Page 27 of Huge Games
"Dornan, Travis, and Elias."
I pace to my closet before pivoting to face Ellie and Gab. "A pity fake date? This situation is bordering on a joke!"
"But they're stepping up for you, Celine, because they want to help you. We all do. Just enjoy the date. Have fun. Wear your sexiest dress and blow out your gorgeous new hair into tantalizing waves. Forget about all the shitty stuff for one night. And when you've done what you wanted, we're here to help with the rest."
Their expressions are so earnest and hopeful that I stop myself from speaking the sadness-inspired bitter words on the tip of my tongue. I glance at my closet and the new clothes I've bought to suit my 'life after Eddie' style. Most of them still have tags attached.
"Help me pick something," I tell them.
So, instead of wallowing in my own sadness, I let myfriends help me put together an outfit that will knock the socks off of three men who have been reluctant to take me out and an ex-boyfriend I wish would take a running jump off a short pier.
These are crazy times.
9
DORNAN
Travis collects Elias first and then me before heading to Celine's building. The atmosphere in the car is strangely charged, and I'm grateful to be in the back seat where I feel less pressured to make conversation. This whole situation is weird. Not so much the three men to one woman ratio. That part has become almost ordinary in our small circle of friends. No, it's the fact that we're nearly strangers to each other, and there is this buzz of competitiveness rolling off the car's other occupants, which I don't appreciate.
Celine is my friend first and foremost, although, after our last date, I'm less sure about the simplicity of that statement. I know what happened between her and Elias, which makes my skin prickle. Her date with Travis was after mine, so I have no knowledge of what went on between them. I guess it must have gone okay because Travis is here for round two. I mean, date two.
I sigh because who the fuck knows what any of us are doing right now?
Playing stupid games, and to what end?
Elias is here for the sex. That's for sure. Travis is anunknown quantity. And me. Well, I don't know what the fuck I want. To help my friend. A repeat of the other night. More.
Admitting that I have feelings for Celine that don't fit into the friendship mold is tough, especially under the circumstances. Jealousy isn't an emotion that sits well with me. Celine isn't serious about any of this, so jealousy is the least of my worries. Having feelings for a friend who's on the rebound is a recipe for disaster.
Elias clears his throat as though the silence in the car has become overwhelmingly uncomfortable for him. "So, what's the plan for tonight?" He twists to assess my expression and then stares at Travis's shadowy profile.
"Wine and dine Celine," Travis says. "Show Eddie she's a desirable girl so that he'll hopefully kick himself for being such a douche. And then watch Celine walk off into the sunset as a changed woman."
"That sounds like a lot to achieve on one fake date," I say.
"Did you fuck her?" Elias asks, and I almost choke on my own tongue.
"No." Travis's answer is quick and firm. "That's not my style."
"Did she want to fuck you?" Elias isn't dissuaded from asking what's on his mind by Travis's tight jaw.
"She did…"
He doesn't elaborate on why he didn't go through with it, but I make my own assumptions. He's a better man than both me and Elias.
"And what about tonight? What do you think she'll want to do after this four-way date?"
Travis's jaw ticks, and when he doesn't reply, Elias turns to me. "Did you fuck her?"
I nod solemnly because I'm not a kiss-and-tell kind ofguy, and answering this question is awkward.
Elias's eyes flash, but he doesn't ask about the specifics, which is a relief.
"What do you think, Dornan, about tonight?"
"I think we need to play everything by ear. Celine's on a revenge mission. Who knows where her head is."
"We should be on the same page." Elias stares at Travis's profile as though his comment is aimed solely at him.