Page 55 of Everything But Mine

Diego returns, bringing a large foil tray and an array of sauces on a different tray. He’s managing to carry all the things needed for a meal with the ease that only those in a large family seem to master. He settles everything on the coffee table and takes a seat cross-legged on the floor, the tiniest bit closer to Val than to me.

“About this wedding,” Diego says, handing her an empanada. “Val and I will drive Friday evening.” She grabs it without complaining about his fingers touching the food. He bites into one himself and moans. “I did so good, guys. Help yourselves.”

“I’m not driving with you. You drive too slow,” Val says, reaching for more food. “I’ll fly.”

“You can’t fly to Galena. It makes no sense.” Diego’s eyes are locked on Val’s. “Come on. Road trip. Music. Truth or dare.”

“Hard pass.”

Eric hides a smile, passes me an empanada, then dips his own into the spiciest sauce. “Did you guys book a hotel yet?” he asks casually.

I avoid looking at Eric. We’re going together. We live together, so it makes sense to arrive together. It’s practical.

Val nibbles on her empanada. “I can book a double room. Amanda, you’re with me. Unless you want to share with either of these two over here.”

Eric glances at me.

“I’ll stay with Val,” I say quickly.

Diego shakes his head, rushing to chew and then swallow. Eric’s spine relaxes.

“No way. Val’s my date for the weekend. I already booked a room for us. Lake view with a balcony.”

Val narrows her eyes at him. “Fine,” she says. “But we’re not sharing a bed.”

“You tell yourself whatever it helps you sleep at night, babe.”

Under their banter, Eric squeezes my hand. He nudges a container toward me with his other hand. “You want this last one?” I nod, and our fingers brush briefly. He doesn’t move away right away, and neither do I. “We can look at rooms at the resort tonight. See what makes sense.” He swallows. “Also.” He tenses. “We don’t have to match.”

“Match?” We’re whispering by now. Diego’s voice is louder.

“Yes, match.” His eyes avoid mine. “My last text. You didn’t respond, so I figured…”

“Oh—” I let go of his hand to pull my phone. Three texts and a call sit on the screen.

Eric

I’m your date, aren’t I?

I mean, I don’t have to be. We’re going as friends, I know that.

We don’t have to match.

Amanda?

My stomach twists.

“Oh!” I say, too loud. “We can totally match. I got a blue dress. I’ll show you.”

He winks. “You’ll show me?”

I smack his chest, covering the butterflies in my stomach with the gesture.

Val huffs, and we turn our attention back to them.

“Anyway, Val and I will be there Friday evening,” Diego asserts, folding both of them into a single plan. “I need to check the DJ setup for Saturday, and I planned something for Val and me to do.”

You’re on your own on Friday. Received loud and clear, Diego.