Chapter 34
Chapter Thirty-Four
ELLE
I’m convinced my sister’s squeals just broke the sound barrier.
My eardrum and my heart were beating as I read Patrick’s last text.
After Mabel slept on it, she announced she was one thousand percent team Patrick and, because I had no experience—her words not mine—she was going to get the ball rolling with a flirty text.
That came with a few expletives towards the negative which Lola supported with slightly more placating between the both of us. Lola was our personal peace keeper but that didn’t stop her from laughing as Mabel stole my phone and sent a text to Patrick.
It also didn’t stop her from pulling me in for a proof of life picture. “Give me my phone.” I snatch it out of Mabel’s hand and hold it against my chest, I know that won’t stop her from wrestling it back but, for now, she’s letting me have control.
Me: This is Elle, yes, I’m okay with you having my phone number.
Patrick: I’m glad. Are you having a good trip?
Me: Can’t complain too much. Mabel’s a little more unhinged than usual.
“Rude!”
“But true, you need to take a chill pill.” I’m ignoring my sisters, nervous to see what his response might be. Debating on if I should tell him we are about to head to the stadium or lock myself in my room and let my sisters go without me.
“Elle, as cute as I think this is, we need to get going. We can’t be late after cancelling the dinner last night.” I hate that Lola’s right but we do need to get going, we have a tour scheduled before the game starts.
Me: I have to go, no rest for the wicked.
Patrick: Nothing wicked about you, sweetheart. Have a good time.
I’ve never been one to melt, I’m basically solid ice but every time this man calls me sweetheart, I start to defrost just a teeny tiny bit. I stuff my phone in my pocket and gather my things. “Alright, let’s rock n’ roll!” Mable does a little dance as we leave our hotel room.