Page 18 of Your Play to Call

I have no idea if I played it cool or if I’m going about this all wrong. It doesn’t matter. I have a date with Willow.

After I clear the details with Seth, I googleTesla dealership. I know her privacy is important. Looks like I need to get a new car.

I call the only person who I know will answer and encourage this behavior.

“Zack, want to help me pick out a new car?”

“Obviously. I’ll be at your place in fifteen minutes.”

Chapter 13

Willow

The doorbell rings at7:50. I sent Emilie back to Michigan for the weekend. Some of her friends were back in her hometown, and she was debating making the trip. I bought her a plane ticket and sent her on her way.

I have no group of friends who contact me when they’re back home. Which means no reason to go back for Thanksgiving or Christmas. My parents always come to me, whether I’m in New York or in between tour dates and cities. My dad always complains about the traffic; he says he prefers the business of our small hometown in Virginia.

It’s always been the three of us. I’m an only child, and we’ve never been close with any of my extended family. Sometimes people get weird when it comes to money and success, or that’s what I tell myself to make it sting less. There’s nothing quite like landing your first major record deal and cousins you haven’t had a real conversation with in years start needing something. Another reason for the armor I’ve crafted.

My heart squeezes when I think about Emilie still having people back home. I’m a little jealous but I know I won’t let her miss weekends like this. No Emilie means I have the house to myself. Well, me and some of the security detail who do a good job of staying out of sight unless necessary.

Somehow, Tripp did handle getting everything organized. All I had to do was confirm I indeed wanted to go out with Tripp Owens; what an easy “yes”.

I don’t know the full plan but know Tripp requested to drive and asked if the security team would follow. Tripp must’ve passed all the required checks because everyone seems very chill about this whole thing.

Almost like a professional football player didn’t ask me out via paparazzi.

My heart rate picks up as I walk to the door, heels clicking on the hardwood floors. There’s nothing like a healthy dose of nerves on top of already existing anxiety.

I slowly open the door and am greeted with a casual Tripp. He’s wearing dark jeans and an olive-green Henley shirt. The type that looks so soft you immediately want to touch it. Run your hands down it.

It’s also the kind of green that brings out the tan tone of his skin. He’s running a hand through his hair and his other is in his pocket. Some of his dark hair falls back and rests on his forehead. His gray, almost blue eyes are bright, catching mine right away.

And then he smiles at me. An actual smile.

I slowly exhale and let my shoulders fall a little from my ears.

“Sorry. I didn’t expect you to answer the door,” he says, while putting his other hand in his pocket and rocking back on his heels.

“Who else would answer my door?” I smirk.

“Definitely thought I’d be meeting the third line of security at your door. These people do not play, do they? Have you seen any of them smile or blink?” Tripp asks, his cheeks flushed.

A laugh escapes my mouth, a little louder than I’d hoped for. “Yes, they smile. Seth and his team are all right.” My hands are on my hips and I put weight on one foot. “He’s been with me since the beginning. One of the good ones.”

“Well, he knows everything about me, including my blood type, allergies, and middle school locker combination.” Tripp laughs and stops when his eyes meet mine.

“What?” I ask looking down at my outfit, seeing if there’s something on my top. “What’s wrong?”

“Wrong? Nothing. Your eyes, in the sunlight, they’re like gold. You’re just… stunning.” He looks at me, his shoulders up near his ears.

The compliment hits me harder than it should. The words, his reaction, the sincerity of his voice. It’s almost like broken pieces of me are coming back together.

I can’t show him that, so instead, I smile in appreciation.

“Are you ready?” He steps to the side, giving me room to fall in step beside him.

“I think so,” I say as we walk toward his black Tesla.