Page 115 of Blush Crush

I pick up on the first ring.

“Because,” Layla says, without preamble, “that man hasn’t done one fake thing since you two started this mess. He. Likes. You. It’s clear as day.”

“Maybe he’s just a really good actor.”

She lets out a rumbling laugh. “No he’s not. If that’s an act then he deserves an Oscar. Men are notoriously terrible at anything that requires more than just their dicks to think with.”

“I just don’t know. I’m confused. Maybe I’m totally off-base.”

“Here’s an idea—why don’t you just ask him? Talk to him. Communicate. Believe it or not, that would solve literally all your problems.”

“I don’t want to assume. Do you know how embarrassing it would?—”

“Ariana! For the love of God. Just talk to him. You’re going to drive yourself mad wondering. Put yourself out of this misery and talk to him.”

“I’m scared,” I admit, almost in a whisper.

She sighs through the phone. “I know, but do it anyway. Be scared. All the best things happen when you’re terrified. Trust me.”

Sometimes I forget Layla is a little bit like our brother Gavin—she thrives off the constant rush of adrenaline. Probably why she’s going to be the most kickass RN the emergency room has ever seen.

“It’s real,” Layla says firmly. “He is taking you on a real date because he has real feelings and you have real feelings and the only fake thing left in this situation is the story you keep telling yourself about it.”

“Okay,” I drawl, defeated but also a little hopeful.

“Good.” She sounds satisfied. “How do your boobs look?”

“I don’t know, I’m not dressed yet.”

She makes a frustrated huff. “Then get off the phone and finish getting ready. And also send me a picture!”

“Fine.” I laugh, some weight lifting off my chest.

“Ari.”

“Yeah.”

“It’s going to be okay. No matter what.” She says it simply. “And if it doesn’t work out with Cole, you will be fine. I’ll kill him, obviously, but you’re smart and beautiful and funny and hot and any guy would be lucky to have you. Seriously.”

“Do you ever feel weird complimenting how I look when we’re twins?”

“Never. Because I’m beautiful and hot so it’s basically further confirmation.”

Shaking my head, I laugh because no one is more confident than Layla. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

As soon as we’re off the phone I finish getting ready, adding a small wave to my hair and slipping into my dress.

I’m spritzing some perfume onto my wrist when the buzzer goes off.

My heart rate quadruples in speed, the air in my lungs stilling.

God, I’m nervous.

This date is going to go one of two ways. It’ll either be the best thing to happen to me in a long time or it’ll break my heart into pieces.

No pressure whatsoever, right?

I buzz him up and in less than a minute he’s knocking on the door.