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‘What are the rules here?’ Laney asks, motioning between Jade and me. ‘Since you can’t… can I?’
‘Can you what?’ Jade asks.
‘Have him?’ Laney says under her breath, leaning in so only Jade hears, but it isn’t that quiet.
Mine and Jade’s eyes lock. I’m a little curious about her answer to this, too, and I didn’t even have to ask the question. Not that I want Laney. I do not. I can already tell we have similar personalities, so that’s a hard no. It’d be like dating Mercy. Gross. Her big sister is another story. I’ve gotten my head out of nightmares about my ex lately by texting the adorable girl in front of me who moonlights as a hula girl bartender. Considering she has a fiancé, that’s a problem.
‘Um, yes? Er, noooo? I don’t…’ Jade stumbles over words. ‘I mean, if he’s into party girls who use and abuse men, then be my guest,’ she says with attitude but attempts to make it breezy. Because her eyes are on me, I see right through it. Laney best not be her guest.
Jade flashes me half of an awkward grin, and only then do I realize I’m beaming a toothy smile like a fucking lunatic. She likes me. I knew she wanted me to kiss her that night! Damn it, I am a moron!
But I’ve gotta put her out of her misery of trying to answer this without making it weird.
‘Laney,’ I say. ‘I’ve got a rule; I don’t date friends’ sisters. My best friend is marrying my sister, so thanks, but no thanks. No offense.’ I gently tap her shoulder with the side of my fist before pointing Jade’s way. ‘I’m gonna go buy our tickets because, ya know, this is weird,’ I say, turning to escape.
‘No, no, no.’ Jade scurries behind me, reaching my side quickly. ‘This is on me, remember?’
‘Weirder,’ I laugh.
‘Ugh.’ Jade drops her head back with a frustrated chuckle, then grabs my arm, forcing me to stop and talk to her.
‘It’s no big deal,’ I say, my eyes on her but my brain on her velvety soft hand now holding my wrist. ‘I know I’m pretty,’ I joke, grabbing her hand and then winking obnoxiously.
Pink fills her cheeks, it’s adorable. ‘You’re very modest about it too.’ She pulls her hand from mine, shoving it into her coat pocket.
‘Well, I’m single and agreed to watch a movie with two gorgeous women, and the prettiest one has a fiancé. My looks might be the only good thing I got because I’m obviously not a great decision-maker.’
‘Hey,’ Laney says, as though she’s offended.
Jade shoots her a ‘shut up’ glare. I’d know it anywhere because it’s the same one Hollyn gives me. Often.
‘I want to pay,’ she insists.
This is that important to her?
‘Alright. I’d never usually turn that down, so why start now? But be warned, I’m buying a giant tub of popcorn, and Joey doesn’t share food – besides the pie recently.’
She laughs, her eyes lingering on mine for a moment. ‘Laney’s buying our snacks. That’s how we roll.’ Finally, she breaks our stare as she approaches the ticket counter, only a few feet away.
‘Three for Say Anything,’ she says to the ticket salesman.
‘Two adults, one child,’ Laney says, meaning it in the worst way possible based on her tone. She crosses her arms over her chest. ‘That was for the pretty thing. By the way, our mom used to pay for dinner, so I hope you brought your wallet.’
‘I did indeed bring my wallet. How much could a couple of girls the sizes of you two eat?’
‘Laney, act as if you’ve met people before,’ Jade says as she overhears her sister.
‘What? If he wants to hang with you, he will have to get used to me.’
‘Are you two like besties?’ I ask as Jade hands us our tickets.
‘Pretty much,’ Laney answers.
Jade shoots her a glare. ‘I’m the only woman who could ever put up with her,’ she jokes. ‘But yeah, she’s the spare to my BFF heir.’
‘Kai is the spare,’ Laney says, leading the way to the snack counter. ‘She has to be because we’re blood related. I’m your built-in best friend. It’s literally what Mom and Dad had me for, to be your friend so they could get a break.’
When she turns to make her candy order, Jade and I laugh.
