Page 49 of Something to Prove
Ty shoved a takeout bag at me. “You probably didn’t eat, and I have some extra Chinese.”
“Uh…thank you.” I peeked inside and sniffed. “Smells delicious.”
“It is.” He hooked his thumb in his belt loop and scratched his nape. “Chow mein, sweet and sour pork, and chicken fried rice. I didn’t know what you like, but it’s all good. Not too spicy.”
I cocked my head and smiled. “Thanks. Want to come in?”
“Sure. I can’t stay, though. I’m supposed to be at Langley’s party. He’s blowing up my phone.” Ty held his cell up as he stepped in the foyer, immediately crouching to say hello to Mabel. “Hey, little fluff ball. How ya doin’? You’re a pretty baby, aren’t you? So pretty, so—what’s wrong?”
I bit my bottom lip. “Nothing. Did you want something to drink, or do you have to go?”
He straightened, unzipping his jacket. “What are you drinking?”
“Water.”
Ty chuckled and whatever angst he’d brought with his Chinese takeout seemed to slip from his shoulders. “I can handle that. Thanks.”
He scooped Mabel up and followed me into the kitchen. I was sure the cat would make her displeasure known quickly. Mabel didn’t like being carted about. She cuddled on her terms only. Usually.
I poured two glasses of water and grabbed a fork, joining Ty at the table. “How did you turn my regal feline into a simpering kitty?”
He massaged the soft fur between Mabel’s ears, head bent. “I’m an animal magnet, what can I say?”
I snorted as I opened one of the containers. “How was your dinner?”
“Good.” More petting.
“Your parents are nice.”
“They are.”
I frowned, unsure of his mood. But then I bit into a forkful of chicken fried rice and moaned aloud. I hadn’t eaten since my lunch of grapes, yogurt, and a granola bar, and I was hungrier than I’d thought.
“Mmm.”
Ty looked up. I expected a smile or even a hasty good-bye, but he surprised me again.
“You’re going to New York City next year?”
I swallowed and sipped my water. “That’s a potential plan.”
“What would you do there?”
“I was thinking I’d do a big-city version ofWhat’s New, Smithton?”
“Oh.”
“I know it sounds like everything that’s been done has started in the Big Apple, but magazines are a dying breed, and peoplelike different formats and…” I shrugged, dipping my fork into the container. “It’s just an idea.”
“Huh. I don’t know why I thought you’d stay here.”
I lifted my brows. “I’ll be graduating with a master’s degree next year. I have to figure out how to use it, and New York City is always a good idea. So they say.”
“Yeah. It’s great.” His voice had a faraway note that contrasted with the tense set of his shoulders.
I nudged Ty’s shin with my toe. “Are you all right?”
I’d changed into blue-striped pajama bottoms, a Hello Kitty sweatshirt, and thick wool socks in deference to the cool autumn night. I looked the opposite of sexy in every way possible. I doubted Ty would have noticed if I’d opened the door in a lacy thong in his preoccupied state, though.