“I’d probably twist my ankle if I wore them.”
“But men love high heels! It makes them think about sex.” When I send her an incredulous look, she explains further. “I saw it in a movie once.”
“Just because you saw it in a movie doesn’t mean it happens for real,” I tell her. “I hope men aren’t that shallow.” And while I wouldn’t mind looking sexy for Jordan, I don’t want his mind to automatically go to sex when he sees me. Though maybe it already does, I don’t know.
My cheeks go warm at the thought.
Livvy actually snorts. “Have you met the guys we spend time with? They’re all shallow.”
Her words fill me with sadness. Does she really believe that? I don’t. Jordan definitely has substance.
“So you and Jordan are for real, huh?” Livvy asks.
I shrug, my cheeks going even hotter. “Yeah, we are. Though I don’t want to push him too hard.” He’s the type of guy who’ll run if he feels cornered, so I do my best to give him space.
“He always wants to hang out with you. I take that as a good sign. Though I understand not wanting to push too hard.” Livvy smiles. “But I think you two are on the right track.”
“Thanks,” I murmur, feeling weird. I like talking about Jordan, but then again, I don’t. She wants more details. I can see it in her eyes. Everything Jordan and I do together is so private. I don’t want to share it with the rest of the world. It feels like I’m breaking some major rule if I tell Livvy what’s happening between Jordan and I these last few weeks.
I want to savor the moment, keep it to myself. It’s my secret with Jordan. I’m excited to see him tonight. Will he give me one of those knowing smiles?
“What’s he like?”
“What? Who?”
“Tuttle. What’s he like, when it’s just the two of you alone? He’s always so closed off and acts like we’re all bugging him most of the time. I’m guessing he’s already opened up to you?”
“Sort of.” I shrug, feeling inadequate. Has he really opened up to me? I don’t think so. A little bit but not much. “We’re taking it one day at a time.”
“So no juicy details yet?” The crestfallen expression on her face tells me she was hoping for something more.
“Sorry to disappoint you,” I say with a shake of my head.
Within a few minutes Ryan shows up at Livvy’s house, ever the gentleman as he speaks with Fitch, Livvy’s mom’s boyfriend. They make idle chitchat while Livvy and I lurk in the hall, watching them.
“I don’t know why he’s so nice to Fitch,” Livvy says irritably. “That guy is creepy.”
“Is he still giving off bad vibes?” She’s complained to me about him before.
“Totally. I don’t get my mom’s relationship with him. I really just don’t get Fitch. He’s odd, but I can’t put my finger on exactly why,” Livvy explains.
“Olivia!” Fitch yells from the living room, making both of us wince. “Your boyfriend is waiting for you!”
We both enter the living room together, Livvy going straight for Ryan while I stand there awkwardly waiting for them.
“You look amazing,” Ryan whispers as he rests his hands on her hips, pulling her in for a quick kiss.
Fitch scowls. I’m guessing he doesn’t like public displays of affection. His gaze slides to mine, and he smiles, though there’s something almost sinister about it. I offer him a faint smile in return and he looks me up and down, like he’s totally checking me out.
Ew.
“Come on, let’s go. I don’t want to leave Tuttle waiting at the restaurant,” Livvy urges, taking Ryan’s hand and leading him toward the front door. I follow after them. “Bye, Fitch,” she yells as she opens the door.
“Be back by one,” he tells her just as she slams the door in his face, making Ryan chuckle.
“You’re so rude to him Livvy,” he teases as he leads us toward his car parked in front of Liv’s house.
“He’s gross. Look at how he acts like he’s my dad! It’s ridiculous.” Liv shakes her head.
“Where’s your mom?” Ryan asks her as he opens both doors on the passenger side of his sleek white BMW. I climb into the back seat and he shuts the door for me, then does the same for Livvy. I smooth my hands over my dress and tug the skirt down, trying to cover my thighs. I feel totally overexposed, which is silly since I wear shorts all the time.
Livvy doesn’t answer until Ryan is sitting behind the steering wheel. “She’s working until nine. Some weird shift change she had. So Fitch said he’d supervise me until I left. Then he’s going to go pick her up from the hospital.” She mock shudders. “I wish they’d just break up already.”
I remain quiet for the entire drive, listening to Ryan and Liv’s conversation. They talk about football and the restaurant and Ryan tells her how hot she looks in her dress. She’s wearing a light gray T-shirt dress, though hers fits a little looser.
My phone buzzes and I check it.
I’m at the restaurant. Where are you?
We’re almost there.
Good.