Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chrissy
“ T his is a bad idea,” Gwen repeats like a broken record player.
“Code ‘Spy on Carter’ is not a bad idea. It’s genius,” I retort as we get ready in her and Ash’s room.
“But why are we doing this?”
“I want to make sure everything goes well. It’s part of the mentorship program,” I lie.
In truth, I want to keep my eyes on him because I’m a jealous jerk. It was my idea for him to go on a date in the first place, and here I am, dressing up to spy on him with my best friend.
Selfishly, I want to ensure nothing romantic happens between them, but I don’t know what I’ll do if it does progress to that level. I’m a decent planner, so I’m sure I’ll figure something out.
“And the disguises?” Gwen asks.
“What about them?”
She smirks at me while holding up a trench coat. “Are they necessary?”
“What’s the fun in a stakeout if you can’t dress incognito?”
Gwen nods before slipping on her sneakers. The two of us get dressed in what I must say, are killer outfits.
I wanted to wear a trench coat and a detective hat, but given that it’s ninety degrees outside and humid, I decide to spare my body from additional sweat.
I tie the drawstring of the basketball shorts I stole from Zack, put on fake black-rimmed glasses, and tie my hair back. A Castle Brook baseball hat completes the ensemble.
Gwen is wearing matching black shorts, a baggy blue T-shirt, and a matching university cap.
I give her a thumbs-up before I leap past her. “I almost forgot!”
I pull a plastic bag out of my purse and offer her a fake mustache.
She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Are you serious? No one is going to believe these are real.”
“Oh, come on! They look so real, and no one will be up in our business. We just need to pull off the look from a distance.”
“This is such a bad idea,” she groans while accepting the handlebar mustache. “You two are going to end up together anyway. I feel it in my bones.”
We stand in front of the mirror and secure our faux facial hair. When we finish, we look at one another in the mirror and laugh hysterically.
We look like absolute fools, but this is going to work. We look like two college kids with terrible mustaches going out to dinner. Rome won’t spot us from a mile away.
The two of us head down the stairs and walk into the kitchen. Ash sputters out his water all over himself and the floor the second he sees us, and Max runs his hands down his face.
“What the fuck?” he asks as his lips turn upright.
“Whatever this is”—Max points at us while forming a circle—“I don’t agree with it, and I don’t want any part of it.”
“I told you we look ridiculous,” Gwen mutters as Ash starts to cackle.
“You guys look amazing!” he snorts while grabbing his phone.
“No pictures!” Gwen shouts, but Ash doesn’t listen.
Pulling her into my arms, I flash a wide smile, and Ash takes a thousand pictures.
As he wipes his tears, Gwen smirks before looking at Max. “Max?—”
“No way.” He shakes his head before she can even ask her question.
“You don’t even know what I’m going to ask.” She pouts.
“You want to borrow my car, and the answer is no.”
“Oh, come on. This is for Chrissy and Rome.” She uses her most innocent tone and smiles at him. “Please, pretty please! We can’t use Ash’s car. Rome will spot us.”
Max and Ash share a quick glance, communicating in their unspoken brother language. They know what we’re up to, and neither likes the idea. That doesn’t mean they don’t find it entertaining, and they’re both suckers for Gwen.
“Fine, just be careful.” Max tosses her his keys, and she manages to catch them.
“Thank you!” she sings before running up and kissing him on his cheek.
“That was so scratchy.” He shivers and scrubs his face.
She locks her eyes on Ash next, and before he can bolt, she crashes into his arms and plants her lips on his.
I let out a small laugh and smile. My heart flutters at the idea of Rome and me having moments like this, and I dare to wonder how he would react if I tried to kiss him while wearing a fake mustache.
Ash turns red, and when Gwen pulls away, she twirls the keys around her finger and loops her arm through mine.
“Ready, pretty lady?”
I walk in time with her, and we giggle when we overhear Ash say, “Why was I kinda into that?”
It’s 6:35 p.m., and the sun has begun to set. The sky is pink and purple, interspersed with wisps of clouds. The engine’s hum and the noise of the radio station Gwen turned on surround us. We blast the AC, and goose bumps quickly trail over my legs.
The pizzeria is twenty minutes from the Waylens’, giving my anxiety enough time to go wild. I focus on the dashboard, the dark blue backlit gauges, dials, and displays. Gwen and I are silent during the drive.
“Thanks for doing this with me,” I whisper while playing with my hands.
She grins without looking at me. “I may not approve of the idea, but that doesn’t mean I won’t support you.”
My shoulders drop, and I close my eyes as my heart hammers against my ribcage. The thought of seeing Rome on a date with another girl conjures a potent mixture of emotions. If I weren’t such a coward, he and I would be on that date. All I have to do is talk to Zack. I mean, the worst he can say is no, right?
That’s not the only thing holding me back though. I want Rome, and I know I can love him, but would that be enough? I’m no one special.
I’m not smart like Gwen, and I’m not gorgeous like the cheerleaders. Miles and I didn’t work out because I knew he deserved more than I was giving him. But also, I didn’t feel like what we had was progressing. I want what my parents and Gwen and Ash have, but it may never happen. So, why bother trying?
We pull in behind the restaurant and find parking near the end.
With a shaky breath, I look at Gwen and nod. “Ready for operation ‘Spy on Carter’?”
With a smirk, Gwen fixes her cap and nods back. “Let’s do this.”