“My dad,” he says. “He was always working on them when we were kids. I picked up a few things by hanging around.”
I grin. “Backup career if football didn’t work out?”
He chuckles. “Something like that.”
Ashlyn cuts in, “Have you eaten anything tonight, Laney?”
“Not really,” I admit. “I had a sandwich when I first got to Starbucks, but that was forever ago.”
Ashlyn frowns. “Forever? What do you mean?”
My cheeks heat. “I tried calling pretty much everyone I know before I gave in and called Dad. I was hoping I could get out of this without him finding out.”
From the back seat, Wyatt lets out a laugh.
Ashlyn glances at him in the rearview mirror. “What’s so funny?”
“Sounds exactly like something you would’ve done,” he says with a grin.
Her eyes widen in mock offense before she laughs too. “He’s not wrong,” she admits. “I totally would’ve done the same thing.”
I can’t help but join in their laughter.
Ashlyn glances over at me again. “So, what had you heading to Prescott anyway?”
I hesitate, then let out an awkward laugh. “I’m not sure I should say… I’m already in enough trouble as it is.”
She smiles warmly. “Whatever you tell me in this car stays in this car. I won’t say a word to your dad, but I get it if you’d rather keep it to yourself.”
Wyatt leans forward between the seat, and I glance back at him. “Ash is loyal,” he says. “If she promises something, she means it.”
Ashlyn waves him off with a playful roll of her eyes. “No pressure, Laney. It’s totally up to you.”
I pause, debating it for a moment. I don’t know Ashlyn, aside from what Dad’s told me, and I’m not sure if I can trust her yet, even with Wyatt’s reassurance. But as much as I hate to admit it, she seems… decent. And I’m already in so much trouble. What’s one more confession?
I sigh, giving in. “I’ve got a date tomorrow night.” I glance sideways at her. “Dad doesn’t know about it, by the way.”
Ashlyn gives me a nod, like she understands the gravity of that secret.
“I was hoping to pick up something new to wear,” I continue. “But River Falls doesn’t have any decent stores, so I figured Prescott was my best bet. Now, it doesn’t matter… no outfit, no car, no date.”
“Why do you need your car? Isn’t your date picking you up?” Wyatt asks from behind me.
I look over my shoulder. “We’re meeting at a bar. I’m an independent woman, Wyatt,” I tell him with a grin. He smiles, and I add, “Besides, if he turns out to be a total psycho, I want an easy escape.”
Ashlyn’s eyes go wide. “Why do you think he might be a psycho? Where did you meet this guy?”
I wince. “Uh… on a dating app.”
She arches a brow. “Which bar are you guys meeting at?”
“Eden,” I reply with a shrug. “Not exactly spoiled for choice around here.”
Wyatt chuckles from the backseat. “Fair point.”
“I’ll probably cancel anyway,” I admit with a sigh. “I’ve got nothing to wear now.”
Ashlyn glances over at me. “You know, I’ve got a closet full of clothes I hardly ever wear. We look about the same size. If you want, you could come by and take a look. I’m sure I have something you could borrow.”
