. There really was a reason none of the dates I went on didn’t work out. I’ve spent the whole time comparing them to him.
My phone dings with a text message. Beau isn’t supposed to be here for another hour to go to the waterpark. One of the perks of school being back in session is we can enjoy the park without dodging a bunch of kids. Well, at least until they close for the season.
I set down my sunscreen and check my phone. My eyes widen at the name, and I don’t know if I should even open it. It feels unfair not to, though. Ugh, I did not sign up for these grown people problems.
Reluctantly, I open the message to see what it says.
Rob
I know it’s been a minute, but I wanted to give you some space. I was wondering if you’d like to go on that second date.
The one date I went on where there was a chance of another one. If there was one person that could hold a candle to the man Beau is, it’s Rob.
Regret works its way through my body. Not because I wish I was with Rob. Never that. But because I gave him my number. I’ve never done that with someone I’ve met off the dating app. It’s easier to avoid them if they message me in app.
Who knows, maybe Rob did message me on the app. I wouldn’t know because I deleted them the day after the funhouse. It was the only way I could ensure I gave me and Beau a fair shot without having the ability to run scared. I know myself well enough to know it was a possibility. He probably did, too.
How do I let him down easy? I don’t want to come off as a bitch, or mean. I swipe away from the message and call my sister.
“Hello?” She picks up after the first ring.
“How do you break things off with someone without being mean?”
There’s silence on the other end. “You’re already breaking up with Beau?”
“No.” I’m offended she can even think that. “The guy I went on a date with before me and Beau became a thing just texted me asking me about a second date.”
She sighs, as if I’m taking up too much of her time. “You called me at work for…this.”
“To be fair, I’ve never been in this position before. Most of my dates I walked out of before they were over.”
“Okay.” I can imagine her pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration. I get it. I’d probably be the same way, too. “Either don’t text him back. It’s probably the safest route. Or, because I know you won’t do that, let him know you’re seeing someone and you wish him the best. If he texts you back after that, block him.”
“You make it sound so simple.”
“Because it is. You’re the one making it complicated.” I can hear the shop doorbell in the background. “I’ve got a customer. You can do this.”
