A ridiculous jealousy made my shoulders tighten. “There you go cheating on me again.”
Her laugh soothed it away. “I’ll always love your blend the most. But really, I’d love to see Nashville. Or anything, really. It’s just if I can.”
“Then let’s find a way to make sure you can.”
Piper nodded, color darkening her cheeks. I knew she wasn’t used to having someone who believed she could do whatever she wanted to.
I enjoyed being the first.
“Know what you’re getting?” Tammy asked as she walked up.
“Burgers for the both of us, please.”
“Any changes?” We shook our heads. “And are the checks split?”
Last time, Piper had gotten her own. She’d tried to pay for mine too, but I refused to let her.
“All on me,” I said.
Tammy blinked. “Interesting. You usually don’t do that.”
“She’s different.”
“Wow, way to make a girl feel special,” Piper said.
“You are.”
Tammy watched us like a tennis match and then hurried away, right to Wren’s table.
“They won’t question it now,” I said.
“And how did that feel?” she asked.
“Fucking terrifying,” I replied. “But like someone else I know, I did it anyway.”
Piper’s smile made it worth it. There was no way I was hiding her.
There was no way I ever could.
33
PIPER
Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Tammy Jane:I’m not the only one who’s noticing Theo and Piper spending a lot of time together, right?
Comments:
Piper M:That would be because we’re dating.
Jackie Anne:Um, honey, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but he doesn’t date.
Tammy Jane:No, I could believe it. I saw things at the diner.
Jackie Anne:What? Like her staring? Who doesn’t stare at Theo???
Tammy Jane:The difference is he stared back.
