Page 47 of Don't Look Down
“Ew, you make it sound like we’re children. What would you like me to answer first?”
“You’re my child, smartass. Now, start anywhere. Tell me everything,” she demands.
“Yes, he lives here and yes we met.” Her gasp is audible over the line, but she refrains from interrupting. “We were playingCall of Dutya few days ago, and he mentioned Quench. The dots connected and we set it up to meet at a game. It was a bit tricky since I still hadn’t told him my identity.” I relay the full story to her, explaining how we exchanged texts during the game, ending with Sky and Addy joining us for dinner at Break Shot after the game.
“Oh my goodness. You should have told me, but I know how you get lost in that head of yours sometimes.”
“I was nervous, and talking about it would have made it so much worse. I didn’t even tell Leigh until we were finishing warmups.”
“Oh, honey. I understand. How was dinner?”
I’m smiling again. “It was great. Sky and Addy are great.”
“Mhm.” Her tone is knowing. And I don’t like it.
“Stop it. Don’t do that.”
“I’m not doing anything.”
“Yes, you are. And stop it.”
“You’re protesting a lot here. You’re not making a good case for yourself.”
I scrub my hands over my face, before dragging them into my hair. I squeeze my head in an effort to squash the thoughts she’s stirring up. Thoughts I told myself not too long ago that I wouldn’t think, “Seriously, Mom. Nothing is going to happen. We’re just friends.”
“Okay.” Her tone is dripping with disbelief. She’s placating me.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.”
“What? I agreed with you!” She laughs as she says it.
“Sure, you did.”
“Alright, I’ll stop. You get my point and that’s all I wanted. Now, are you all packed and ready for Montreal?”
“I’m packing right now, Mother.” She laughs like I knew she would.
Her words, but mostly what she didn’t say, lingers in my brain long after we disconnect. Fuck, did she ever make her point.
I’m determined to prove her wrong, though.
17
Skylar
My stomach flutters with nervous excitement as I park outside Toast. It’s been a week since I officially met Landon, but today will be our first solo get-together. We’re meeting for brunch at my favorite spot near the beach. It’s something low-key and casual, which is nice.
My phone vibrates as I’m exiting my car.
LTB: When you get here, come to the right. I’m at a table near the back.
I snort. I purposely arrived a few minutes early to lessen our wait time, and this guy already has a table? How?
Making my way inside, I bypass the clusters of patrons waiting to be seated, and follow his instructions. My eyes land on him as soon as I turn the corner. His back is to me, but he’s easily recognizable.
Butterflies take flight in my stomach. It’s not like this is a date. There’s no reason to be nervous. It’s gotta be the hunger pains, that’s all. He’s wearing a long-sleeve shirt that hugs hisback muscles just right. The sleeves are pushed up, exposing veiny forearms.Delicious.
Nope, don’t go there, Sky.