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Chapter 16
Tyler
When Sutton texted saying that hot dogs and s’mores were on the menu, I knew Kent was behind the whole thing.If s’mores don’t remind Jasmine of the party, nothing will.
I’m beside her as we make our way around the house.The gate is open, and even though it’s warm for May, everyone will be outside in spite of the heat.“Have you met everyone?”
She shakes her head.“I know Daisy and Grayson, but I’ve only heard about the others.”
“I’ll introduce you around.”
We round the corner on the back of the house, and Mason runs toward me.“Tyler, Dad said we’re having marshmallows and chocolate smushed together.But I have to eat a hot dog first.I hope they don’t put tomatoes on it.”
“I think you’ll be okay on that front.”
He squints one eye and tilts his head as he looks at Jasmine.After a second, he sticks out his hand.“I’m Mason.”
With a wide, bright smile on her face, Jasmine squats in front of him and shakes his hand.“Nice to meet you.I’m Jasmine.”
“Are you his friend?”Mason points at me.
“I am.”
He faces me and points at Jasmine.“Is this the friend you think is pretty?Because I think she’s pretty.”
“Smart kid.Is that your dad calling?”I wink at Jasmine who is smiling wider than I’ve ever seen.I’m not sure if it’s because I was just ratted out by a four-year-old or because she knows I’ve been telling others about her.Or maybe she likes that I think she’s pretty.
Mason cups a hand to his ear.“Don’t hear him, but I’ll go check.Bye, Jasmine.”All he leaves is a trail of dust as he runs off.
“And now you know what I’ve been saying about you behind your back.”I bump her shoulder.“Come on.Hopefully no one else decides to embarrass me today.”
“Mason is adorable, and you shouldn’t be embarrassed.I’m flattered.”She slips her hand around my arm, and I tug it close to me.
“Good.”I’ve decided that I want to date Jasmine, assuming she’ll go out with me, but tonight will determine whether I shove my secret in a corner and try to forget about it or talk to her about it and move on from there.
Her looks and cute flirting caught my attention in the beginning, but now that I’ve spent more time with Jasmine, the list of reasons I like her is much longer.
Kent smiles as I steer her toward the firepit.“You made it.”And then he sticks out his hand, which makes it obvious where Mason is learning how to greet people.“Kent Meadows.Nice to meet you.”
“Jasmine Fox.”
“Not sure if you’ve met Mason.He’s around here somewhere.”
“We did.He’s a cutie.”
Kent beams.“I can’t take credit for that, but thanks.”
We continue introductions, and as Jasmine is meeting Dag, Daisy and Grayson walk up to the fire.
“Daisy made brownies.She’s perfected the recipe.”Grayson holds up a platter.
Sutton takes the brownies.“I’ll set these out and maybe taste test them.Help yourself.Hotdogs and all the fixin’s are out and ready.”
“If you are a fan of mustard, you’re in luck.Sutton always makes a point of having a variety available.”
“I’m not, but I guess he is a fan.”Jasmine’s fingers graze my skin as she lets go of my arm.
“He isn’t, but Ivy is.And you and me, we have something in common.I’m not a fan of mustard either.”
