Page 70 of Rumor Has It

Chapter 15

Boone

I stare at the screen, waiting for something to change. Nothing. Her words are still there. My pulse races when it dawns on me. “I don’t have anything to wear for dinner with them and that sounded so much like a girl.”

I leap from the bed and tear down the stairs. I swear, I feel like a teenager, taking her to our special place. My heart thunders in my chest. I’m nervous and worried at the same time.

“Mom!” I yell when my feet hit the bottom. “Dad?” I roam the house in search of my parents. I shake my head, grinning like a possum. “Freakin’ knob.”

“Boone?” Mom rushes into the house. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?” She looks me over as I catch my breath. Dad joins us, slowly sitting into a chair at the breakfast table.

“I-I need to borrow a suit and tie.” I gasp, running my hand through my hair. “Shit! I need a haircut!”

Mom cuts her eyes at Dad, who’s chuckling. “Am I missing something?” She places her hands on her hips.

“I might be mistaken, but I believe our son … has a date.” Dad winks at her as I stand here clearly panicking.

I think I smile from the inside out. “It’s dinner, not a date.”

“But what about yesterday?” Mom’s hand lays over her heart. “You were both so hurt and angry. Are you not worried?”

“Yes, I have plenty of concern. I’m still hurt, and I don’t know that’ll ever go away.” I shrug, but a visual of Mackenzie’s face is forefront in my mind, reminding me, I’m not the only one hurt. “I drank too much last night and we ended up texting. I woke up, read it, and I’m supposed to be there at six. I know it sounds all kinds of crazy. I don’t even know where this excitement comes from, but it feels right. It’s always felt this way with her, and I can’t say no to her, I’ve never be able to.” I rear back on my heels.

Dad frowns. “Are you sure that calls for a suit and tie?”

“Yeah, you’re right. That might be overkill, no matter how much I feel like a teenager again.” I look at my phone, checking the time. “I’ll go buy something. What should I buy?”

Mom walks over to me, patting my chest. “How about doing it like you used to, going as you are.”

“Mom, this might shock you, but I spent hours, even days, planning our time together back then. I can’t just show up like this, now.”

Dad clears his throat. “Listen, you came home to help while I was sick. I think you’ve spent enough time with us; this calls for friends.”

“I’ll text the guys, see who’s available.” I stare at my phone. “I need something for Rumor. I want her to like me. You know, it’s important to me for her to want to get to know me.”

“We understand. Go, do your thing.” Mom smiles reassuringly, calming me.

I kiss her cheek. “Thank you.” I take off, hurrying back up the stairs.

I rush into my bedroom, pulling clothes from my closet. I hit everyone up in a group text, crossing my fingers someone can help.

HELP!

Dinner with Kenzie and Rumor.

--WTF?

--Seriously?

--How can we help?

--How did you pull that off?

Even texts, you can tell who’s speaking without looking. Walker’s speaks like an attorney, Chord’s are carefree, and Riley’s cocky, military style.

I need everything.

Clothes.