17. Khakis Don’t Get You Laid
SEVENTEEN
KHAKIS DON’T GET YOU LAID
Trey
The gash in her tire didn't look like it was caused by debris on the road—it appeared intentional. Sure, it’s a possibility something from the road caused it, but my gut says otherwise. I contemplate if I should say anything to Rylee or not, since I don’t have proof. I don’t want to cause any extra stress in case I’m wrong. She doesn’t have any enemies. None that I know of, anyway.
While changing her tire, I inspected the others and all of them had almost no tread. Since we were going to the tire shop, I was buying her four new tires. The ones she had were beyond unsafe. They were approaching dangerous, and I want to make sure she and Abby are safe. No way was I going to have it on my conscience if something were to happen when I could prevent it. She’d never take my offer, so calling it a date was my excuse. She can be mad at me, but I wasn’t taking no for an answer. Not on this. But I knew deep down, she wouldn’t be mad at me.
I didn’t know what she would say when I asked to meet her daughter. It’s a big step, like meeting the parents, but I want to be involved in every facet of her life. I can understand her hesitancy, so maybe I can twist it so it’s less like a date and more like two friends hanging out.
I close the fridge, screw off the top from my bottle of water, and swallow a gulp. Staring at me is a birthday invitation to Adventure Land. Sunday at three o’clock. This might be the perfect opportunity to meet Abby. I pull my phone from my pocket, find the correct number, and press call.
“Hey Seth. So, about the birthday party…”
“Oh yeah. Parisa wants me to ask you if you got the birthday present list for Maddox?”
“I did, and don’t be surprised if I bought everything on the top half of the list.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“I know. It’s just what I do.” I tap my fingers on the counter. “But also, I wanted to ask, is there an option for a plus one. Technically plus two for the party?”
“What do you mean?”
“I want to invite Rylee and her daughter. If that’s cool?”
“Yeah man, that’s cool. We have plenty of food, probably too much. She’ll just need a ticket, though.”
“I got it covered. Thanks. I’ll see you on Sunday.”
I hit end. One problem solved. Now on to the next, though I suspect this one will take a little more convincing. If anything, I’m up for the challenge. I pull up my messages and type on the screen.
Trey
Good morning gorgeous. What are you wearing right now?
It’s 7 a.m. and I know Rylee hasn’t gotten up yet, so I’m hoping she’s wearing some skimpy pajamas that I can picture for the rest of my day.
Miles
Khakis and a navy blue polo. Beautiful.
Trey
Shit. Sorry wrong chat.
Miles
I figured. At least it’s better than the unsolicited dick pic you sent me last week. The added caption didn’t help either. *shivers*
Trey
Yeah, sorry about that too. I need to be more careful who I send messages to.
Miles
It’s just burned in my brain now, so thanks for that.
Trey
It was a good picture.
Miles
Not for me.
Miles
Are we still meeting at that house on Green to shoot some video?
When I found out Miles is a contract drone pilot, I convinced the Blue Stone Group to hire him to give us an edge on the real estate market by offering a first-person walkthrough before arranging an appointment. It’s something that’s been paying off.
Trey
Yeah. I’ll be there at 2.
Miles
Perfect, see you then.
Trey
Also, you should really invest in something besides khakis.
Miles
What’s wrong with khakis?
Trey
Khakis don’t get you laid.
Miles
Says who?
Trey
Everyone.
To avoid another wrong message snafu, I find Rylee’s number and press call. It rings a few times before she answers.
“Hey gorgeous. What are you doing?”
“Lying in bed, enjoying what little peace and quiet I can before tonight.”
“I heard about the big draft party happening at Porter’s tonight.”
“Too many people fighting over real people to create a fake team sorta. I don’t get it. Anyway, did you call for small talk?”
“While I love listening to your voice, my phone call does serve a purpose. Would you and Abby be interested in coming to a five-year-old’s birthday party on Sunday? It’s for Seth and Parisa’s son. It’s at the new adventure park in town. I thought maybe Abby would like to go. I remember you telling me that’s your day off.”
“Oh, wow… Um.”
Rustling sounds through the speaker as if she’s digging around for something. Her wallet, perhaps.
“I don’t know. Abby is already doing this school trip that costs a lot of money.”
“The ticket is already paid for, if that’s your concern,” I spit out. “Another kid had to cancel, so the ticket’s going to waste otherwise.” I pinch my eyes closed. I hate lying to Rylee, but also, I don’t want her to turn it down because she’s worried about money. Plus, this is the perfect opportunity to spend time with Rylee and meet her daughter. So, my intentions may be a little selfish, but it’s also coming from a good place.
“I’d hate for it to go to waste.” Silence fills the phone and I’m worried the call may have gotten disconnected. “Abby would love to go. Thank you. She’s going to be so excited.”
“Great! I’ll pick you two up on Sunday at two thirty.”
“H-how about I meet you there?” Hesitancy laces her voice.
A pang of hurt floats through my body. I was hoping to have even a few extra minutes to spend with her.
“Yeah, that’s fine. Three o’clock. I’ll see you then.”
The moment she was hesitant to come, I knew it was a money issue. But I didn’t want that to stop them, not only for Abby, because what kid wouldn’t want to go to an adventure park, but because Rylee’s a strong woman who works hard for everything and it’s clear she doesn’t want to be seen as needing a handout. But I’d give her everything if she’d let me.