“I have a place,” Drew announced.
I sent him a seething glare. “I’m not staying with you.”
He burst out laughing. “Wasn’t offering, not really into girls who see too much. That’s why we get to be friends and I’m helping you hurry things along. Just call me your fairy fucking godmother!”
I could have sworn my eye started to twitch.
Jennifer gasped when she realized who he was, then dropped her phone onto the grass. Then she bent and scooped it up and asked for a selfie. Then she looked ready to burst into tears all at once.
Yeah, yeah, Adrenaline bad boy, live and in the flesh.
I grabbed my phone and took a picture of them before shoving it back into my pocket. “I’m almost afraid to ask.”
“Come on, lonely one,” Drew winked. “Let’s grab your shit. I’ll give you a ride and we can figure out about getting your car later.”
Jennifer sighed in relief. “I’m so glad you have friends here, Penelope. I’m so sorry! If you need a day or two to settle in—”
“I’m good and don’t worry!” I smiled even though I still felt a bit sick to my stomach.
By the time Drew and I had grabbed my two suitcases and the pillow I’d brought with me, I was exhausted and ready to go to sleep.
“So where is this magical place you’re taking me?” I asked in a tired voice.
Drew didn’t answer, and five minutes later, we pulled up to the giant beach house I visited every afternoon.
“NO!” I shouted.
“Yes.”
“Drew!”
“P-dog.” He winked. “Come on, he already said yes. I texted him. What’s the worst that could happen?” He leaned in and cupped my chin with his thumb and forefinger. “You stop being lonely? Get to know him better? He kisses you?”
I must have made a face because he jerked back and then clapped twice. And hit the steering wheel in amusement. “That dirty dog.”
“Please don’t say anything!”
“Oh, don’t worry, I fully intend on telling the entire gang through our texting thread.” He held out his phone. “But never fear, I’ll just accuse him of it and then we’ll all pester him for the next two hours while he thinks of ways to kill us all. It’s a shit ton of fun.”
“Guys are weird.”
“We love the gossip.” He opened up his door. “Let’s do this.”
I walked all the way up to the house like lead filled my legs, rolling my suitcases behind me. Meanwhile, Drew carried my pillow like he was on his way to his first sleepover, and when he knocked on the door he leaned against it like he was in somephoto shoot and pulled Trevor in for a hug when he opened the door.
They broke apart.
Trevor looked ready to murder someone. Mainly Drew.
And Drew gave me a“Don’t worry, I got this”look.
I had a very solid inkling he didn’t“have”anything, but what could I even say?
“So…” Drew started backing away. “I think that’s it. You kids have fun painting your toenails and braiding hair. If you need a third, you know where to find me, but I’m really only good at one thing at night. Isn’t that right, Penelope? Or should I call you—”
“No more talking.” I wagged my finger at him.
His face softened. I’d like to think he had the best intentions, just horrible execution when it came to doing good deeds.
