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I clear my throat, but it feels clogged. Probably the eggs. “Women, Frank. I date women. Not girls.”
“Right.” He nods with exaggerated grimness. “So that’s a no, then.”
Even as he smirks, I consider the possibility that Tess and I might be getting along well enough now to convince Frank we’re a couple. I’m as surprised by this as anyone. And Tess and I are still total opposites. But I’d love to make Frank eat his words. Like those eggs.
Shovel them in, brother.
“You’re dating again, Spencey?” My mother sinks back into her chair and scoots closer to me. “I want to hear all about her.”
Frank shakes his head. “Don’t go worrying about Spencer’s imaginary girlfriend, Mom. No other woman can hold a candle to you.”
“I won’t tell Alice you said that.” She clucks. “But you’re right. Iamstill quite the catch. Just ask your father.” When my mother winks at me, my stomach turns over.
Sleeping at the ranch can’t come soon enough.
Before Frank can insult me further, my phone vibrates on the table. Another incoming text.
“Well, what do you know?” Frank chuckles. Loudly. “That’s probably Spencer’s imaginary girlfriend now.”
The three of us stare at my phone like we’re all in an old-timey western, waiting for the shoot-out. I don’t want to appear too eager and give Frank even more ammunition against me, but I also don’t put it past him to lunge for my phone and read my texts from Tess. I can’t let him see that we’re strictly friends. Nothing more. So I casually reach for the phone. No sudden movements. Everything’s fine.
My mother cranes her neck. “Is it Milo?”
“It’s not Milo,” I say. “It’s Tess.”
Frank eyes me sideways, trying not to look curious. So I rise from the table, still casual. Then I head into the living room with the phone pressed to my chest. I’m sprinkling breadcrumbs about Tess and me for Frank to follow. Let him draw his own conclusions.
Do all the work for me.
“Leaving so soon?” he calls out, while I take a seat on the overstuffed love seat.
MESS: Two large camp shirts, coming up. One to wear, one to spare. They came out great, if I do say so myself. Hope you like blue.
ME: My second favorite color.
MESS: Who has a second-favorite color?
ME:I do.
MESS: HA. I should’ve known you’d have all the colors listed in order.
ME:How’s the camp prep going?
MESS:I should be ready by tomorrow. I’ll bring your shirts to the Beanery.
I start to text a reminder of the time when her next message comes in.
MESS: If you tell me 7 again, I’ll murder you.
This makes me smile. So I play along.
ME: I’d like to see you try. I’ve got abs now, remember?
As her text bubbles ripple across the screen, I start to question the joke. I shouldn’t be surprised. My instincts with women have failed me for twenty-six years. I shouldn’t have teased her.
MESS:Save those for Kayla.
Save what? My abs? For Kayla? What is Tess talking about?
