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"I've texted him, no response," Frankie said. "You think he has another woman stashed away somewhere?"
"That's disgusting. Stop being an asshole." Mal widened her emerald eyes at Frankie.
"I have an idea," I said. "Why don't we all go somewhere for the weekend? We can take my car."
"I don't know about that," Mal said.
"I'm in," Frankie said. "Ya know what. I can rent a lake house. Get a bunch of us to go. It'll be great."
"You aren't gonna be able to do that last minute. Plus, there is no way I'll get off from work." Mal crossed her arms.
"I know a guy. Plus, all the money I make from throwing parties. It'll be great. Besides, you don't have to go, Mal." Frankie picked up his phone and started texting. He always knew a guy. I had no doubt we would have a fantastic place on the lake to spend the weekend.
"Why don't you ask about getting someone to cover for you. You could even see if Sammy wants to go." I wanted her to be there. Even if nothing happened between us, seeing her in a bikini would be worth it.
Mal's cheeks flushed red. "I don't think that's a good idea. I know Frankie doesn't want his little sis bothering him."
Frankie raised an eyebrow. "Oh, stop being a brat. You can go. Just don't annoy me."
Mal dropped her head. "I'll think about it."
I wanted to insist she join us, but I knew that would look suspicious. Instead, I turned to Frankie. "So when are we leaving?"
"This Friday," he said. "I already booked the lake house."
I couldn't wait for the weekend to arrive. It would be the perfect opportunity to spend time with Mal and sort out my feelings for her. That was if she even went.
Mal got up and walked out of the room. I was curious to know if she wanted to come. So much of me wanted to follow her and tell her I wanted her to be there with us. Instead, I stayed on the sofa and continued the game.
After a while, Frankie got off his phone and turned to me. "Okay, Rex and Jake are in. So are about ten other people. It's gonna be a blast."
"Yeah, for sure." My stomach twisted. "It's not my place, but you should make Mal feel more welcome."
"No way. Look, she has a crush on you, Rex, and Jake. I'm not gonna make her feel welcome." He took a chug of his soda. "Don't look at me like that. She'll still go. This way, she doesn't think we want her hanging around us. Sammy and her will do whatever it is they do the whole time. And if Sammy can't make it, Mal will stay by the water reading books the whole time."
I decided to take matters into my own hands and went to find Mal. I found her sitting outside on the front porch, reading.
"Hey," I said, taking a seat next to her. "Mind if I join you?"
She shrugged. "Sure."
I rubbed my hands together and stared at the front lawn. "You know your brother actually wants you with us this weekend."
Mal looked up from her book. "Doubtful. It's cool. I got work. It's not a big deal."
I could see that she was trying to hide her disappointment, so I decided to take a chance and speak my mind. "I really hope you change your mind. It wouldn't be the same without you."
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Thanks, Matty. I appreciate it, but don't want to be a burden."
I shook my head. "You're not a burden. You're part of the group, and we want you there."
She looked at me, searching my eyes for any sign of insincerity. After a moment, she smiled again. "I'll think about it."
I didn't want to push her too hard, but I also didn't want her to miss out on what could be a fun time. "Mal, it'll be a great weekend. You can relax by the lake, read your books, and enjoy the company of friends. And who knows, maybe we'll play more truth or dare."
Her face turned beat red. She stared at me for a full minute before returning to her book. I wasn't sure if she was excited at the thought or mortified.
I decided to change the subject before it got too awkward. "So, what are you reading?"
