Hot Mess (LBSC #1) | Completed

Chapter 13

After taking a quick shower late the next morning, I picked out one of my new outfits to wear when I met with Malcolm: dark, ankle-length skinny jeans, a 3/4-sleeve t-shirt covered with red sailboats, and a tan leather jacket. I slid my feet into my brand new tan leather booties. I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, turning this way and that to admire my body's shape. Nikki was right; I had a great ass.

I grabbed my new kitty purse and headed out of my bedroom, hoping I wouldn't be too late for lunch with Malcolm. I was in such a hurry that I ran smack dab into Hayden, his hair was damp from the shower, one of Zoey's buttery-yellow towels hanging low on his hips.

"Sorry," I said. I made sure to keep my eyes above his neck. "I'm kind of in a hurry."

"Don't worry about it," he said in his usual slow, lazy way. He peered down at me. "You look different."

I frowned. "I hope you mean in a good way. Zoey took me on a makeover and shopping trip thing yesterday."

"Definitely in a good way," Hayden said, nodding appreciatively. "Hey, my friend Trevor is gonna be in town tonight. Did Zoey ask if you wanted to come out with us?

I narrowed my eyes as I tried to remember. "I don't think so. The shopping trip was pretty all-consuming."

"Well, are you interested? Trevor's a pretty cool guy and I think the two of you would really hit it off."

I didn't bother to hide my surprise. "Hayden, are you trying to set me up with your friend?"

"It wasn't my idea," he said, holding both palms up. "It was all Zoey. I only mentioned to her that Trevor was coming and that he was a cool dude. Zoey got it into her head that you two are perfect for each other."

I shook my head. "Thanks, but no thanks. I've got to get out of here–I'm supposed to be meeting someone." I smiled and gave Hayden a wink. He could take that back to Zoey. "See ya later."

As soon as I closed the door to the apartment, the smile dropped from my face. What nerve Zoey had! Did she think I was so hopeless that I needed her to hook me up with someone she'd never even met?

I tramped down the stairs of the building, now in a bad mood. When I got to my car, I slid in behind the steering wheel and texted Zoey.

Thnx but no thnx. I don't need a pity date.

I started the car and headed out to meet Malcolm.

On the ride over, Zoey still hadn't texted me back. Clearly, she had more important things to do than apologize to her best friend.

Malcolm rose from his seat when he saw me. "I was wondering if you were going to show up. I'm starving!"

"Sorry," I said, following him to the counter of the pizzeria. We joined the line of diners for the lunch rush. "I was on my way out the door when Zoey's boyfriend cornered me about going out with his friend tonight. Apparently he and Zoey are trying to set me up."

Malcolm raised an eyebrow. "What's so bad about that? I thought you were looking for a date for your reunion."

I bit my lip. "Well, I am, but...but this is humiliating. Zoey and Hayden are talking about me and my non-existent love life behind my back. I don't want any pity dates."

"It sounds like Zoey's just trying to help you. Do you know anything about the guy?"

"Nothing except that Hayden told me he's a 'pretty cool guy'," I said, affecting Hayden's slow drawl. "And apparently Zoey thinks we're perfect for each other even though she's never met him."