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“Fine,” I cough.
He turns back to Ivy. “I’ll pick you up at eight?”
Ivy’s gaze flicks to me and then back to him. “I’ll meet you there.”
“See you then.” RJ gives an awkward wave and I roll my eyes as he finally leaves. RJ? What kind of pretentious name is that?
Brady be damned, I step into Ivy’s space. To her credit, she stands her ground and lifts her head to meet my gaze. The air is crackling around us. “Wanna tell me what that was, Princess?”
She shrugs. “Me accepting a date.”
“What are you playing at?”
“Nothing.”
“You sure about that?”
She reaches up and pats me on the cheek with a saccharine smile. “Jealousy looks good on you, Conrad.”
I catch her wrist, noting the way her eyes darken. “You’re playing with fire, Ivy Willis.”
FIFTEEN
IVY
WREN’S IDEA TO set me up on a date with RJ was genius. It was even better that she set it up to happen in front of both Brady and Conrad. Two birds, one stone and all that. Although I have to admit, I hadn’t expected Conrad to react the way he did. Having him in my space like that had my pulse racing. I can’t deny how he makes me feel, but that’s exactly why I have to forget about him.
I finish curling my hair and put on some mascara. Once I’m ready, I smooth down my favourite purple sundress and head out to the living room where Mum and Alec are watching a movie.
“You look nice, hon,” Mum says when I perch on the edge of the couch next to her. “What are you up to tonight?”
“I have a date.”
Her eyes widen, but she covers her surprise quickly. “I’m happy for you, sweetheart. Anyone we know?”
“Just a classmate of Wren’s.”
She smiles. “That’s wonderful. I’m glad you’re putting yourself back out there.”
“Mmhmm.” Then why is my heart in my stomach?
I check my phone. I still have about five minutes before I have to leave. I don’t want to get there too early, but it just makes the panic set in even more. I haven’t really been on a date–ever. Lachy and I grew up together. It only seemed natural that we ended up dating. We already spent most of our time together at school or hanging out with our friends. The only other person I’ve been with is Conrad, and let’s be honest, that’s just been physical.
RJ seems really nice, but what the hell am I supposed to talk to him about? I’m so bad at small talk with strangers.
Mum reaches over to pat me on the leg. “It’s okay to be nervous. I’m sure you’re going to have a great night.”
I give her a tight smile and try to focus on the movie they’re watching. It’s some drama with Channing Tatum and a dog–that’s about all I can tell you
My phone dings with an incoming text message.
Wren: Breathe. You got this boo.
I smile. I don’t deserve her. With a deep breath, I stand up and run my hands through my hair. “I don’t know what time I’ll be home,” I tell Mum.
“No worries, we won’t wait up. Have a nice night, sweetheart. You deserve it.”
It’s only a five-minute drive to Patty’s from my house. I connect my phone to the Bluetooth in my car and crank up my current hype song, “Broken and Beautiful” by Kelly Clarkson. I sing along as I drive down the main street, finding a spot across the road from Patty’s. My chest tightens as I open the door and step inside.
