Page 35 of The Love Playbook

I grunt out a response because that’s exactly what I’m afraid of.

“I don’t see what the big deal is. If he’s so intent on marrying her, then why can’t he just do it without me?”

Brynn exchanges a look with Elizabeth who peels her eyes from her textbook and says, “Um, because he loves you and wants to be a part of your life and vice versa?”

I scoff. “It’s his life, and his marriage, not mine,” I say, glazing over all the love talk.

“I also know how close Chris is with his family,” Brynn says. “So, it makes sense to me that his mother doesn’t want to get married without your approval.”

“Tough,” I say, crumbling the wrapper of my candy and throwing it in the trash can beneath my desk, ignoring Brynn’s pinched expression.

I can tell she has something to say, but it’s likely I don’t wanna hear it, so I don’t ask.

Raising my arms above my head, I stretch on a yawn. “Man, I’m dragging today. Tell me why I thought a five-p.m. class was a good idea? Everyone is already done with their day, and I have to go back out.” I grimace.

“What class is this?” Elizabeth asks.

“Principles of Education.”

“Sounds riveting.” Brynn smirks.

“Oh, yeah. Keeps me on the edge of my seat.” I laugh.

“It might be boring, but did she tell you there’s a cute boy in her class she’s been talking to?” Samantha asks with a mischievous smile.

Brynn gasps at the same time Liz’s eyes brighten, suddenly interested.

“Who?” Brynn asks, eyes wide.

“His name is Mason Danger, but everyone just calls him Danger. He plays for AAU’s soccer team. Total babe,” I say with a grin. “We’ve been flirting for weeks.”

“And I’m just now finding out about this?” Brynn asks. “Is he boyfriend material?”

I have to laugh. Ever since Brynn fell in love, she’s obsessed with everyone else finding their happily ever after.

“I don’t know, but does it really matter when he’s hot and available?” I ask.

Brynn frowns. “You don’t want to find someone you’d actually want a relationship with?”

“I do,” Liz says with a dreamy sigh, and I shoot her a sympathetic look. Poor Elizabeth. She’s the definition of a romantic if there ever was one.

“I don’t know,” I hedge, feeling a heavy pressure in my chest at the thought. “Maybe someday.”

Samantha grunts. “Then why do you keep going out with guys that aren’t interested in anything serious?”

“It’s not like that,” I insist.Isn’t it?

Brynn arches a brow and even Liz can’t keep a straight face. “First, you dated that commuter last fall that was obsessed with action figures. Then you dated Mario, the pothead,” Brynn says, ticking off her fingers. “And after him, you went out with Todd, who ignored you the whole time you were at his apartment so he could play video games with the bros. And don’t even get me started with the array of men you flirt with at the club when we go out. They always have red flags written all over them.”

Liz nods in agreement. “It’s almost like you seek out the losers so that there’s no chance of falling for them.”

All three of them turn accusatory glares at me while I lift my chin in the air and sniff. There might be the slightest grain of truth to what they’re saying, but I’ll never admit it.

“I can assure you that’s not what’s happening here,” I say as I get to my feet. “But as much as I’d love to finish this conversation and debate the many failures that is my love life, I have to go, or I’ll be late.”

“Fine.” Brynn sighs. “But will you at least do me a favor?” I glance at her expectantly while I lift my bookbag from the floorby my desk. “When you’re flirting with Danger, try and picture dating him six months out. See how it fits.”

“Sure thing,” I say with a grin. “I’ll picture myself in a white dress, walking down the aisle while I’m at it.”