I grin. “You are her best friend? Well, I’m glad to see you’re feeling better. Maybe you can talk Lexie into giving me a chance to show her that she shouldn’t have such hard feelings towards me.”
“Wow, you remembered that I was sick,” she says, giddy. “And as far as Lexie’s feelings toward you, that’s a lost battle. She’s a Gamblers fan through and through.”
“Why are you both talking about me like I’m not here?” Lexie is annoyed, but I don’t pay her a lick of attention.
“I don’t want her to switch loyalties,” I explain to Tiffany. “Just have her go out with me once.”
“Wait,” her eyes widen, “you want to take her on a date?”
“How could I not, with that bright personality of hers?”
Tiffany smiles.
Lexie speaks up. “Am I invisible?” She could hardly be invisible.
Tiffany keeps her focus on me. “Let’s say if I happened to have a set of tickets to a game next Friday in the glass section, then Lexie here would love to have dinner with you after the game.”
“Are you both high?” Lexie exclaims. “I’m not having dinner with him.”
“Done,” I nod. “And if a little extra convincing is needed, I’m sure you could happen to land yourself some tickets to a game in Vegas, all expenses paid?”
“Wait? What?” Lexie looks at me, on the verge of being pissed if she isn’t already. “Are you trying to buy a date with me by sending me to Vegas?”
I turn towards her. “No, but I figured if you were going to consider spending time with me as say, suffering, then the least I could do is something that would actually make you happy in return.”
“Perfect,” Tiffany chimes.
“No.” Lexie shakes her head. “You’re both crazy. I’m not going out with you.” She points her finger at me, then aims it at Tiffany as she continues talking. “There’s no way in hell I’m going to a Bears game with you either. Now, I’m leaving to check on the vendors, and I’m going to pray that I wake up from this crazy dream I’m in.” She turns and walks away.
I watch her once more before looking at Tiffany. “Help your favorite hockey player out?”
“You’re very sweet, but are you serious about this?” The skepticism is loud and clear in her voice.
“There’s not a doubt in my mind that I want a date with Lexie,” I answer honestly.
“Not just a one-night stand?”
If she wasn’t being so serious, I would laugh. “I haven’t had a one-night stand in a long, long time, so no.”
“Then I’ll help you,” she decides. “Here’s my first piece of advice: she hasn’t been flirted with in a long time.” How is that possible? “I can’t even remember the last time a guy sent her flowers. Oh, and be patient with her. If you haven’t noticed, she’s hardheaded.” Tiffany smiles.
“Thanks for the advice. Looks like having a lot of patience is about to come in handy.”
She excuses herself to go check on the issue Lexie is dealing with, and I take a moment to check in on Reed before I lose my chance. My worry increases when it takes Brooke a bit to answer, the call almost going to voicemail.
“Did you give him fast food, Ashton?” she asks. “I swear, what have I told you? I -”
“How is he feeling?” I interrupt.
“A little better. His stomach is probably upset from not being used to eating that junk!”
“What makes you think I did that?” Surely, Reed wouldn’t have told on us.
“He threw up, and I asked what he ate. I knew as soon as he looked guilty what you did. He told me and asked me not to be mad at you. Ash -”
“I’m sorry, okay? Tell him to feel better, that I love him, and I’ll see him soon. I need to go.”
Brooke gives in. We hang up, and I figure I b