“No way, I’m not saying that. That sounds like I’m a little kid. I’m not a little kid, I’m an adult. I’m an adult woman who can do adult womanly things.”
“Well yeah, you’re twenty-two, but…”
“But what, Shelby?”
“You can’t really do that much. You live in your brother’s house. Your parents support you—”
“Hey, I’m not going to be living here forever, and my parents aren’t going to support me forever. I’m going to have to get a job sooner or later.”
“But if you wanted your parents to support you, they would.”
“Yeah, but only if I live by their rules, and I don’t want to live by their rules.”
“It’s still nice that you have the option that they’ll support you forever.” She looked at me wistfully.
“Oh, Shelby, come on. Your parents are pretty well off, too.”
“My parents don’t own a bank, though, Nellie.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah. So my parents own a bank but …”
“But what? You’re stinking rich.”
“Okay, fine. I have a trust fund and I don’t have to worry about money, but that doesn’t mean that my life is perfect. You know that.”
“I know,” she said with a little nod. “I’m just being a little bit of an idiot because …” she paused. “Well, you know.”
“No, I don’t know. What?”
“I kind of wanted to go to art school for an MFA.”
“Oh wow, that sounds amazing.”
“Yeah, but my parents can’t afford to send me, and I don’t really have scholarships. So I’d have to take loans, and I mean, I don’t really think it’s smart for someone who wants to have a career as an artist to go one-hundred-thousand dollars in debt.”
“Oof. That’s a lot of money.” I chewed on my lower lip. “So you’re sure you want to be an artist?”
“Well, I think it would be cool. I’ve already sold a couple of pieces on Etsy.”
“Yeah, I know. And you’re going to be in some art shows, right?”
“Yeah. I think.”
“So?”
“You said you’ll come with me, right?”
“Of course. I’ll come with you. I’ll work my butt off for you. We’ll sell as many pieces of art as you have available to sell.”
“You’re awesome, you know that, Nellie?”
“Well, I try.”
“You don’t even have to try, girl, you’re the best friend anyone could ever have.”
“Uh-oh, why are you buttering me up?”
“I’m not buttering you up. I’m just letting you know that you are. I’m so happy that I get to live here with you. And you know, I say, go to that dinner tomorrow, and yeah, maybe you don’t tell him you’re in college unless he specifically asks you, but don’t lie. Okay? And don’t go offering any childcare advice because I could see you ending up in court if you give him the wrong information.”
“I would never give him the wrong information. I …” I chewed on my lower lip. “Though, I guess technically I wouldn’t know if I was giving him the wrong information. I guess I should keep my mouth shut, huh?”
“If you can.” She grinned.
“Well you know that’s hard,” I laughed. “Come on, I think the pizza is nearly here. Let’s go to the living room and join Hunter.
“Sounds good to me,” she beamed. “I love me some pizza.”
Chapter Eleven
“I have the absolute best idea.”
“Oh no, Shelby, not another idea.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I just mean that your ideas aren’t always the greatest.”
“Well, I got you a date, didn’t I?”
“Well, we don’t really know if it’s a date and—”
“Just listen to me, okay?”
“What’s the idea?”
“Why don’t we go to Target?”
“Okay, um, sure, that’s a brilliant idea. You know I’m always down to go to Target.”
“I don’t just mean go to Target just for fun. I mean let’s buy some toys.”
“What?” I looked at her like she was crazy.
“What do you mean? What sort of toys?”
“Toys that kids would like, duh.” She looked at me like I was stupid. “I thought you were meant to be smart, Nellie. Don’t you get it? This is a way to butter the kids up.”
“You want me to buy toys for his kids?”
“Yeah. Isn’t that a great idea?”
“No, girl. It’s a horrible idea. I don’t even know him, and I don’t know the kids. Who shows up at someone’s house with toys for their kids? I don’t even know if this is a legitimate date. He’s going to think I’m a creeper.”
“No, he’s not. He thinks you’re hot. Why do you think he invited you over?”
“I don’t know why he invited me over. I’m still kind of perplexed at that. And I’m still kind of weirded out that I accepted.”
“Why? You think he’s hot.”
“Yeah, I think he’s hot, but he’s also a douchebag.”
“Well, I mean, I can’t say either way because I’ve never met him. But if you want me to come tomorrow—”
“No way,” I cut her off. “You are definitely not coming with me tomorrow. Are you absolutely out of your mind?”
“No, but if you’re nervous or worried—”
“I’m not that nervous or worried, thanks, Shelby.”
“What are you two whispering about?” Hunter said as he entered the living room with a big box of piping hot pizza.
“Nothing,” I said quickly and jumped up. “I’m starving. Please tell me you’ve got more than one pizza.”
“Who knew two college girls could eat so much?” Hunter shook his head. “There is more stuff in the kitchen. I just brought the pizza along with me.”
“No plates?” Shelby said with a laugh.
“You can get your own plate, Shelby. You live here now.”
“Yes, Hunter.” She jumped up and headed toward the kitchen. “So three plates and some napkins?”
“I’ll come with you because I’m kind of thirsty,” I said with a quick nod. “Want anything to drink, Hunter?”
“Wow. I could get used to this. Two servants?”
“We’re not your servants, don’t get it twisted,” I glared at him.
“I’m just joking,” he laughed. “Trust me. I know better than to think that you would ever be a servant, Nellie.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means that even if you wanted to be one, you couldn’t be because you can’t clean or cook or do hardly anything around the house.”
“That’s not true. I cook all the time.”
“Oh, what do you cook?”