Who's the One?

Chapter 16

"Woah, woah", says Anne. "You went on a date with Dylan? Why didn't you tell us last night?"

I shake my head, "Not a date. We just hung out. And I didn't say anything last night, 'cause we were talking about you guys. I get tired of talking about me, but I needed to update you. You'd get mad if I didn't."

"True", Dani shrugs. "What did you guys do? Do you think Dylan thought it was a date?"

"Nothing too special. We watched a movie then went for food."

"Date. That's a date!", shouts Anne.

"No it's not! The three of us do that all the time", I defend.

"That's true, but did he treat it like a date?", Dani repeats.

I grimace. "I think so. He called me 'babe', it was accidental, it just slipped out."

"Oh no. What did you say?", asks Anne.

"I just ignored it, he had this face like 'crap, I messed up'. I knew he got embarrassed so I just waved it off."

"You ignored it?!", yells Dani. "What if he thinks it's okay to make moves on you now? Lil, you've got to make things clear to him."

"I know", I cover my face with my hands. "I just didn't want to make a big deal out of it. We were having fun and I didn't want to make things awkward."

"Have you talked to Dylan since your 'hang out'?", Dani asks using air quotes for hangout.

I roll my eyes. "No, but he's coming over tonight. My mom invited them over for our New Years party."

"I wish I could go, but we have my cousins here and all", says Anne.

"My family is in. My mom didn't want to host anything this year, so my parents and I can make it", Dani smiles at me.

"Oh thank god. Steve's family is coming too. He went back home yesterday morning when his parents got back. Of course my mom had to extend an invitation. I thought they'd say no, since they just got home after so long. Of course they said yes anyway." I sigh dramatically. "I'm really going to need you Dani."

My phone starts ringing with Doug's name across the screen. I answer, "I'm picking you up now Lil. Mom needs you", he says before I can even greet him.

"Well hello to you too Mr. Grouchy."

"Sorry", he puts fake enthusiasm in hi voice, "Hey Lil! Hope you had a super sleepover at Danielle's, but it's time to come home. Mommy dearest needs your help."

I laugh. "Okay Doug, see you in a few. Be careful."

"Always am little sis." He hangs up.

"Leaving already?", whines Anne.

"Yeah", I pout. I get up to gather my things.

"So Steve's cool with you hanging out with Dylan then. If he's going tonight, he'll be civil", assumes Anne.

I scratched the back of my head, "Well you see-"

"Oh no! Steve doesn't know you went out with Dylan?", shouts Dani.

"Why do you think I need you tonight? It's not like I told Dylan about Christmas with Steve", I defend.

"You two are going to have an interesting night", Anne smiles.

"Can't wait", I mumble.

"It'll be fine. I won't leave your side all night", Dani says with a hand on my shoulder.

There's a honk outside. "Counting on it Dani." I stand and the girls walk me out. "I had fun, love you guys."

They wave from the door as Doug drives away.