Secret Admirer by Ally Hayes Read Free Book Online Page B

Clare said.
    Bree didn’t reply, but she placed her plastic utensils down and clasped her hands, shaking excitedly. “I’m on a mission,” she began. “I’ve got just one more week to convince Alec now is the time to get engaged.”
    “Won’t he know when the time is right?” asked Clare.
    “Guys need help,” Bree snapped.
    “I wouldn’t give him an ultimatum,” Clare muttered quietly. She reached for her bottled water.
    “Please don’t tell me you want him to propose next Friday,” I said.
    “Why not?”
    She sounded defensive and gave me a glare. I’d struck a nerve and should back off, but I needed to explain. “Valentine’s Day is such a silly holiday, and proposing would be so cliché. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be happy for you, but I don’t think you’re thinking the whole scenario through.”
    “Andi might be right, think about it some more. You know he’ll ask, so why force him?” Clare asked.
    “I’m sick of thinking about it and of everyone telling me to be patient. Maybe you two need to make plans of your own for Valentine’s Day.”
    We ate our salads in silence after seeing Bree’s snippy side. I didn’t know whether or not to change the subject. Clare was no help since she kept her head down, avoiding any eye contact that might give me a clue. I remained silent and the quiet gave me an idea. I texted Garrett back at my desk after striking a deal with myself. If I saw him answer in a certain way, I would ask him out.
    Me—back safe and sound?
    Garrett—and exhausted
    Me—I won’t keep u, just have to ask u something
    Garrett—anything
    Me—this may seem weird, but what name do u have as my contact
    Garrett—Andressa
    Me—ok
    Garrett—that’s it?
    Me—Yup. Rest up, u said u were exhausted. Good thing I’m away this weekend
    I planned to leave the conversation there and come up with an idea for a date before contacting him again, but he kept the chat going. I got sucked in.
    Garrett—think I can’t handle U?
    Me—U’ll need all ur energy
    Garrett—if that’s a challenge name the time and place
    Me—next Friday, I don’t know any places yet
    Garrett—there’s a new wine bar, never been on corner of Elm
    Me—done
    Garrett—you know that’s Valentine’s Day
    Me—then we’ll have plenty of people to make fun of
    Garrett—so, a first date on Valentine’s Day to be ironic?
    Me—why not?
    Garrett—I like it
    Me—how will I know you?
    Garrett—I’ll get there before 7 and tell hostess, you give her your name—not nickname—and she’ll send you to me
    Me—should be interesting
    Garrett—☺
    Technically, I only facilitated the asking, but I still felt successful. Concentrating on work the rest of the day proved challenging as excitement and nervousness took turns controlling me and my thoughts.
    To confuse matters further, I spoke to Connor on Thursday. We had an actual conversation, and I fell even more in lust with his upbeat demeanor and dreamy eyes. So what if we talked about the weather? Weather is an important part of our lives. The temperature was unseasonably warm, and everyone was talking about it. I still hadn’t introduced myself. I could discuss warm fronts but not say my name. Later, I wondered if I held back subconsciously because of my plans with Garrett. Friday was cold again, so we discussed that current meteorological development.
    Bree said we sounded like two old men in the park and if I didn’t step up the topics, I’d be alone on Valentine’s Day. I didn’t dare tell her about my date with Garrett. I really wanted to tell Clare, and almost did, but worried the information would get back to Bree. Instead, I told her I hoped her plans with long-distance boy worked out the way she wanted.
    My weekend home was fun and relaxing. Mom treated me like I was six years old, and I let her. She took me for a haircut, bought me lunch, and even a new sweater. She missed me, and I liked being missed. My brother was married, and she did the