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Before I can say a word, Landon does.
“Nope.”
I smile faintly, impressed and thinking about how I’ll repay his consideration the next time we’re alone together. The thought leaves me a bit thirsty, so I reach for my drink.
Arden looks over at Landon, cocking an eyebrow. “No?”
“Eat pussy, not octopus.”
I choke on my lemonade, and Arden appears amused. “I didn’t realize I had to choose,” he says dryly.
Landon smirks, his gaze finding mine. “Yeah, well, some of us do. We’re not ordering the fucking octopus.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Parker
When I finally return home after dropping off Hannah, I have just enough time to shower and change into something comfy before movie night 2.0.
As anxious as I was about sitting on the couch with Landon in front of Mom and Hayden last time, I’m actually more concerned this time.
I’ve had to bend the truth a lot lately, but I’m not particularly skilled at long-term deception. If Mom and Hayden pick up on the weird energy between us tonight, I don’t know how I’ll respond if we’re put on the spot.
When Mom and I go to the kitchen to get the snacks while Landon and Hayden look for a movie, she takes the opportunity to check in with me.
“How was school? You stayed so late at your club meeting yesterday, we didn’t get a chance to talk when you got home.”
“Oh, yeah.” My heart beats a little faster. “Well, it was the first meeting of the year, so you know how it is. We went over some longer-term projects like the Fright Night benefit and the Fright Fest itself, then we had to touch on some of the more immediate projects we want to tackle.”
Mom nods. “Do you guys need donations for the silent auction? I’d be happy to donate some classes like I did last year.”
“Yeah, I’m sure we will. We haven’t started organizing the lots yet, but I’ll definitely let you know once we do.”
“I can’t believe Anae joined the club. How does Hannah feel about that?”
“You know Hannah. I’m sure she’s not thrilled, but she hasn’t complained about it. At least yesterday, Anae was pretty harmless. As long as she wants to stay out of the way and snap pictures to collect the credit, I truly don’t care.” I rip open the popcorn bag and distribute it between the two bowls. “I won’t be home after school on Tuesday, either. I’m starting my volunteer hours, so I’ll be doing a shift at the pet shelter I told you about.”
“Oh, okay. That will be nice. Your credit card hasn’t come in the mail yet, but if you need to buy anything for a donation to take with you, just let me know.”
“I probably will. I know I’m volunteering my time, but I feel weird showing up empty-handed when I know they have a wish list.” I’m not completely sure about bringing him up, but maybe it’s better to do with something small like this. “I’m trying to convince Landon to come, too.”
As predicted, Mom’s eyebrows shoot up. “Oh yeah?”
I shrug, trying to play it off as no big deal. “He’s a senior at Baymont, too. Everyone has to log their 18 hours of community service if they want to graduate, so he might as well.”
“I’m just trying to visualize Landon volunteering.”
I chuckle. “I know, it doesn’t come easy to the imagination.” I grab the bowls and head for the living room, feeling good about the limited time we’ve spent talking about him and not wanting to push it.
Landon is watching me when I walk back into the room. It’s hard not to smile and give myself away, but what he said earlier flashes through my mind, and I glance over at Hayden.
He’s watching me, too, and that makes me much more antsy.
Mom follows me in and puts the drinks on the coffee table before smoothing down her skirt and sinking into the spot beside Hayden. I smile faintly as he instinctively slides his arm around her to pull her closer.
“Did we find a movie?” she asks.
“We did. Before we start it, though,” he begins, giving her a look, “I was thinking we should talk to the kids about that thing we discussed.”
