Page 37 of The Devil's Reward
“Okay,” I whisper. I slowly type out a reply.
Me: Sorry, I was on the phone. Are you sure you want to go out with me? Or is this about what happened earlier?
His reply is almost instant.
Shadow: Glad to know I didn’t send you running for the hills. It doesn’t have to be a big thing, Quinn. We can meet for lunch or dinner, and if you would feel better having Macy with us, that’s fine too.
Gah! Why does he have to be so good at this while I’m so awkward?
“What is he saying?” Peyton demands.
“Uh, he said that we can meet for lunch or dinner, and if I want to bring Macy as a buffer, that’s fine,” I say absently, my mind already whirling with ideas.
“See, nothing to worry about,” Mom says happily.
I ignore her as I type.
Me: Well, to be honest, I’ll probably have to bring her. I don’t have anyone to watch her.
Shadow: So is that a yes? I’ll plan something kid friendly. Or I can see if one of the girls here can watch her.
Me: I’d rather take her with us. Nothing against your friends, I don’t know them and I’d stress the whole time.
Shadow: It’s fine, don’t worry. And probably for the best. We don’t need them corrupting her. Next time it won’t be chips, she’ll probably talk her way into a bank vault and have them start filling up the bags.
I smile, unable to help myself.
“She’s smiling, so whatever he’s saying is good,” my father announces, pulling me back into the moment abruptly.
I blush. “He’s, uh, teasing saying Macy is going to con a bank out of its money someday,” I tell him. Not the whole truth, but close enough.
“He’s probably right,” Peyton snickers. “That kid has charm in spades. She’s going to give the boys a run for their money when she’s older.”
“I don’t even want to think about it,” I sigh. “Alright, I’m going to go now that you’ve talked me off the ledge.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” Mom says cheerfully. “Let us know the details, Quinnie.”
“And make sure you bring protection,” Peyton adds with a wiggle of her brows. Which I ignore.
I say goodbye and hang up before they can protest, and stare at the screen. I take a deep breath and answer him.
Me: You’re probably right. If you’re sure you want to go out, then yes. But I’ll be honest, I haven’t been out on a date in a very long time.
Shadow: Me either, so we’ll wing it. How about tomorrow night? I can pick you up. We can get dinner, do something fun , and still be home in plenty of time for Macy to go to bed.
Wow, that’s fast. I hesitate. Is it a good idea to bring Macy? Will it confuse her or give her the wrong idea? Maybe I should wait until my parents and sister get here next week.
Just say yes, my brain snaps at me.You’re being silly.
I take a deep breath and send back my answer.
Me: Okay, that sounds good. Macy is big on pizza and chicken nuggets but will eat anything.
Shadow: And what about you? Do you have a preference? Or anything you don’t like?
Me: No raw fish or anything slimy, but everything else I’m good with.
Shadow: Good. I’ll pick you guys up tomorrow at five. Work okay?
